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Gambolò L, Bottignole D, D'Angelo M, Bellini L, Stirparo G. Comparative efficacy of akathisia treatments: A network meta-analysis. CNS Spectr 2024:1-9. [PMID: 38682452 DOI: 10.1017/s1092852924000233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Akathisia, a common side effect of psychotropic medications, poses a significant challenge in neuropsychiatry, affecting up to 30% of patients on antipsychotics. Despite its prevalence, akathisia remains poorly understood, with difficulties in diagnosis, patient reporting, and treatment efficacy. This research aimed to shed light on effective interventions to improve akathisia management. METHODS A systematic review following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines was conducted, encompassing controlled trials in English and Italian languages. Databases, such asPubMed, Scopus, and EMBASE, were searched until July 9, 2023. Treatment effectiveness was assessed using standardized mean differences (SMDs) in post-treatment akathisia scores. RESULTS Thirteen studies involving 446 individuals met the inclusion criteria. Benzodiazepines, beta-blockers, and NaSSA demonstrated significant efficacy as compared with placebo. Anticholinergic, anticonvulsant, triptan, and other treatments did not show significant differences. Benzodiazepines ranked highest in P-scores (0.8186), followed by beta-blockers and NaSSA. CONCLUSIONS Effective management of akathisia is crucial, with benzodiazepines, beta-blockers, and NaSSA offering evidence-based options. Treatment rankings provide guidance for clinicians. Future research should prioritize larger, more robust studies to address limitations associated with small sample sizes and publication bias. This research enhances our understanding of interventions for akathisia, offering promising options to improve patient quality of life and prevent complications related to non-adherence and mismanagement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Gambolò
- SIMED (Società Italiana di Medicina e Divulgazione Scientifica), Parma, Italy
| | - Dario Bottignole
- SIMED (Società Italiana di Medicina e Divulgazione Scientifica), Parma, Italy
| | - Marta D'Angelo
- SIMED (Società Italiana di Medicina e Divulgazione Scientifica), Parma, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Bellini
- SIMED (Società Italiana di Medicina e Divulgazione Scientifica), Parma, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Stirparo
- SIMED (Società Italiana di Medicina e Divulgazione Scientifica), Parma, Italy
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2
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Ward K, Citrome L. Tolerability and safety outcomes of first-line oral second-generation antipsychotics in patients with schizophrenia. Expert Opin Drug Saf 2024; 23:399-409. [PMID: 38467517 DOI: 10.1080/14740338.2024.2328812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Antipsychotics are the foundation of pharmacologic treatment for schizophrenia. There are many oral antipsychotics available and given that these medications are generally considered comparably efficacious when titrated to an adequate dose, their varied tolerability, and safety profiles become critically important for medication selection. AREAS COVERED This paper reviews tolerability and safety considerations for first-line second-generation oral antipsychotics currently approved for the treatment of schizophrenia in the USA. Excluded from consideration are clozapine and non-oral formulations. EXPERT OPINION Among antipsychotics, there are many differences in adverse reactions observed in clinical trials, such as variable likelihood to cause sedation vs insomnia, weight gain and abnormalities in glucose/lipid metabolism, hyperprolactinemia, potential for impact on the QT interval, and motoric adverse effects. Additional safety data that can help with medication selection include safety in pregnancy and lactation, and potential for drug-drug interactions. Ultimately, working with patients to personalize treatment by focusing on safety and individual tolerability considerations for various adverse effects can help in building a therapeutic alliance and improving patients' outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen Ward
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, University of Michigan College of Pharmacy, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Leslie Citrome
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
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3
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Gonda X, Dome P, Serafini G, Pompili M. How to save a life: From neurobiological underpinnings to psychopharmacotherapies in the prevention of suicide. Pharmacol Ther 2023; 244:108390. [PMID: 36940791 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2023.108390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
The impact of suicide on our societies, mental healthcare, and public health is beyond questionable. Every year approximately 700 000 lives are lost due to suicide around the world (WHO, 2021); more people die by suicide than by homicide and war. Although suicide is a key issue and reducing suicide mortality is a global imperative, suicide is a highly complex biopsychosocial phenomenon, and in spite of several suicidal models developed in recent years and a high number of suicide risk factors identified, we still have neither a sufficient understanding of underpinnings of suicide nor adequate management strategies to reduce its prevalence. The present paper first overviews the background of suicidal behavior including its epidemiology, prevalence, age and gender correlations and its association with neuropsychiatric disorders as well as its clinical assessment. Then we give an overview of the etiological background, including its biopsychosocial contexts, genetics and neurobiology. Based on the above, we then provide a critical overview of the currently available intervention options to manage and reduce risk of suicide, including psychotherapeutic modalities, traditional medication classes also providing an up-to-date overview on the antisuicidal effects of lithium, as well as novel molecules such as esketamine and emerging medications and further molecules in development. Finally we give a critical overview on our current knowledge on using neuromodulatory and biological therapies, such as ECT, rTMS, tDCS and other options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xenia Gonda
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary; NAP3.0-SE Neuropsychopharmacology Research Group, Hungarian Brain Research Program, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Peter Dome
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary; National Institute of Mental Health, Neurology and Neurosurgery, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gianluca Serafini
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Maurizio Pompili
- Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs, Suicide Prevention Centre, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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4
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Ongeri L, Theuri C, Nyawira M, Penninx BWJH, Tijdink JK, Kariuki SM, Newton CRJC. Risk of suicidality in mental and neurological disorders in low and middle-income countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Compr Psychiatry 2023; 123:152382. [PMID: 36905857 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2023.152382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Both fatal and nonfatal suicidal behaviours are important complications of mental, neurological, and substance use disorders (MNSDs) worldwide. We aimed at quantifying the association of suicidal behaviour with MNSDs in Low and Middle Income Countries (LMICs) where varying environmental and socio-cultural factors may impact outcome. METHODS We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to report the associations between MNSDs and suicidality in LMICs and the study-level factors of these associations. We searched the following electronic databases: PUBMED, PsycINFO, MEDLINE, CINAHL, World Cat, and Cochrane library for studies on suicide risk in MNSDs, with a comparison/control group of persons without MNSDs, published from January 1, 1995 to September 3, 2020. Median estimates were calculated for relative risks for suicide behaviour and MNSDs, and when appropriate, these were pooled using random effects metanalytic model. This study was registered with PROSPERO, CRD42020178772. RESULTS The search identified 73 eligible studies: 28 were used for quantitative synthesis of estimates and 45 for description of risk factors. Studies included came from low and upper middle-income countries with a majority of these from Asia and South America and none from a low-income country. The sample size was 13,759 for MNSD cases and 11,792 hospital or community controls without MNSD. The most common MNSD exposure for suicidal behaviour was depressive disorders (47 studies (64%)), followed by schizophrenia spectrum, and other psychotic disorders (28 studies (38%)). Pooled estimates from the meta-analysis were statistically significant for suicidal behaviour with any MNSDs (odds ratios (OR) = 1∙98 (95%CI = 1∙80-2∙16))) and depressive disorder (OR = 3∙26 (95%CI = 2∙88-3∙63))), with both remaining significant after inclusion of high-quality studies only. Meta-regression identified only hospital-based studies (ratio of OR = 2∙85, CI:1∙24-6∙55) and sample size (OR = 1∙00, CI:0∙99-1∙00) as possible sources of variability in estimates. Risk for suicidal behaviour in MNSDs was increased by demographic factors (e.g., male sex, and unemployment), family history, psychosocial context and physical illness. INTERPRETATION There is an association between suicidal behaviour and MNSDs in LMICs, the association is greater for depressive disorder in LMICs than what has been reported in High Income Countries (HICs). There is urgent need to improve access for MNSDs care in LMICs. FUNDING None.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linnet Ongeri
- Centre for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya.
| | - Cyrus Theuri
- Neuroscience Unit, Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Research Program, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Miriam Nyawira
- Neuroscience Unit, Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Research Program, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Brenda W J H Penninx
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Joeri K Tijdink
- Department of Ethics, Law and Humanities, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Symon M Kariuki
- Neuroscience Unit, Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Research Program, Kilifi, Kenya; Department of Public Health, Pwani University, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Charles R J C Newton
- Neuroscience Unit, Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Research Program, Kilifi, Kenya; Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, United Kingdom
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Akathisia and atypical antipsychotics: relation to suicidality, agitation and depression in a clinical trial. Acta Neuropsychiatr 2022; 34:282-288. [PMID: 35260218 DOI: 10.1017/neu.2022.9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Akathisia is among the most unpleasant side effects related to antipsychotic drug (AP) use, and possible associations between akathisia and agitation, depression and suicidal behaviour, respectively, have been described in previous literature. New generation antipsychotics are however regarded less prone to induce this particular adverse effect compared to older drugs, but evidence is incomplete and in need of confirmation from clinically relevant samples and settings. We, therefore, aim to investigate akathisia at hospital discharge for patients consecutively admitted with acute-phase psychosis and treated with atypical antipsychotics according to guideline-concordant clinical practice. METHODS This exploratory study is part of a naturalistic randomised controlled study in patients admitted with acute phase psychosis (N = 109). We report cross-sectional data at discharge/first follow-up after acute psychiatric hospital admission for patients with schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders. RESULTS There were statistically significant positive associations between akathisia and the following; suicidality in men (Beta 0.306, p = 0.048), but not in women; agitation in those previously unexposed to antipsychotics (Beta 0.288, p = 0.047) and depression in those exposed to antipsychotics before hospital admittance (Beta 0.375, p = 0.031). CONCLUSION Main findings were that akathisia is still a prevalent side effect in a clinically relevant sample of patients treated with atypical antipsychotics. Our results suggest that akathisia is significantly associated with depression, suicidality and agitation in different subgroups of patients receiving APs. Akathisia can be detrimental and the relations between akathisia and depression, suicidality and agitation should be investigated further in prospective, hypothesis-testing studies with larger samples.
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Yang HJ, Kim SG, Seo EH, Yoon HJ. Amisulpride withdrawal akathisia responding to aripiprazole with propranolol in first-onset psychosis: a case report. BMC Psychiatry 2022; 22:74. [PMID: 35093063 PMCID: PMC8800306 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-022-03721-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Akathisia tends to develop as an early complication of antipsychotic treatment in a dose-dependent manner. Although withdrawal akathisia has been reported after the discontinuation or dose reduction of typical antipsychotic drugs, akathisia following atypical antipsychotic drug withdrawal remains a rare phenomenon. CASE PRESENTATION A 24-year-old woman with an acute psychotic episode was admitted and initially treated with aripiprazole. The aripiprazole dose was titrated up to 30 mg/day over 9 days and maintained for the next 3 days; however, her psychotic symptoms persisted without change. She was switched to amisulpride, with the dose increased over 2 weeks to 1000 mg/day. Subsequently, although the patient's psychotic episode subsided, her serum prolactin levels increased markedly. After discharge, the amisulpride dose was increased to 1200 mg/day owing to auditory hallucinations and was maintained with quetiapine (100-200 mg/day) and benztropine (1 mg/day) for 13 weeks. Given the potential for hyperprolactinemia as a side effect, the amisulpride dose was reduced to 800 mg/day concurrently with the discontinuation of benztropine; however, these changes resulted in severe restlessness without other extrapyramidal symptoms. The withdrawal akathisia disappeared over 2 weeks after switching to aripiprazole (10 mg/day) with propranolol (40 mg/day) and the patient's prolactin levels had normalized after 6 months of aripiprazole monotherapy. CONCLUSIONS The present case highlights the potential for the development of withdrawal akathisia when the dose of amisulpride is tapered abruptly. Thus, a slow tapering and careful monitoring are recommended when switching from amisulpride to other antipsychotic drugs. Furthermore, this case suggests that changing the regimen to aripiprazole with propranolol may be a potential option for amisulpride withdrawal akathisia superimposed on pre-existing hyperprolactinemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hae-Jung Yang
- grid.464555.30000 0004 0647 3263Department of Psychiatry, Chosun University Hospital, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Gon Kim
- grid.464555.30000 0004 0647 3263Department of Psychiatry, Chosun University Hospital, Gwangju, Republic of Korea ,grid.254187.d0000 0000 9475 8840Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Chosun University, 309 Pilmun-daero, Dong-gu, Gwangju, 61452 Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Hyun Seo
- grid.254187.d0000 0000 9475 8840Premedical Science, College of Medicine, Chosun University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyung-Jun Yoon
- Department of Psychiatry, Chosun University Hospital, Gwangju, Republic of Korea. .,Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Chosun University, 309 Pilmun-daero, Dong-gu, Gwangju, 61452, Republic of Korea.
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Caffrey D, Sowden GL. A missed case of lurasidone induced laryngospasm: A case study and overview of extrapyramidal symptom identification and treatment. Int J Psychiatry Med 2021; 56:73-82. [PMID: 32660283 DOI: 10.1177/0091217420943786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Many patients with bipolar disorder are treated exclusively in primary care settings, and the use of atypical antipsychotics as primary treatment for bipolar depression is increasing. Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) are common side effects of antipsychotic medications, and clinicians should actively monitor for these symptoms when prescribing antipsychotic medications. Accurate diagnosis of EPS is especially important as the symptoms can be highly distressing, and in some cases, life threatening. Our aim is to familiarize primary care providers and other clinicians prescribing antipsychotic medications with EPS and to aid in its rapid diagnosis and treatment. METHOD We describe a case of lurasidone induced dystonia with prominent laryngospasm and oculogyric crisis which was missed for many years in the primary care setting, largely due to misdiagnosis of symptoms as being related to anxiety and panic attacks. RESULTS In addition to summarizing this illustrative case, we present the most common forms of EPS and summarize the primary therapies for each type of EPS. CONCLUSIONS With increased management of bipolar disorder in the primary care setting and increased use of atypical antipsychotics as the primary therapy for bipolar disorder, it is essential that all practitioners are prepared to actively monitor for EPS, followed by its rapid diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gillian L Sowden
- Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine, Hanover, NH, USA.,Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, USA
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8
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Kalniunas A, Chakrabarti I, Mandalia R, Munjiza J, Pappa S. The Relationship Between Antipsychotic-Induced Akathisia and Suicidal Behaviour: A Systematic Review. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2021; 17:3489-3497. [PMID: 34887662 PMCID: PMC8651045 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s337785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aim to systematically review evidence for a relationship between antipsychotic-induced akathisia and suicidal behaviour, in order to guide further clinical decision making in this area. METHODS Several electronic databases (Embase, Medline, Cochrane and PsychINFO) were systemically searched for articles published up to February 2021, using search terms related to akathisia, antipsychotics and suicidal behaviour. Two reviewers independently evaluated all the relevant studies using predetermined criteria and assessed the risk of bias for each included study. The systematic review was conducted in line with PRISMA methodology and reporting. RESULTS Following de-duplication, screening and application of exclusion criteria, four eligible studies were identified. All of the available studies were in English and included adult patients. Nevertheless, there was significant variability regarding methodology and overall quality was deemed low due to small sample sizes. There was insufficient data to perform statistical analyses of the results. Of the four studies, two found a weak correlation between antipsychotic-related akathisia and suicidal behaviour, a finding that was not supported by the remaining two studies. CONCLUSION The search yielded very few studies for inclusion. On the basis of the existing evidence, akathisia cannot be reliably linked to the presence of suicidal behaviour in patients treated with antipsychotic medication. However, proactive screening for emerging suicidal behaviour in this vulnerable patient group is advisable. Our findings highlight the pressing need for further research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jasna Munjiza
- Division of Psychiatry, Imperial College London, London, UK.,Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Sofia Pappa
- West London NHS Trust, London, UK.,Division of Psychiatry, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Chow CL, Kadouh NK, Bostwick JR, VandenBerg AM. Akathisia and Newer Second‐Generation Antipsychotic Drugs: A Review of Current Evidence. Pharmacotherapy 2020; 40:565-574. [DOI: 10.1002/phar.2404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Nour K. Kadouh
- College of Pharmacy University of Michigan Ann Arbor Michigan
| | | | - Amy M. VandenBerg
- Department of Pharmacy Services Michigan Medicine Ann Arbor Michigan
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10
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Musco S, McAllister V, Caudle I. Dopamine-receptor blocking agent-associated akathisia: a summary of current understanding and proposal for a rational approach to treatment. Ther Adv Psychopharmacol 2020; 10:2045125320937575. [PMID: 32922732 PMCID: PMC7457694 DOI: 10.1177/2045125320937575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Dopamine-receptor blocking agent-associated akathisia (DRBA-A) is an adverse effect that can significantly limit the use of these important medications for the treatment of a variety of psychiatric diseases, yet there is no unifying theory regarding its pathophysiology. This knowledge gap limits clinicians' ability to effectively manage DRBA-A and mitigate negative outcomes in an already vulnerable patient population. Based on a review of the current literature on the subject, it is hypothesized that dopaminergic and noradrenergic signaling is perturbed in DRBA-A. Accordingly, it is proposed that the optimal agent to manage this extrapyramidal symptom should increase dopamine signaling in the affected areas of the brain and counteract compensatory noradrenergic signaling via antagonism of adrenergic or serotonergic receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaina Musco
- Department of Clinical Sciences, High Point University Fred Wilson School of Pharmacy, One University Parkway, High Point, NC 27262, USA
| | - Vivian McAllister
- High Point University David R. Hayworth College of Arts and Sciences, One University Parkway, High Point, NC, USA
| | - Ian Caudle
- High Point University Fred Wilson School of Pharmacy, One University Parkway, High Point, NC, USA
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11
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Suicide in Schizophrenia: An Educational Overview. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 55:medicina55070361. [PMID: 31295938 PMCID: PMC6681260 DOI: 10.3390/medicina55070361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2019] [Revised: 06/30/2019] [Accepted: 07/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Suicide is an important public health problem. The most frequent psychiatric illnesses associated with suicide or severe suicide attempt are mood and psychotic disorders. The purpose of this paper is to provide an educational overview of suicidal behavior in individuals with schizophrenia. A lifetime suicide rate in individuals with schizophrenia is approximately 10%. Suicide is the largest contributor to the decreased life expectancy in individuals with schizophrenia. Demographic and psychosocial factors that increase a risk of suicide in individuals with schizophrenia include younger age, being male, being unmarried, living alone, being unemployed, being intelligent, being well-educated, good premorbid adjustment or functioning, having high personal expectations and hopes, having an understanding that life’s expectations and hopes are not likely to be met, having had recent (i.e., within past 3 months) life events, having poor work functioning, and having access to lethal means, such as firearms. Throughout the first decade of their disorder, patients with schizophrenia are at substantially elevated suicide risk, although they continue to be at elevated suicide risk during their lives with times of worsening or improvement. Having awareness of symptoms, especially, awareness of delusions, anhedonia, asociality, and blunted affect, having a negative feeling about, or non-adherence with, treatment are associated with greater suicide risk in patients with schizophrenia. Comorbid depression and a history of suicidal behavior are important contributors to suicide risk in patients with schizophrenia. The only reliable protective factor for suicide in patients with schizophrenia is provision of and compliance with comprehensive treatment. Prevention of suicidal behavior in schizophrenia should include recognizing patients at risk, delivering the best possible therapy for psychotic symptoms, and managing comorbid depression and substance misuse.
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12
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Stroup TS, Gray N. Management of common adverse effects of antipsychotic medications. World Psychiatry 2018; 17:341-356. [PMID: 30192094 PMCID: PMC6127750 DOI: 10.1002/wps.20567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 243] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Revised: 06/13/2018] [Accepted: 06/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The benefits of antipsychotic medications are sometimes obscured by their adverse effects. These effects range from relatively minor tolerability issues (e.g., mild sedation or dry mouth) to very unpleasant (e.g., constipation, akathisia, sexual dysfunction) to painful (e.g., acute dystonias) to disfiguring (e.g., weight gain, tardive dyskinesia) to life-threatening (e.g., myocarditis, agranulocytosis). Importantly, adverse effect profiles are specific to each antipsychotic medication and do not neatly fit into first- and second-generation classifications. This paper reviews management strategies for the most frequent side effects and identifies common principles intended to optimize net antipsychotic benefits. Only use antipsychotics if the indication is clear; only continue antipsychotics if a benefit is discernible. If an antipsychotic is providing substantial benefit, and the adverse effect is not life-threatening, then the first management choice is to lower the dose or adjust the dosing schedule. The next option is to change the antipsychotic; this is often reasonable unless the risk of relapse is high. In some instances, behavioral interventions can be tried. Finally, concomitant medications, though generally not desirable, are necessary in many instances and can provide considerable relief. Among concomitant medication strategies, anticholinergic medications for dystonias and parkinsonism are often effective; beta-blockers and anticholinergic medications are useful for akathisia; and metformin may lead to slight to moderate weight loss. Anticholinergic drops applied sublingually reduce sialorrhea. Usual medications are effective for constipation or dyslipidemias. The clinical utility of recently approved treatments for tardive dyskinesia, valbenazine and deutetrabenazine, is unclear.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Scott Stroup
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
| | - Neil Gray
- Department of Psychiatry, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, USA
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Abstract
Suicidal behavior is strongly associated with depression, especially if accompanied by behavioral activation, dysphoria, or agitation. It may respond to some treatments, but the design of scientifically sound, ethical trials to test for therapeutic effects on suicidal behavior is highly challenging. In bipolar disorder, and possibly also unipolar major depression, an underprescribed medical intervention with substantial evidence of preventive effects on suicidal behavior is long-term treatment with lithium. It is unclear whether this effect is specifically antisuicidal or reflects beneficial effects of lithium on depression, mood instability, and perhaps aggression and impulsivity. Antisuicidal effects of anticonvulsant mood stabilizers (carbamazepine, lamotrigine, valproate) appear to be less than with lithium. Further evaluation is needed for potential antisuicidal effects of atypical antipsychotics with growing evidence of efficacy in depression, particularly acute bipolar depression, while generally lacking risk of inducing agitation, mania, or mood instability. Short-term and long-term value and safety of antidepressants are relatively secure for unipolar depression but uncertain and poorly tested for bipolar depression; their effects on suicidal risk in unipolar depression may be age-dependent. Sedative anxiolytics are virtually unstudied as regards suicidal risks. Adequate management of suicidal risks in mood disorder patients requires comprehensive, clinically skillful monitoring and timely interventions.
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14
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Reutfors J, Clapham E, Bahmanyar S, Brandt L, Jönsson EG, Ekbom A, Bodén R, Ösby U. Suicide risk and antipsychotic side effects in schizophrenia: nested case-control study. Hum Psychopharmacol 2016; 31:341-5. [PMID: 27108775 DOI: 10.1002/hup.2536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2015] [Revised: 03/03/2016] [Accepted: 03/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study explores suicide risk in schizophrenia in relation to side effects from antipsychotic medication. METHODS Among patients with a first clinical discharge diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder in Stockholm County between 1984 and 2000 (n = 4000), those who died by suicide within 5 years from diagnosis were defined as cases (n = 84; 54% male). For each case, one individually matched control was identified from the same population. Information on antipsychotic side effects, including extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) and akathisia, as well as prescriptions of anticholinergic medication, was retrieved from clinical records in a blinded fashion. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the association between suicide and side effects as well as anticholinergic medication were estimated using conditional logistic regression. RESULTS A lower suicide risk was found in patients with a history of EPS (aOR 0.33, 95% CI 0.12-0.94). There was no statistically significant association between akathisia or anticholinergic medication use and the suicide risk. CONCLUSIONS A lower suicide risk identified among patients with EPS could potentially reflect higher antipsychotic adherence, exposure to higher dosage, or polypharmacy among these patients. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johan Reutfors
- Centre for Pharmacoepidemiology (CPE), Department of Medicine, Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Eric Clapham
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychiatry, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Shahram Bahmanyar
- Centre for Pharmacoepidemiology (CPE), Department of Medicine, Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.,Faculty of Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Lena Brandt
- Centre for Pharmacoepidemiology (CPE), Department of Medicine, Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Erik G Jönsson
- Centre for Psychiatric Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,NORMENT, KG Jebsen Centre for Psychosis Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anders Ekbom
- Centre for Pharmacoepidemiology (CPE), Department of Medicine, Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Robert Bodén
- Centre for Pharmacoepidemiology (CPE), Department of Medicine, Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Neuroscience, Psychiatry, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Urban Ösby
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Adult Psychiatry, PRIMA Psychiatry AB, Stockholm, Sweden
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Abstract
Akathisia is one of the most vexing problems in neuropsychiatry. Although it is one of the most common side effects of antipsychotic medications, it is often difficult to describe by patients, and is difficult to diagnose and treat by practitioners. Akathisia is usually grouped with extrapyramidal movement disorders (ie, movement disorders that originate outside the pyramidal or corticospinal tracts and generally involve the basal ganglia). Yet, it can present as a purely subjective clinical complaint, without overt movement abnormalities. It has been subtyped into acute, subacute, chronic, tardive, withdrawal-related, and "pseudo" forms, although the distinction between many of these is unclear. It is therefore not surprising that akathisia is generally either underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed, which is a serious problem because it can lead to such adverse outcomes as poor adherence to medications, exacerbation of psychiatric symptoms, and, in some cases, aggression, violence, and suicide. In this article, we will attempt to address some of the confusion surrounding the condition, its relationship to other disorders, and differential diagnosis, as well as treatment alternatives.
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