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Anderson DJ, Vazirnia P, Loehr C, Sternfels W, Hasoon J, Viswanath O, Kaye AD, Urits I. Testosterone Replacement Therapy in the Treatment of Depression. Health Psychol Res 2022; 10:38956. [PMID: 36452903 PMCID: PMC9704723 DOI: 10.52965/001c.38956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depression is a common disorder that affects millions globally and is linked to reduced quality of life and mortality. Its pathophysiology is complex and there are several forms of treatment proposed in the literature with differing side effect profiles. Many patients do not respond to treatment which warrants augmentation with other treatments and the investigation of novel treatments. One of these treatments includes testosterone therapy which evidence suggests might improve depressed mood in older patients with low levels of testosterone and helps restore physical impairments caused by age-related hormonal changes. OBJECTIVE The objective of this review is to synthesize information regarding clinical depression, its treatment options, and the efficacy and safety of testosterone treatment for the treatment of depression. METHODS This review utilized comprehensive secondary and tertiary data analysis across many academic databases and published work pertaining to the topic of interest. RESULTS Within some subpopulations such as men with dysthymic disorder, treatment resistant depression, or low testosterone levels, testosterone administration yielded positive results in the treatment of depression. Additionally, rodent models have shown that administering testosterone to gonadectomized male animals reduces symptoms of depression. Conversely, some studies have found no difference in depressive symptoms after treatment with testosterone when compared with placebo. It was also noted that over administration of testosterone is associated with multiple adverse effects and complications. CONCLUSION The current evidence provides mixed conclusions on the effectiveness of testosterone therapy for treating depression. More research is needed in adult men to see if declining testosterone levels directly influence the development of depression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Catherine Loehr
- School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center
| | - Whitney Sternfels
- School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center
| | - Jamal Hasoon
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School
| | - Omar Viswanath
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School; Valley Anesthesiology and Pain Consultants, Envision Physician Services; Department of Anesthesiology, University of Arizona College of Medicine Phoenix; Department of Anesthesiology, Creighton University School of Medicine
| | - Alan D Kaye
- Department of Anesthesiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center
| | - Ivan Urits
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School; Department of Anesthesiology, Louisiana State University Health Shreveport
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Steen OD, van Borkulo CD, van Loo HM. Symptom networks in major depression do not diverge across sex, familial risk, and environmental risk. J Affect Disord 2021; 294:227-234. [PMID: 34303301 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2021.07.002] [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] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Major depression (MD) is a heterogeneous disorder in terms of its symptoms. Symptoms vary by presence of risk factors such as female sex, familial risk, and environmental adversity. However, it is unclear if these factors also influence interactions between symptoms. This study investigates if symptom networks diverge across sex, familial risk, and adversity. METHODS We included 9713 subjects from the general population who reported a lifetime episode of MD based on DSM-IV criteria. The survey assessed a wide set of symptoms, both from within the DSM criteria as well as other symptoms commonly experienced in MD. We compared symptom endorsement rates across sex, age at onset, family history and environmental adversity. We used the Network Comparison Test to test for symptom network differences across risk factors. RESULTS We found differences in symptom endorsement between groups. For instance, participants with an early onset of MD reported suicidal ideation nearly twice as often compared to participants with a later onset. We did not find any robust differences in symptom networks, which suggests that symptom networks do not diverge across sex, familial risk, and adversity. LIMITATIONS We estimated symptom networks of individuals during their worst lifetime episode of MD. Network differences might exist in a prodromal stage, while disappearing in full-blown MD (equifinality). Furthermore, as we used retrospective reports, results could be prone to recall bias. CONCLUSIONS Despite MD's heterogeneous symptomatology, interactions between symptoms are stable across risk factors and sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier D Steen
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Psychiatry, Groningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Claudia D van Borkulo
- Department of Psychological Methods, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Centre for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Hanna M van Loo
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Psychiatry, Groningen, the Netherlands
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Neveux N, L’Hégaret Y, Carof-Ben Hamida M, Guillard V, Boële A, Didillon A. La thérapie interpersonnelle : indications, modèles et application. ANNALES MEDICO-PSYCHOLOGIQUES 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.amp.2018.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Severity of complicated versus uncomplicated subthreshold depression: New evidence on the "Monotonicity Thesis" from the national comorbidity survey. J Affect Disord 2017; 212:101-109. [PMID: 28157549 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2017.01.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2016] [Accepted: 01/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND "Complicated" subthreshold depression (CsD) includes at least one of six pathosuggestive "complicated" symptoms: >6 months duration, marked role impairment, sense of worthlessness, suicidal ideation, psychotic ideation, and psychomotor retardation. "Uncomplicated" subthreshold depression (UsD) has no complicated features. Whereas studies show that complicated (CMDD) versus uncomplicated (UMDD) major depression differ substantially in severity and prognosis, UsD and CsD severity has not been previously compared. This study evaluates UsD and CsD pathology validator levels and examines whether the complicated/uncomplicated distinction offers incremental concurrent validity over the standard number-of-symptoms dimension as a depression severity measure. METHODS Using nationally representative community data from the National Comorbidity Survey, seven depression lifetime history subgroups were identified: one MDD screener symptom (n=1432); UsD (n=430); CsD (n=611); UMDD (n=182); and CMDD with 5-6 symptoms (n=518), 7 symptoms (n=217), and 8-9 symptoms (n=291). Severity was evaluated using five concurrent pathology validators: suicide attempt, interference with life, help seeking, hospitalization, and generalized anxiety disorder. RESULTS CsD validator levels are substantially higher than both UsD and UMDD levels, and similar to mild CMDD, disconfirming the "monotonicity thesis" that severity increase with symptom number. Complicated/uncomplicated status predicts severity, and when complicatedness is controlled, number of symptoms no longer predicts validator levels. LIMITATIONS Diagnoses were based on respondents' fallible retrospective symptom reports during a lay-administered structured interview, which may not yield diagnoses comparable to clinicians' assessments. CONCLUSION CsD is more severe than UsD and comparable to mild MDD. Complicated status more validly indicates depression severity than the standard number-of-symptoms measure.
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Malhi GS, Bassett D, Boyce P, Bryant R, Fitzgerald PB, Fritz K, Hopwood M, Lyndon B, Mulder R, Murray G, Porter R, Singh AB. Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists clinical practice guidelines for mood disorders. Aust N Z J Psychiatry 2015; 49:1087-206. [PMID: 26643054 DOI: 10.1177/0004867415617657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 511] [Impact Index Per Article: 56.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To provide guidance for the management of mood disorders, based on scientific evidence supplemented by expert clinical consensus and formulate recommendations to maximise clinical salience and utility. METHODS Articles and information sourced from search engines including PubMed and EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsycINFO and Google Scholar were supplemented by literature known to the mood disorders committee (MDC) (e.g., books, book chapters and government reports) and from published depression and bipolar disorder guidelines. Information was reviewed and discussed by members of the MDC and findings were then formulated into consensus-based recommendations and clinical guidance. The guidelines were subjected to rigorous successive consultation and external review involving: expert and clinical advisors, the public, key stakeholders, professional bodies and specialist groups with interest in mood disorders. RESULTS The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists clinical practice guidelines for mood disorders (Mood Disorders CPG) provide up-to-date guidance and advice regarding the management of mood disorders that is informed by evidence and clinical experience. The Mood Disorders CPG is intended for clinical use by psychiatrists, psychologists, physicians and others with an interest in mental health care. CONCLUSIONS The Mood Disorder CPG is the first Clinical Practice Guideline to address both depressive and bipolar disorders. It provides up-to-date recommendations and guidance within an evidence-based framework, supplemented by expert clinical consensus. MOOD DISORDERS COMMITTEE Professor Gin Malhi (Chair), Professor Darryl Bassett, Professor Philip Boyce, Professor Richard Bryant, Professor Paul Fitzgerald, Dr Kristina Fritz, Professor Malcolm Hopwood, Dr Bill Lyndon, Professor Roger Mulder, Professor Greg Murray, Professor Richard Porter and Associate Professor Ajeet Singh. INTERNATIONAL EXPERT ADVISORS Professor Carlo Altamura, Dr Francesco Colom, Professor Mark George, Professor Guy Goodwin, Professor Roger McIntyre, Dr Roger Ng, Professor John O'Brien, Professor Harold Sackeim, Professor Jan Scott, Dr Nobuhiro Sugiyama, Professor Eduard Vieta, Professor Lakshmi Yatham. AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND EXPERT ADVISORS Professor Marie-Paule Austin, Professor Michael Berk, Dr Yulisha Byrow, Professor Helen Christensen, Dr Nick De Felice, A/Professor Seetal Dodd, A/Professor Megan Galbally, Dr Josh Geffen, Professor Philip Hazell, A/Professor David Horgan, A/Professor Felice Jacka, Professor Gordon Johnson, Professor Anthony Jorm, Dr Jon-Paul Khoo, Professor Jayashri Kulkarni, Dr Cameron Lacey, Dr Noeline Latt, Professor Florence Levy, A/Professor Andrew Lewis, Professor Colleen Loo, Dr Thomas Mayze, Dr Linton Meagher, Professor Philip Mitchell, Professor Daniel O'Connor, Dr Nick O'Connor, Dr Tim Outhred, Dr Mark Rowe, Dr Narelle Shadbolt, Dr Martien Snellen, Professor John Tiller, Dr Bill Watkins, Dr Raymond Wu.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gin S Malhi
- Discipline of Psychiatry, Kolling Institute, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia CADE Clinic, Department of Psychiatry, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, NSW, Australia
| | - Darryl Bassett
- School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia School of Medicine, University of Notre Dame, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Philip Boyce
- Discipline of Psychiatry, Sydney Medical School, Westmead Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Richard Bryant
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Paul B Fitzgerald
- Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre (MAPrc), Monash University Central Clinical School and The Alfred, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Kristina Fritz
- CADE Clinic, Discipline of Psychiatry, Sydney Medical School - Northern, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Malcolm Hopwood
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Bill Lyndon
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia Mood Disorders Unit, Northside Clinic, Greenwich, NSW, Australia ECT Services Northside Group Hospitals, Greenwich, NSW, Australia
| | - Roger Mulder
- Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago-Christchurch, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Greg Murray
- Department of Psychological Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Richard Porter
- Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago-Christchurch, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Ajeet B Singh
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to examine the overlap in burnout and depression. METHOD The sample comprised 1,386 schoolteachers (mean [M]age = 43; Myears taught = 15; 77% women) from 18 different U.S. states. We assessed burnout, using the Shirom-Melamed Burnout Measure, and depression, using the depression module of the Patient Health Questionnaire. RESULTS Treated dimensionally, burnout and depressive symptoms were strongly correlated (.77; disattenuated correlation, .84). Burnout and depressive symptoms were similarly correlated with each of 3 stress-related factors, stressful life events, job adversity, and workplace support. In categorical analyses, 86% of the teachers identified as burned out met criteria for a provisional diagnosis of depression. Exploratory analyses revealed a link between burnout and anxiety. CONCLUSIONS This study provides evidence that past research has underestimated burnout-depression overlap. The state of burnout is likely to be a form of depression. Given the magnitude of burnout-depression overlap, treatments for depression may help workers identified as "burned out."
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Renzo Bianchi
- Institute of Work and Organizational Psychology, University of Neuchâtel
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Verwijk E, Spaans HP, Comijs HC, Kho KH, Sienaert P, Bouckaert F, Obbels J, Scherder EJA, Stek ML, Kok RM. Relapse and long-term cognitive performance after brief pulse or ultrabrief pulse right unilateral electroconvulsive therapy: A multicenter naturalistic follow up. J Affect Disord 2015; 184:137-44. [PMID: 26093032 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2015.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2014] [Revised: 05/08/2015] [Accepted: 05/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Superior cognitive functioning for electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) with right unilateral (RUL) ultrabrief pulse (UBP) stimulation compared to RUL brief pulse (BP) stimulation is not clearly established and long-term data is needed. METHODS We conducted a prospective naturalistic follow-up of 87 inpatients from three tertiary psychiatric hospitals. Before these patients entered the follow up phase, they had participated in a RCT comparing twice weekly RUL BP (1.0 ms) with RUL UBP (0.3-0.4 ms) ECT eight times seizure threshold until remission (MADRS < 10), for a maximum of six weeks. Three and six months after the index ECT patients were monitored for relapse and cognitive performance (retrograde amnesia, semantic memory and lexical memory). We compared relapse rate and cognitive performance between RUL BP and RUL UBP stimulation. RESULTS Of the 50 patients who remitted after index ECT 44 (24 BP; 20 UBP) were monitored for follow up. Relapse occurred in 25% of the BP group and in 25% of the UBP group (χ(2) = 0.00, p = 1.0) at three-month follow-up; whereas 43.5% of the BP group and 35% of the UBP group relapsed (χ(2) = 0.322, p = 0.57) at six months follow-up. Cognitive assessments (17 BP; 16 UBP) showed no significant differences between BP and UBP groups, except for an advantage for the BP group in the autobiographical incident questions at three months follow-up only (p = 0.04; d = 0.77). LIMITATIONS This study may be limited since relapse in a naturalistic follow-up can be influenced by medication and other unknown factors, like social support, medical comorbidity, and psychotherapy. The small numbers of our subgroups hamper statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS Patients that achieved remission after RUL BP or RUL UBP ECT showed similar relapse rates after three and six months. There was no cognitive advantage of UBP over BP ECT in follow up. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION Netherlands trial register www.trialregister.nl registration number NTR1304.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esmée Verwijk
- Parnassia Psychiatric Institute, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | | | - Hannie C Comijs
- EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; GGZ inGeest, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - King H Kho
- Parnassia Psychiatric Institute, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Pascal Sienaert
- University Psychiatric Center-KU Leuven, Campus Kortenberg, Kortenberg, Belgium
| | - Filip Bouckaert
- University Psychiatric Center-KU Leuven, Campus Kortenberg, Kortenberg, Belgium
| | - Jasmien Obbels
- University Psychiatric Center-KU Leuven, Campus Kortenberg, Kortenberg, Belgium
| | - Erik J A Scherder
- VU University, Department of Clinical Neuropsychology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Rob M Kok
- Parnassia Psychiatric Institute, The Hague, The Netherlands
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van Grieken RA, Kirkenier ACE, Koeter MWJ, Schene AH. Helpful self-management strategies to cope with enduring depression from the patients' point of view: a concept map study. BMC Psychiatry 2014; 14:331. [PMID: 25495848 PMCID: PMC4272551 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-014-0331-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2014] [Accepted: 11/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the development of various self-management programmes that attempt to ameliorate symptoms of patients with chronic major depressive disorder (MDD), little is known about what these patients perceive as helpful in their struggle during daily live. The present study aims to explore what patients believe they can do themselves to cope with enduring MDD besides professional treatment, and which self-management strategies patients perceive as being most helpful to cope with their MDD. METHODS We used concept mapping, a method specifically designed for the conceptualisation of a specific subject, in this case patients' point of view (n = 25) on helpful self-management strategies in their coping with enduring MDD. A purposive sample of participants was invited at the Academic Medical Center and through requests on several MDD-patient websites in the Netherlands. Participants generated strategies in focus group discussions which were successively clustered on a two-dimensional concept map by hierarchical cluster analysis. RESULTS Fifty strategies were perceived as helpful. They were combined into three meta-clusters each comprising two clusters: A focus on the depression (sub clusters: Being aware that my depression needs active coping and Active coping with professional treatment); An active lifestyle (sub clusters: Active self-care, structure and planning and Free time activities) and Participation in everyday social life (sub clusters: Social engagement and Work-related activities). CONCLUSIONS MDD patients believe they can use various strategies to cope with enduring MDD in daily life. Although current developments in e-health occur, patients emphasise on face-to-face treatments and long-term relations, being engaged in social and working life, and involving their family, friends, colleagues and clinicians in their disease management. Our findings may help clinicians to improve their knowledge about what patients consider beneficial to cope with enduring MDD and to incorporate these suggested self-management strategies in their treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa A van Grieken
- Department of Psychiatry, Program for Mood Disorders, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 5, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Anneloes C E Kirkenier
- Department of Psychiatry, Program for Mood Disorders, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 5, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Maarten W J Koeter
- Department of Psychiatry, Program for Mood Disorders, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 5, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Aart H Schene
- Department of Psychiatry, Program for Mood Disorders, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 5, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Department of Psychiatry, Radboud University Medical Center, Reinier Postlaan 6, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University, Geert Grooteplein Noord 21, 6525 EZ, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
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Hermansen TK, Melinder A. Prenatal SSRI exposure: Effects on later child development. Child Neuropsychol 2014; 21:543-69. [DOI: 10.1080/09297049.2014.942727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Wakefield JC, Schmitz MF. Predictive validation of single-episode uncomplicated depression as a benign subtype of unipolar major depression. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2014; 129:445-57. [PMID: 23952635 DOI: 10.1111/acps.12184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the predictive validity of a proposed benign major depressive disorder (MDD) subtype, single-episode 'uncomplicated MDD', defined as MDD that remits within 6 months and lacks severe impairment, psychotic ideation, suicidal ideation, psychomotor retardation, and feeling worthless. METHOD Using two-wave National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions data, four groups differing in wave 1 lifetime MDD history (no history [n = 27 609]; single-episode uncomplicated [n = 418]; other single-episode [n = 1943]; multiple episode [n = 2473]) were evaluated for 3-year follow-up rates of major depressive episode (MDE), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and suicide attempt. RESULTS Follow-up rates for no-MDD-history, single-episode uncomplicated MDD, other single-episode MDD, and multiple-episode MDD, respectively, were depressive episode 6.1%, 6.9%, 19.5%, 27.1%; GAD 2.7%, 4.3%, 7.8%, 11.2%; and suicide attempt 0.3%, 0.1%, 0.8%, 1.7%. For all validators, 3-year rates for single-episode uncomplicated cases were not significantly different from no-MDD-history rates, but significantly lower than both single- and multiple-episode other-MDD rates. Mild MDD, defined by having only five or six symptoms, did not yield similarly benign results; logistic regression showed 'uncomplicated' provides incremental validity over 'mild' in explaining validator rates. Validator differences were not explainable by treatment-rate differences. CONCLUSION Single-episode uncomplicated MDD is a benign subtype lacking typical MDD negative sequelae. The planned DSM-5.1 revision should reinstitute an extended bereavement exclusion applied to all stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- J C Wakefield
- School of Social Work and Department of Psychiatry, New York University, New York, NY, USA
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Malhi GS, Fritz K, Coulston CM, Lampe L, Bargh DM, Ablett M, Lyndon B, Sapsford R, Theodoros M, Woolfall D, van der Zypp A, Hopwood M. Severity alone should no longer determine therapeutic choice in the management of depression in primary care: findings from a survey of general practitioners. J Affect Disord 2014; 152-154:375-80. [PMID: 24268593 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2013.09.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2013] [Revised: 09/12/2013] [Accepted: 09/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The treatment of depression in primary care remains suboptimal for reasons that are complex and multifactorial. Typically GPs have to make difficult decisions in limited time and therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the management of depression of varying severity and the factors associated with treatment choices. METHOD Nested within a primary care educational initiative we conducted a survey of 1760 GPs. The GPs each identified four patients with clinical depression whom they had treated recently and then answered questions regarding their diagnosis and management of each patient. RESULTS Comorbid anxiety, sadness and decreased concentration appeared to direct the management of depression toward psychological therapy, whereas comorbid pain and a patient's overall functioning, such as the ability to do simple everyday activities, directed the initiation of pharmacological treatment. The use of antidepressants with a broader spectrum of actions (acting on multiple neurotransmitters) increased from mild to severe depression, whereas this did not occur with the more selective agents. SSRIs were prescribed more frequently compared with all other antidepressants, irrespective of depression severity. LIMITATIONS GPs chose the RADAR programme and therefore they were potentially more likely to have an interest in mental health compared to GPs who did not participate. CONCLUSIONS GPs do not appear to be determining pharmacological treatment based on depression subtype and specificity, but rather on the basis of the total number of symptoms and overall severity. While acknowledging important differences between primary care and specialist practice, it is suggested that guidelines to assist GPs in matching treatment to depression subtype may be of practical assistance in decision-making, and the delivery of more effective treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- G S Malhi
- CADE Clinic, Department of Psychiatry, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonard's, Sydney 2065, NSW, Australia; Discipline of Psychiatry, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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Berk M, Sarris J, Coulson CE, Jacka FN. Lifestyle management of unipolar depression. Acta Psychiatr Scand Suppl 2013:38-54. [PMID: 23586875 DOI: 10.1111/acps.12124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To be used in conjunction with 'Pharmacological management of unipolar depression' [Malhi et al. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2013;127(Suppl. 443):6-23] and 'Psychological management of unipolar depression' [Lampe et al. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2013;127(Suppl. 443):24-37]. To provide clinically relevant recommendations for lifestyle modifications in depression, derived from a literature review. METHOD A search of pertinent literature was conducted up to August 2012 in the area of lifestyle factors and depression. A narrative review was then conducted. RESULTS There is evidence that level of physical activity plays a role in the risk of depression, and there is a large and validated evidence base for exercise as a therapeutic modality. Smoking and alcohol and substance misuse appear to be independent risk factors for depression, while the new epidemiological evidence supports the contention that diet is a risk factor for depression; good quality diets appear protective and poor diets increase risk. CONCLUSION Lifestyle modification, with a focus on exercise, diet, smoking and alcohol, may be of substantial value in reducing the burden of depression in individuals and the community.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - C. E. Coulson
- Department of Psychiatry; The University of Melbourne; Melbourne; Vic; Australia
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Malhi GS, Hitching R, Berk M, Boyce P, Porter R, Fritz K. Pharmacological management of unipolar depression. Acta Psychiatr Scand Suppl 2013:6-23. [PMID: 23586873 DOI: 10.1111/acps.12122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To be used in conjunction with 'Psychological management of unipolar depression' [Lampe et al. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2013;127(Suppl. 443):24-37] and 'Lifestyle management of unipolar depression' [Berk et al. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2013;127(Suppl. 443):38-54]. To provide clinically relevant recommendations for the use of pharmacological treatments in depression derived from a literature review. METHOD Using our previous Clinical Practice Guidelines [Malhi et al. Clinical practice recommendations for bipolar disorder. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2009;119(Suppl. 439):27-46] as a foundation, these clinician guidelines target key practical considerations when prescribing pharmacotherapy. A comprehensive review of the literature was conducted using electronic database searches (PubMed, MEDLINE), and the findings have been synthesized and integrated alongside clinical experience. RESULTS The pharmacotherapy of depression is an iterative process that often results in partial and non-response. Beyond the initiation of antidepressants, the options within widely used strategies, such as combining agents and switching between agents, are difficult to prescribe because of the paucity of pertinent research. However, there is some evidence for second-line strategies, and a non-prescriptive algorithm can be derived that is based broadly on principles rather than specific steps. CONCLUSION Depression is by its very nature a heterogeneous illness that is consequently difficult to treat. Invariably, situation-specific factors often play a significant role and must be considered, especially in the case of partial and non-response. Consulting with colleagues and trialling alternate treatment paradigms are essential strategies in the management of depression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - P. Boyce
- Discipline of Psychiatry; Sydney Medical School; University of Sydney; Sydney; NSW; Australia
| | - R. Porter
- Department of Psychological Medicine; University of Otago; Christchurch; New Zealand
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Malhi GS, Hitching R, Coulston CM, Boyce P, Porter R, Fritz K. Individualized management of unipolar depression. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2013:1-5. [PMID: 23586872 DOI: 10.1111/acps.12119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - P. Boyce
- Discipline of Psychiatry; Sydney Medical School; University of Sydney; Sydney; NSW; Australia
| | - R. Porter
- Department of Psychological Medicine; University of Otago; Christchurch; New Zealand
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