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Sarpal DK, Cole ES, Gannon JM, Li J, Adair DK, Chengappa KNR, Donohue JM. Variation of Clozapine Use for Treatment of Schizophrenia: Evidence from Pennsylvania Medicaid and Dually Eligible Enrollees. Community Ment Health J 2024; 60:743-753. [PMID: 38294579 DOI: 10.1007/s10597-023-01226-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
While clozapine is the most effective antipsychotic treatment for treatment-resistant schizophrenia, it remains underutilized across the United States, warranting a more comprehensive understanding of variation in use at the county level, as well as characterization of existing prescribing patterns. Here, we examined both Medicaid and Medicare databases to (1) characterize temporal and geographic variation in clozapine prescribing and, (2) identify patient-level characteristics associated with clozapine use. We included Medicaid and Fee for Service Medicare data in the state of Pennsylvania from January 1, 2013, through December 31, 2019. We focused on individuals with continuous enrollment, schizophrenia diagnosis, and multiple antipsychotic trials. Geographic variation was examined across counties of Pennsylvania. Regression models were constructed to determine demographic and clinical characteristics associated with clozapine use. Out of 8,255 individuals who may benefit from clozapine, 642 received treatment. We observed high medication burden, overall, including multiple antipsychotic trials. We also identified variation in clozapine use across regions in Pennsylvania with a disproportionate number of prescribers in urban areas and several counties with no identified clozapine prescribers. Finally, demographic, and clinical determinants of clozapine use were observed including less use in people identified as non-Hispanic Black, Hispanic, or with a substance use disorder. In addition, greater medical comorbidity was associated with increased clozapine use. Our work leveraged both Medicaid and Medicare data to characterize and surveil clozapine prescribing. Our findings support efforts monitor disparities and opportunities for the optimization of clozapine within municipalities to enhance clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepak K Sarpal
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Evan S Cole
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jessica M Gannon
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Dale K Adair
- Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, Harrisburg, PA, USA
| | - K N Roy Chengappa
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Julie M Donohue
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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2
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Zhou R, Ye M, OuYang X, Zhang S, Zheng S, Wang R, Cao P, Yang K, Zhou X. Insomnia and aggression in stable schizophrenic patients: The mediating role of quality of life. Schizophr Res 2024; 267:122-129. [PMID: 38531159 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2024.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Aggression in schizophrenia patients is an issue of concern. Previous studies have shown that aggression in schizophrenia patients may be related to insomnia and quality of life to different extents. This study aimed to explore the potential mediating role of quality of life in the relationship between aggression and insomnia among schizophrenia patients. Demographic factors affecting aggression in schizophrenia patients were also explored. PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 781 stable patients aged 18-75 who met the ICD10 diagnosis of "schizophrenia" completed the completed questionnaire. Aggression was assessed using the Modified Overt Aggression Scale (MOAS), sleep was assessed using the Insomnia Severity Index Scale (ISI), and quality of life was assessed using the five Likert options. Descriptive statistics and correlation analysis examined the correlation between aggression and other variables. The mediating role of quality of life in the association between insomnia and aggression was examined by pathway analysis. RESULTS A total of 781 patients participated in this study, and approximately 16 % of the schizophrenia patients were aggressive. According to the mediation analysis, the direct effect of insomnia on aggression was 0.147, and the mediating effect of quality of life on insomnia and aggression was 0.021. Specifically, for the four dimensions of the MOAS, the direct effects of insomnia on verbal aggression, aggression toward property, and aggression toward oneself were 0.028, 0.032, and 0.023, respectively, with mediating effects of 0.003, 0.007, and 0.006, respectively, and no mediating effect on physical aggression was found. CONCLUSION This study showed that insomnia significantly influenced aggression in schizophrenia patients. Quality of life significantly mediated insomnia and aggression and played a vital role in moderating aggression. Therefore, we suggest that in the future, improving aggression in schizophrenia patients, while paying attention to the importance of sleep, could start with improving quality of life to address this problem from multiple perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruochen Zhou
- School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, People's Republic of China; Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, People's Republic of China; Department of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengting Ye
- School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, People's Republic of China; Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, People's Republic of China; Department of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, People's Republic of China
| | - Xu OuYang
- School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, People's Republic of China; Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, People's Republic of China
| | - ShaoFei Zhang
- School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, People's Republic of China; Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, People's Republic of China
| | - SiYuan Zheng
- School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, People's Republic of China; Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, People's Republic of China; Department of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruoqi Wang
- School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, People's Republic of China; Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, People's Republic of China; Department of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, People's Republic of China
| | - Panpan Cao
- School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, People's Republic of China; Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, People's Republic of China; Department of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, People's Republic of China
| | - Kefei Yang
- School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, People's Republic of China; Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, People's Republic of China; Department of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoqin Zhou
- Department of Psychology and Sleep Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, People's Republic of China; School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, People's Republic of China.
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3
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Zarzar TR. Clozapine Proficiency as a Milestone in Psychiatric Training. JAMA Psychiatry 2024:2818045. [PMID: 38691351 DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2024.0702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
This Viewpoint advocates for the addition of clozapine prescribing as a milestone in psychiatric education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodore R Zarzar
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill
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4
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Jakobsen MI, Austin SF, Storebø OJ, Nielsen J, Simonsen E. Non-prescribing of clozapine for outpatients with schizophrenia in real-world settings: The clinicians' perspectives. SCHIZOPHRENIA (HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 9:91. [PMID: 38135678 PMCID: PMC10746712 DOI: 10.1038/s41537-023-00423-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Clozapine is the gold standard for treating treatment-resistant schizophrenia although continuously underutilized. Previous surveys of clinicians have found that some of the most frequently cited barriers to clozapine prescribing are related to the blood-monitoring requirements. However, these surveys tend to explore general perspectives and may not reflect the true impact of different barriers in real-world outpatient settings. This study aimed to explore this issue. First, by surveying the clinicians responsible for the treatment of 39 clozapine-eligible, yet clozapine-naive, outpatients with schizophrenia. Then, based on the survey results, explanatory interviews with the participating psychiatrists were conducted and analyzed thematically. The most frequently cited reason for non-prescribing of clozapine was the expected non-compliance with blood-monitoring requirements; however, overall stability and/or severe mental illness was chosen as the most important reason in most patient-cases. The qualitative analysis highlighted the combined impact of standard clinical practice, personal experiences, and organizational constraints on clozapine utility.
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Grants
- This study is part of a PhD project funded by the Mental Health Services of Region Zealand Psychiatry East, Roskilde, Denmark, The Psychiatric Research Unit, Region Zealand Psychiatry, Slagelse, Denmark, and the Psychiatric Centre Glostrup, Unit for Complicated Schizophrenia, the Mental Health Services of The Capital Region of Denmark, in collaboration. Due to the funding by the Psychiatric Research Unit, Region Zealand Psychiatry, the study is partially funded by a private donation favoring patient-oriented research within the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Iris Jakobsen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Psychiatric Research Unit East, Mental Health Services East, Region Zealand Psychiatry, Roskilde, Denmark.
| | - Stephen Fitzgerald Austin
- Psychiatric Research Unit East, Mental Health Services East, Region Zealand Psychiatry, Roskilde, Denmark
- The Psychiatric Research Unit, Region Zealand Psychiatry, Slagelse, Denmark
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health Science, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Ole Jakob Storebø
- The Psychiatric Research Unit, Region Zealand Psychiatry, Slagelse, Denmark
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health Science, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Jimmi Nielsen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Psychiatric Centre Glostrup, Unit for Complicated Schizophrenia, Mental Health Services in the Capital Region of Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Erik Simonsen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Psychiatric Research Unit East, Mental Health Services East, Region Zealand Psychiatry, Roskilde, Denmark
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5
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Friedman JH. Brief commentary: Under-recognition of underuse of clozapine in treating psychotic symptoms in Parkinson's disease. Schizophr Res 2023:S0920-9964(23)00389-4. [PMID: 37957037 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2023.10.028] [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: 07/22/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Clozapine is an important drug in the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD). It has proven efficacy in treating PD psychosis without worsening motor function, as well as in treating tremor refractory to L-Dopa, yet it is severely underused in the United States. Unlike the situation of treatment resistant schizophrenia, this underuse is underrecognized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph H Friedman
- Butler Hospital, 345 Blackstone Blvd, Dept of Neurology, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02885, United States of America.
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6
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Oloyede E, Blackman G, Mantell B, Harris E, Williams J, Taylor D, MacCabe J, McGuire P. What are the barriers and facilitators of clozapine use in early psychosis? A survey of UK early intervention clinicians. SCHIZOPHRENIA (HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 9:26. [PMID: 37117237 PMCID: PMC10147630 DOI: 10.1038/s41537-023-00353-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
Clozapine is the most effective medication for treatment-resistant psychosis, but evidence points to substantial underuse, especially within early intervention psychosis (EIP) services. We explored clinicians' views on perceived barriers and facilitators to offering patients clozapine within EIP services. A cross-sectional survey was distributed electronically to clinicians practising in EIP services across England. A mixed methods approach was used to assess barriers to clozapine, and attitudes and opinions concerning clozapine underutilisation. Based on the barriers identified in the literature, clinicians were asked to rate each one (scale:1-7) based on importance, with a higher score indicating higher importance. Clinicians were also asked open-ended questions on barriers to clozapine and how access can be improved in EIP services. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, and qualitative responses were analysed thematically. One hundred and nineteen EIP clinicians from 35 services in England completed the survey. In total, 37% (n = 45) of clinicians perceived that clozapine was under-prescribed in their EIP service. The most important barrier to utilising clozapine were patient concerns with side effects, followed by monitoring requirements and clinician concerns with side effects. Thematic analysis identified 17 perceived barriers, which were grouped into three major themes: administrative (5 subthemes), clinician-related (6 subthemes), and patient-related (6 subthemes). Perceived facilitators to improving clozapine use were greater training, improved resources, and optimised monitoring. The main barriers to clozapine in EIP services, as identified by clinicians, are patient concerns regarding side effects and monitoring requirements. Identified facilitators for improved clozapine use include clinician training, improved resources, guidelines, and point-of-care testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebenezer Oloyede
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford, UK.
| | - Graham Blackman
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford, UK
| | - Bethany Mantell
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Eleanor Harris
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Julie Williams
- Health Service and Population Research Department, Centre for Implementation Science, King's College London, London, UK
| | - David Taylor
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - James MacCabe
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Mental Health South London and Maudsley NHS, London, UK
| | - Philip McGuire
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford, UK
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7
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Rezaie L, Nazari A, Khazaie H. Exploration of the Barriers to Clozapine Prescribing in Patients with Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia: A Qualitative Study. JOURNAL OF PSYCHOSOCIAL REHABILITATION AND MENTAL HEALTH 2023; 10:45-53. [PMID: 35967884 PMCID: PMC9362075 DOI: 10.1007/s40737-022-00287-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Treatment-resistance schizophrenia (TRS) is one of the psychiatric challenges. While clozapine is an effective treatment for patients with TRS, there are some barriers to clozapine prescribing in these patients. The study aims to explore the barriers from Iranian psychiatrists' points of view. The study was conducted by a qualitative approach using content analysis. The Participants included 12 psychiatrists who were selected purposefully. Data were collected using a semi-structured interview from May to December 2020. All interviews were recorded and transcribed and analyzed qualitatively using constant comparisons. Three main categories emerged concerning barriers to the use of clozapine: drug-related barriers, psychiatrist and health system-related barriers, and patient and family-related barriers. Additionally, specific subcategories within each main category were documented. The present study showed that there are three main groups of barriers to the use of clozapine in patients with TRS. Psychiatrist and health system-related barriers may influence the other two groups of barriers. Further research to investigate the effective strategies to overcome the barriers is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leeba Rezaie
- Sleep Disorders Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Azadeh Nazari
- Student Research Committee, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Habibolah Khazaie
- Sleep Disorders Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
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8
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The Modernization of Clozapine: A Recapitulation of the Past in the United States and the View Forward. J Clin Psychopharmacol 2022; 42:565-580. [PMID: 36170148 DOI: 10.1097/jcp.0000000000001606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Although clozapine was Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved more than 3 decades ago, major barriers and gaps in knowledge continue to prevent its effective and safe use. We review modern-day problems encountered with clozapine in the United States (US). METHODS Information surrounding current administrative, clinical, research, and technological gaps or barriers related to clozapine use in the US was reviewed. FINDINGS The history of how clozapine became FDA approved likely contributes to gaps in knowledge. The frequency of safety warnings added to the FDA prescribing information may add to fears about clozapine, as evidence by numerous published survey studies. The clozapine Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program has been modified several times in the last decade, causing access and safety issues for patients, which are discussed. Evidence may suggest that the FDA REMS requirements for hematologic monitoring are too cumbersome, and there may be ability to safely loosen requirements. The COVID-19 pandemic brought forth the ability for extended interval monitoring but also greater awareness of the clozapine-inflammation interaction. Newer guidelines published describe considerations in personalizing clozapine titration based on principles of ethnopsychopharmacology. Emerging technologies to support the use of clozapine are not widely available. IMPLICATIONS Clozapine is a unique life-saving drug but it is underused in the US, despite its established efficacy. The 2021 REMS changes led to significant difficulties for providers and patients. We highlight the importance of the clozapine-inflammation interaction, therapeutic drug monitoring, and the ability for individual care based on patient-specific factors. There is an urgent need for advancing technology used for clozapine monitoring, evaluating barriers created by REMS, and establishing consistent practices throughout the US.
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9
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Friedman JH. Clozapine Is Severely Underused in Parkinson's Disease Patients. Mov Disord Clin Pract 2022; 9:1021-1024. [PMID: 36339313 PMCID: PMC9631840 DOI: 10.1002/mdc3.13582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph H. Friedman
- Movement Disorders ProgramButler HospitalBlackstone BlvdProvidenceRhode IslandUSA
- Department of NeurologyWarren Alpert Medical School of Brown UniversityProvidenceRhode IslandUSA
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10
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Bareis N, Olfson M, Wall M, Stroup TS. Variation in Psychotropic Medication Prescription for Adults With Schizophrenia in the United States. Psychiatr Serv 2022; 73:492-500. [PMID: 34587788 PMCID: PMC8964836 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ps.202000932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Variation in prescription of psychotropic medications to patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders may underlie health inequities. Using a national U.S. Medicaid sample, the authors examined prescription patterns of psychotropic medications commonly used for managing schizophrenia. METHODS Data from the 2011-2012 Medicaid Analytic eXtract were examined for demographic predictors of and variation across states in psychotropic medication prescription among adult patients diagnosed as having schizophrenia spectrum disorders (N=357,914). Percentages of patients in each state who filled prescriptions of at least 15 days of any antipsychotic, clozapine, antidepressant, benzodiazepine, mood stabilizer, or long-acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotic medication were determined after adjustment for demographic and clinical covariates. Multivariate regressions of clinical and demographic factors predicting prescription patterns were conducted. RESULTS Prescribing patterns for all types of psychotropic medications varied across states. Clozapine and LAI prescriptions showed the most dramatic differences across states and among patients with different demographic characteristics. Across states, adjusted proportions of prescriptions ranged from 4% to 22% for LAIs and from 1% to 11% for clozapine. Non-Hispanic Blacks and people of other race-ethnicities were more likely than non-Hispanic Whites to fill prescriptions for LAIs, and non-Hispanic Whites were more likely than individuals from other racial-ethnic groups to fill prescriptions for clozapine and all other medications. CONCLUSIONS Considerable variation in prescribing patterns of LAIs and clozapine by race-ethnicity and across states suggests uneven quality of care for individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorders in the United States. A better understanding of what causes this variation could inform policy makers to improve treatment for this vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Bareis
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, and the New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York City
| | - Mark Olfson
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, and the New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York City
| | - Melanie Wall
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, and the New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York City
| | - T Scott Stroup
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, and the New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York City
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11
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A Comparison of Attitudes, Comfort, and Knowledge of Clozapine Among Two Diverse Samples of US Psychiatrists. Community Ment Health J 2022; 58:517-525. [PMID: 34052963 PMCID: PMC9112232 DOI: 10.1007/s10597-021-00847-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Considerable variation in clozapine utilization exists across the United States, and little is known about the perspective of psychiatrists in states with low clozapine use. To better understand clozapine practices, attitudes, and barriers, a survey was administered to a group of southeastern state conference attendees (SSCA; N = 86). The same survey was administered to psychiatrists belonging to a national community psychiatry organization (AACP; N = 57), and differences were analyzed across the two samples. In comparison to the AACP, the SSCA group felt less comfortable, perceived clozapine as less safe and effective, had fewer patients on clozapine, and were more likely to prefer antipsychotic polypharmacy to clozapine use. Across the sample, use of a myocarditis screening protocol was rare (N = 14/76; 18%) and less than half used plasma antipsychotic levels to guide dosage (N = 60/129; 47%). Continuing professional education on clozapine are needed for psychiatrists who see individuals with psychotic disorders.
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12
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Erlich MD, Casoy F, Berezin J, Hernandez Y, Smith TE. Building and Landing the Plane While Flying: How New York State Addressed the Needs of People With Serious Mental Illness During the COVID-19 Pandemic. SCHIZOPHRENIA BULLETIN OPEN 2022; 3:sgac035. [PMID: 36348646 PMCID: PMC9620771 DOI: 10.1093/schizbullopen/sgac035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
New York State was the epicenter for COVID-19 in Spring 2020 when little was known about the pandemic. Dire circumstances necessitated New York State’s (NYS) public mental health system to rapidly pivot, adapt, and innovate its policies and procedures to ensure continuous high-level care to individuals with serious mental illness (SMI), a population especially vulnerable to both the physical and psychosocial sequelae of COVID-19. NYS rapidly adopted emergency measures to support community providers, expanded the capacity of its State-Operated facilities, created policies to promote improved infection control access, collaborated to enhance the public–private continuum of service to support people with SMI, and broadened the use of new technologies to ensure continued engagement of care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Flavio Casoy
- New York State Office of Mental Health , New York, NY , USA
| | - Joshua Berezin
- New York State Office of Mental Health , New York, NY , USA
| | | | - Thomas E Smith
- New York State Office of Mental Health , New York, NY , USA
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13
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Oloyede E, Mantell B, Williams J, Lai S, Jauhar S, Taylor D, MacCabe JH, Harland R, McGuire P, Blackman G. Clozapine for treatment resistance in early psychosis: a survey of UK clinicians' training, knowledge and confidence. Ther Adv Psychopharmacol 2022; 12:20451253221141222. [PMID: 36601352 PMCID: PMC9806412 DOI: 10.1177/20451253221141222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clozapine is the only medication licenced for patients with psychosis that is resistant to conventional antipsychotic treatment. However, despite its effectiveness, it remains widely underutilised. One contributory factor for this may be clinicians' lack of confidence around the management of clozapine. OBJECTIVE We conducted a survey of clinicians working in Early Intervention in Psychosis (EIP) services to determine their training needs for clozapine management in EIP services. METHODS An electronic survey was made available to all clinicians working in EIP services in England. The survey assessed confidence and training needs regarding managing clozapine in patients with treatment-resistant psychosis. Quantitative data were analysed using total mean scores and the Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS In all, 192 (27%) of approximately 700 clinicians from 35 EIP services completed the survey. Approximately half (54%) had not received training on treatment with clozapine. Experience of training was higher in prescribers than non-prescribers, and among medical than non-medical clinicians. Previous training was associated with significantly higher confidence in offering clozapine and managing treatment-resistant psychosis (p < 0.001). Confidence levels with managing treatment-resistant psychosis and clozapine were relatively high (mean = 4 out of 5, SD = 1). Respondents were most confident about monitoring mental health response to treatment (mean = 5, SD = 1). Participants were least confident about how to discontinue clozapine treatment safely (mean = 3, SD = 1). CONCLUSION Most clinicians working in EIP have not received training on the use of clozapine. This may account, in part, for the underutilisation of clozapine in EIP services. The provision of training in the identification of treatment-resistant psychosis and the use of clozapine will likely improve the detection and management of treatment resistance in the early phase of psychosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebenezer Oloyede
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.,Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, DeCriesney, London, UK
| | - Bethany Mantell
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Julie Williams
- Health Service and Population Research Department, Centre for Implementation Science, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Serena Lai
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Sameer Jauhar
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.,Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - David Taylor
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.,Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King's College, London
| | - James H MacCabe
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.,Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.,NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Mental Health South London and Maudsley NHS, London, UK
| | - Robert Harland
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Philip McGuire
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Graham Blackman
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.,Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
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Oloyede E, Casetta C, Dzahini O, Segev A, Gaughran F, Shergill S, Mijovic A, Helthuis M, Whiskey E, MacCabe JH, Taylor D. There Is Life After the UK Clozapine Central Non-Rechallenge Database. Schizophr Bull 2021; 47:1088-1098. [PMID: 33543755 PMCID: PMC8266568 DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sbab006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS In the United Kingdom, patients on clozapine whose hematological parameters fall below certain thresholds are placed on the Central Non-Rechallenge Database (CNRD), meaning that they cannot be prescribed clozapine again except under exceptional circumstances. This practice was discontinued in the United States in 2015 by expanding the hematological monitoring guidelines, allowing more patients to receive clozapine. Our objective was to investigate the implications this policy change would have on clozapine utilization in the United Kingdom. METHODS This was an observational, retrospective analysis of patients registered on the CNRD in a large mental health trust. The first objective was to compare the number of patients placed on the CNRD under the United Kingdom and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) criteria. The second objective was to explore the hematological and clinical outcomes of CNRD patients. The third objective was to investigate the hematological outcomes of patients rechallenged on clozapine after nonrechallengeable status. RESULTS One hundred and fifteen patients were placed on CNRD from 2002 to 2019, of whom 7 (6%) met the equivalent criteria for clozapine discontinuation under the FDA guidelines. Clinical outcomes, as measured by the Clinical Global Impression-Severity scale, were worse 3 months after clozapine cessation than on clozapine (t = -7.4862; P < .001). Sixty-two (54%) patients placed on CNRD were rechallenged. Fifty-nine of those (95%) were successfully rechallenged; 3 patients were placed back on CNRD, only one of which would have had to stop clozapine again under FDA criteria. CONCLUSION Implementation of the updated FDA's monitoring criteria in the United Kingdom would significantly reduce clozapine discontinuation due to hematological reasons. The evidence suggests an urgent need for revising the UK clozapine monitoring guidelines to improve outcomes in treatment-resistant schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebenezer Oloyede
- Pharmacy Department, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Cecilia Casetta
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
- National Psychosis Service, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Olubanke Dzahini
- Pharmacy Department, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King’s College, London, UK
| | - Aviv Segev
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Fiona Gaughran
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
- National Psychosis Service, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Sukhi Shergill
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
- National Psychosis Service, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Alek Mijovic
- Kings College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | - Eromona Whiskey
- Pharmacy Department, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
- National Psychosis Service, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Mental Health South London and Maudsley NHS, London, UK
| | - James Hunter MacCabe
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
- National Psychosis Service, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Mental Health South London and Maudsley NHS, London, UK
| | - David Taylor
- Pharmacy Department, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King’s College, London, UK
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15
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Cohen
- MHO North-Holland North, Heerhugowaard, The Netherlands
| | - Saeed Farooq
- School of Medicine, Keele University, Staffordshire
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16
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Fochtmann LJ, Medicus J, Hong SH. Performance in Practice: Practice Assessment Tool for the Care of Patients With Schizophrenia. FOCUS (AMERICAN PSYCHIATRIC PUBLISHING) 2020; 18:402-423. [PMID: 33343252 PMCID: PMC7725154 DOI: 10.1176/appi.focus.20200034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is associated with significant health, social, occupational, and economic burdens, including increased mortality. Despite extensive and robust research on the treatment of individuals with schizophrenia, many individuals with the illness do not currently receive evidence-based pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments. The American Psychiatric Association Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Patients With Schizophrenia, Third Edition, aims to enhance knowledge and increase the appropriate use of interventions for schizophrenia, thereby improving the quality of care and treatment outcomes. To this end, this evidence-based Performance in Practice tool can facilitate the implementation of a systematic approach to practice improvement for the care of individuals with schizophrenia. This practice assessment activity can also be used in partial fulfillment of Continuing Medical Education and Maintenance of Certification, part IV, requirements, which can also satisfy requirements for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Merit-based Incentive Payment System program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura J Fochtmann
- Department of Psychiatry, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York (Fochtmann); Division of Policy, Programs, and Partnerships, Department of Practice Management and Delivery Systems Policy, American Psychiatric Association, Washington, D.C. (Medicus, Hong)
| | - Jennifer Medicus
- Department of Psychiatry, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York (Fochtmann); Division of Policy, Programs, and Partnerships, Department of Practice Management and Delivery Systems Policy, American Psychiatric Association, Washington, D.C. (Medicus, Hong)
| | - Seung-Hee Hong
- Department of Psychiatry, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York (Fochtmann); Division of Policy, Programs, and Partnerships, Department of Practice Management and Delivery Systems Policy, American Psychiatric Association, Washington, D.C. (Medicus, Hong)
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17
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Verdoux H, Quiles C. Educational needs and psychoeducation interventions in clozapine users: a narrative review. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2020; 142:96-108. [PMID: 32266962 DOI: 10.1111/acps.13172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Increasing users' knowledge about the expected benefits and risks of clozapine may contribute to the initiation and maintenance of clozapine in persons with treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS). The objective was to identify the educational needs of clozapine users and the interventions aimed at addressing these needs. METHOD We systematically searched multiple electronic databases for articles: (i) exploring educational needs of clozapine users and of their relatives; and (ii) reporting educational interventions aimed at addressing these needs. Data were synthesized narratively. RESULTS A total of 30 articles published from 1990 to 2019 in 8 countries fulfilled our inclusion criteria. As most studies on educational needs (n = 18) were carried out in persons already taking clozapine, educational needs of TRS patients who were candidates for clozapine treatment are not well documented. Users' level of knowledge about clozapine was often poor, especially about adverse effects or interactions with other substances, with a poor retention of information delivered at treatment initiation. Among 12 studies reporting educational interventions in clozapine users, five provided quantitative outcomes. Their findings suggest that structured educational programmes may contribute to promote clozapine initiation and to improve users' knowledge about this drug. CONCLUSION The literature is sparse on structured educational interventions about clozapine, and only one randomized controlled trial was identified. A promising strategy emerging from this review may be staging educational interventions according to the evolving needs of persons with TRS before clozapine use, at initiation and during maintenance treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Verdoux
- Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, Team Pharmacoepidemiology, UMR 1219, Inserm, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France.,Centre Hospitalier Charles Perrens, Bordeaux, France
| | - C Quiles
- Centre Hospitalier Charles Perrens, Bordeaux, France
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18
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Verdoux H, Quiles C, Cervello S, Dubreucq J, Bon L, Massoubre C, Pommier R, Legros-Lafarge E, Jaafari N, Guillard-Bouhet N, Chéreau-Boudet I, Couhet G, Plasse J, Franck N. Functioning and cognitive characteristics of clozapine users referred to psychosocial rehabilitation centers: A REHABase cohort study. Psychiatry Res 2019; 281:112543. [PMID: 31493715 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2019.112543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore whether clozapine users have specific rehabilitation needs compared to users of other antipsychotics. METHODS The study was performed using the REHABase collecting data on persons referred to a French network of psychosocial rehabilitation centers. It was restricted to persons with schizophrenia spectrum disorder using antipsychotics. Multivariate analyses were used to compare baseline functioning and cognitive characteristics in clozapine users vs. users of other antipsychotics. RESULTS Of the 675 patients identified in the REHABase, one out of ten (n = 70) used clozapine. Compared to users of other antipsychotics, clozapine users had been more frequently hospitalized in psychiatry and presented less frequently with psychoactive substance use. Functional measures did not significantly differ between the two groups. Clozapine users had poorer short-term verbal memory performance than users of other antipsychotics and did not differ on executive performance. CONCLUSION Clozapine users may reach a recovery level comparable to that obtained in persons without treatment-resistant schizophrenia. In order to reduce the negative impact of memory deficits on the recovery process of clozapine users, it is necessary to optimize their psychotropic treatment and to promote their access to cognitive remediation programs addressing their specific needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hélène Verdoux
- Univ. Bordeaux, Inserm, Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, team pharmacoepidemiology, UMR 1219, F-33000 Bordeaux, France; Centre Référent de Réhabilitation Psychosociale (C2RP), Centre Hospitalier Charles Perrens, F-33000 Bordeaux, France.
| | - Clélia Quiles
- Centre Référent de Réhabilitation Psychosociale (C2RP), Centre Hospitalier Charles Perrens, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Sophie Cervello
- Centre Ressource de Réhabilitation Psychosociale et de Remédiation Cognitive (CRR), Hôpital Le Vinatier, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) et Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Julien Dubreucq
- Centre Référent de Réhabilitation Psychosociale et de Remédiation Cognitive (C3R), Centre Hospitalier Alpes Isère / Réseau Handicap Psychique, St Martin d'Hères, ReHPSY, Centre Hospitalier Alpes Isère, Grenoble, France
| | - Laura Bon
- Centre Ressource de Réhabilitation Psychosociale et de Remédiation Cognitive (CRR), Hôpital Le Vinatier, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) et Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Catherine Massoubre
- REHALise, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Saint-Etienne, Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Romain Pommier
- REHALise, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Saint-Etienne, Saint-Etienne, France
| | | | - Nemat Jaafari
- CREATIV & URC Pierre Deniker, Centre Hospitalier Laborit, Poitiers, France
| | | | - Isabelle Chéreau-Boudet
- Centre Réfèrent Conjoint de Réhabilitation (CRCR), Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Geoffroy Couhet
- Centre Référent de Réhabilitation Psychosociale (C2RP), Centre Hospitalier Charles Perrens, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Julien Plasse
- Centre Ressource de Réhabilitation Psychosociale et de Remédiation Cognitive (CRR), Hôpital Le Vinatier, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) et Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Nicolas Franck
- Centre Ressource de Réhabilitation Psychosociale et de Remédiation Cognitive (CRR), Hôpital Le Vinatier, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) et Université de Lyon, Lyon, France; Centre Référent Lyonnais de Réhabilitation Psychosociale (CL3R), Centre Hospitalier Le Vinatier, Lyon, France
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Verdoux H, Quiles C, de Leon J. Clinical determinants of fever in clozapine users and implications for treatment management: A narrative review. Schizophr Res 2019; 211:1-9. [PMID: 31378552 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2019.07.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Revised: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To identify the clinical determinants of fever in clozapine users and their impact on management of clozapine treatment. METHODS Articles published in English or French identified with a MEDLINE, Web of Sciences, Cochrane Library and PsycINFO search, from inception through February 2019, using the term "clozapine" in combination with "fever" OR "hyperthermia" OR "body temperature" OR "pyrexia" OR "febrile" OR "heat" OR "thermoregulation". Information extracted for each medical condition were frequency, time to onset after initiation of clozapine treatment, characteristics of fever, associated symptoms, laboratory tests used for diagnosis, course, lethality, discontinuation of clozapine. Data were synthesized narratively. RESULTS Our search yielded 394 unique hits published from 1993 to 2018. We included 73 articles in the review: two meta-analyses, 14 reviews, six epidemiological studies, 11 clinical studies and 40 case reports. During clozapine initiation, fever is most frequently benign and transient but should be closely monitored as it may be the first stage of potentially life-threatening adverse drug reactions (ADR) (agranulocytosis, neuroleptic malignant syndrome myocarditis, hepatitis, pancreatitis, nephritis, colitis, etc.). Other ADR associated with fever are independent of duration of exposure to clozapine (heat stroke, pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, necrotizing colitis). If fever is due to intercurrent infection, therapeutic drug monitoring is recommended to adjust clozapine daily dosage. CONCLUSION Benign causes of fever are much more frequent than life-threatening ADR during clozapine treatment. Discontinuation should not be considered as automatic in the event of fever, especially during the early phase of clozapine initiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hélène Verdoux
- Univ. Bordeaux, Inserm, Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, Team Pharmacoepidemiology, UMR 1219, F-33000 Bordeaux, France; Centre Hospitalier Charles Perrens, F-33000 Bordeaux, France.
| | - Clélia Quiles
- Centre Hospitalier Charles Perrens, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Jose de Leon
- Mental Health Research Center at Eastern State Hospital, Lexington, KY and Psychiatry and Neurosciences Research Group (CTS-549), USA; Institute of Neurosciences, University of Granada, Granada, Spain; Biomedical Research Centre in Mental Health Net (CIBERSAM), Santiago Apostol Hospital, University of the Basque Country, Vitoria, Spain
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20
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Patrón de uso de clozapina en España. Variabilidad e infraprescripción. REVISTA DE PSIQUIATRIA Y SALUD MENTAL 2019; 12:151-162. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rpsm.2018.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2017] [Revised: 02/11/2018] [Accepted: 02/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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21
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Kelly DL, Love RC. Psychiatric pharmacist's role in overcoming barriers to clozapine use and improving management. Ment Health Clin 2019; 9:64-69. [PMID: 30842912 PMCID: PMC6398355 DOI: 10.9740/mhc.2019.03.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Clozapine is an antipsychotic that exhibits superior efficacy and effectiveness for those with schizophrenia and other serious mental illness. However, its side-effect profile and administrative burdens present challenges to its use. In the United States, the medication is grossly underused even though it may improve outcomes and reduce costs. Current barriers to use include lack of prescriber knowledge and confidence, negative prescriber attitudes, special monitoring requirements, administrative factors, lack of clozapine on formularies, lack of support and infrastructure to use the medication within many health systems, and inadequate understanding or acknowledgement of clozapine prescribing and risks by policy makers and payers. Approaches using interprofessional models of care, which include pharmacists specializing in psychiatric care, can help meet the needs of patients receiving clozapine. This article lays out the big picture of barriers to clozapine and how psychiatric pharmacists could play a role in improving access.
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22
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Farooq S, Choudry A, Cohen D, Naeem F, Ayub M. Barriers to using clozapine in treatment-resistant schizophrenia: systematic review. BJPsych Bull 2019; 43:8-16. [PMID: 30261942 PMCID: PMC6327301 DOI: 10.1192/bjb.2018.67] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2018] [Revised: 06/05/2018] [Accepted: 07/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims and methodTo systematically review the literature on barriers to the use of clozapine and identify any interventions for optimizing clozapine use in treatment-resistant schizophrenia. Journal databases were searched from 1972 to March 2018. The following search terms were used: treatment-resistant schizophrenia, clozapine, barriers, use, prescription rates, implementation, clozaril and prescribing practices. Following a review of the literature, 15 papers were included in the review. RESULTS: The major barriers that were identified included mandatory blood testing, fear of serious side-effects and lack of adherence by the patients, difficulty in identifying suitable patients, service fragmentation, and inadequate training in or exposure to using clozapine.Clinical implicationsIn view of consistent evidence across the studies on inadequate knowledge and skills as a significant barrier, we suggest that a certification requiring competence in initiating and managing side-effects of clozapine becomes a mandatory requirement in training programmes.Declarations of interestNone.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Abid Choudry
- Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, UK
| | - Dan Cohen
- Mental Health Organization North-Holland North Heerhugowaard, The Netherlands
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23
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Verdoux H, Quiles C, Bachmann CJ, Siskind D. Prescriber and institutional barriers and facilitators of clozapine use: A systematic review. Schizophr Res 2018; 201:10-19. [PMID: 29880453 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2018.05.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2018] [Revised: 05/29/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As clozapine is under-prescribed in persons with treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS), it is necessary to better identify the determinants of health inequalities in access to clozapine use. OBJECTIVE To identify mental health professionals' characteristics or attitudes and institutional characteristics facilitating or limiting clozapine prescribing. METHOD We systematically searched multiple electronic databases for articles reporting: (i) mental health professionals' attitudes and characteristics favoring or limiting clozapine prescribing; (ii) institutional characteristics associated with variations in clozapine prescribing; (iii) interventions aimed at enhancing clozapine prescribing. Data were synthesized narratively. RESULTS A total of 31 articles reporting findings of 29 studies published from 1993 to 2017 in 11 countries fulfilled our inclusion criteria. The main prescriber-related barriers to clozapine prescribing are lack of personal prescribing experience and concern with pharmacological characteristics of clozapine (blood monitoring and adverse effects). Lack of knowledge about the effectiveness of clozapine does not appear as a major determinant of under-prescription. Institutional-related characteristics favoring clozapine prescribing are prescribers' adherence to evidence-based medicine principles and learning by modelling from experienced clozapine prescribers. CONCLUSION Effective strategies to increase access to clozapine in persons with TRS include implementation of integrated clozapine clinics, simplification of blood monitoring, education for prescribers and contact with experienced prescribers. Programs addressing barriers in clozapine prescription need to be disseminated more broadly to ensure persons with TRS have access to evidenced based treatments such as clozapine. Inequality in access to clozapine care should be more systematically handled by mental health facilities and health regulatory agencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hélène Verdoux
- Univ. Bordeaux, Inserm, Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, Team Pharmacoepidemiology, UMR 1219, F-33000 Bordeaux, France; Centre Hospitalier Charles Perrens, F-33000 Bordeaux, France.
| | - Clélia Quiles
- Centre Hospitalier Charles Perrens, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Christian J Bachmann
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, LVR-Klinikum Düsseldorf/Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Dan Siskind
- School of Medicine, University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Qld, Australia; Metro South Addiction and Mental Health Service, Woolloongabba, Qld, Australia
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John AP, Ko EKF, Dominic A. Delayed Initiation of Clozapine Continues to Be a Substantial Clinical Concern. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY. REVUE CANADIENNE DE PSYCHIATRIE 2018; 63:526-531. [PMID: 29682998 PMCID: PMC6099752 DOI: 10.1177/0706743718772522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Arun Dominic
- 3 Rockingham General Hospital, Perth, WA, Australia
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25
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De Berardis D, Rapini G, Olivieri L, Di Nicola D, Tomasetti C, Valchera A, Fornaro M, Di Fabio F, Perna G, Di Nicola M, Serafini G, Carano A, Pompili M, Vellante F, Orsolini L, Martinotti G, Di Giannantonio M. Safety of antipsychotics for the treatment of schizophrenia: a focus on the adverse effects of clozapine. Ther Adv Drug Saf 2018; 9:237-256. [PMID: 29796248 PMCID: PMC5956953 DOI: 10.1177/2042098618756261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Clozapine, a dibenzodiazepine developed in 1961, is a multireceptorial atypical antipsychotic approved for the treatment of resistant schizophrenia. Since its introduction, it has remained the drug of choice in treatment-resistant schizophrenia, despite a wide range of adverse effects, as it is a very effective drug in everyday clinical practice. However, clozapine is not considered as a top-of-the-line treatment because it may often be difficult for some patients to tolerate as some adverse effects can be particularly bothersome (i.e. sedation, weight gain, sialorrhea etc.) and it has some other potentially dangerous and life-threatening side effects (i.e. myocarditis, seizures, agranulocytosis or granulocytopenia, gastrointestinal hypomotility etc.). As poor treatment adherence in patients with resistant schizophrenia may increase the risk of a psychotic relapse, which may further lead to impaired social and cognitive functioning, psychiatric hospitalizations and increased treatment costs, clozapine adverse effects are a common reason for discontinuing this medication. Therefore, every effort should be made to monitor and minimize these adverse effects in order to improve their early detection and management. The aim of this paper is to briefly summarize and provide an update on major clozapine adverse effects, especially focusing on those that are severe and potentially life threatening, even if most of the latter are relatively uncommon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico De Berardis
- National Health Service, Department of Mental Health, Psychiatric Service of Diagnosis and Treatment, ‘G. Mazzini’ Hospital, p.zza Italia 1, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Gabriella Rapini
- National Health Service, Department of Mental Health, Psychiatric Service of Diagnosis and Treatment, ‘G. Mazzini’ Hospital, Teramo, Italy
| | - Luigi Olivieri
- National Health Service, Department of Mental Health, Psychiatric Service of Diagnosis and Treatment, ‘G. Mazzini’ Hospital, Teramo, Italy
| | - Domenico Di Nicola
- National Health Service, Department of Mental Health, Psychiatric Service of Diagnosis and Treatment, ‘G. Mazzini’ Hospital, Teramo, Italy
| | - Carmine Tomasetti
- Polyedra Research Group, Teramo, Italy Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, School of Medicine ‘Federico II’ Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandro Valchera
- Polyedra Research Group, Teramo, Italy Villa S. Giuseppe Hospital, Hermanas Hospitalarias, Ascoli Piceno, Italy
| | - Michele Fornaro
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, School of Medicine ‘Federico II’ Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Fabio Di Fabio
- Polyedra Research Group, Teramo, Italy Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giampaolo Perna
- Hermanas Hospitalarias, FoRiPsi, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Villa San Benedetto Menni, Albese con Cassano, Como, Italy Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, University of Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Leonard Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Marco Di Nicola
- Institute of Psychiatry and Psychology, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianluca Serafini
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Alessandro Carano
- National Health Service, Department of Mental Health, Psychiatric Service of Diagnosis and Treatment, Hospital ‘Madonna Del Soccorso’, San Benedetto del Tronto, Italy
| | - Maurizio Pompili
- Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs, Suicide Prevention Center, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Vellante
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Science, Chair of Psychiatry, University ‘G. D’Annunzio’, Chieti, Italy
| | - Laura Orsolini
- Polyedra Research Group, Teramo, Italy Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, Herts, UK
| | - Giovanni Martinotti
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Science, Chair of Psychiatry, University ‘G. D’Annunzio’, Chieti, Italy
| | - Massimo Di Giannantonio
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Science, Chair of Psychiatry, University ‘G. D’Annunzio’, Chieti, Italy
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Niehues GD, Balan AB, Prá VB, Pellizzaro RS, da Silva PRA, Niehues MD, Costa AP, Schwarzbold ML, Diaz AP. Trends in the prescription of clozapine in a psychiatric hospital: a 5-year observational study. TRENDS IN PSYCHIATRY AND PSYCHOTHERAPY 2017; 39:158-164. [PMID: 28767928 DOI: 10.1590/2237-6089-2016-0053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2016] [Accepted: 04/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Clozapine is a well-recognized effective treatment for some patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS). Although it has potential benefits and approximately 30% of patients have a clinical indication for clozapine use, prescription rates are low. OBJECTIVE To evaluate clozapine prescription trends over a 5-year period in a tertiary psychiatric hospital. METHODS In this observational study, data prospectively collected by the Medical and Statistical File Service (Serviço de Arquivo Médico e Estatístico) and the Pharmacy Division of Instituto de Psiquiatria de Santa Catarina between January 2010 and December 2014 were summarized and analyzed by investigators blinded to data collection. The number of 100 mg clozapine pills dispensed by the Pharmacy Division to the inpatient units was the outcome and considered a proxy measure of clozapine prescriptions. The number of occupied inpatient unit beds and the number of patients admitted with F20-F29 (ICD-10) diagnoses during the study period were considered to be possible confounders. RESULTS A multiple linear regression model showed that time in months was independently associated with an increase in the number of clozapine pills dispensed by the Pharmacy Division (β coefficient = 15.82; 95% confidence interval 10.88-20.75). CONCLUSION Clozapine prescriptions were found to have increased during the 5-year period studied, a trend that is opposite to reports from several other countries.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Vinicius Brum Prá
- Instituto de Psiquiatria de Santa Catarina (IPQ/SC), São José, SC, Brazil
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27
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Bachmann CJ, Aagaard L, Bernardo M, Brandt L, Cartabia M, Clavenna A, Coma Fusté A, Furu K, Garuoliené K, Hoffmann F, Hollingworth S, Huybrechts KF, Kalverdijk LJ, Kawakami K, Kieler H, Kinoshita T, López SC, Machado-Alba JE, Machado-Duque ME, Mahesri M, Nishtala PS, Piovani D, Reutfors J, Saastamoinen LK, Sato I, Schuiling-Veninga CCM, Shyu YC, Siskind D, Skurtveit S, Verdoux H, Wang LJ, Zara Yahni C, Zoëga H, Taylor D. International trends in clozapine use: a study in 17 countries. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2017; 136:37-51. [PMID: 28502099 DOI: 10.1111/acps.12742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE There is some evidence that clozapine is significantly underutilised. Also, clozapine use is thought to vary by country, but so far no international study has assessed trends in clozapine prescribing. Therefore, this study aimed to assess clozapine use trends on an international scale, using standardised criteria for data analysis. METHOD A repeated cross-sectional design was applied to data extracts (2005-2014) from 17 countries worldwide. RESULTS In 2014, overall clozapine use prevalence was greatest in Finland (189.2/100 000 persons) and in New Zealand (116.3/100 000), and lowest in the Japanese cohort (0.6/100 000), and in the privately insured US cohort (14.0/100 000). From 2005 to 2014, clozapine use increased in almost all studied countries (relative increase: 7.8-197.2%). In most countries, clozapine use was highest in 40-59-year-olds (range: 0.6/100 000 (Japan) to 344.8/100 000 (Finland)). In youths (10-19 years), clozapine use was highest in Finland (24.7/100 000) and in the publicly insured US cohort (15.5/100 000). CONCLUSION While clozapine use has increased in most studied countries over recent years, clozapine is still underutilised in many countries, with clozapine utilisation patterns differing significantly between countries. Future research should address the implementation of interventions designed to facilitate increased clozapine utilisation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - L Aagaard
- Life Science Team, Bech-Bruun Law Firm, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - M Bernardo
- Barcelona Clinic Schizophrenia Unit, Neuroscience Institute, and Hospital Clínic, Department of Medicine, Barcelona University, and Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Barcelona, Spain
| | - L Brandt
- Centre for Pharmacoepidemiology, Department of Medicine, Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - M Cartabia
- Pharmacoepidemiology Unit, Department of Public Health, IRCCS Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche 'Mario Negri', Milan, Italy
| | - A Clavenna
- Pharmacoepidemiology Unit, Department of Public Health, IRCCS Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche 'Mario Negri', Milan, Italy
| | - A Coma Fusté
- Pharmacy Department of Barcelona Health Region, Catalan Health Service (CatSalut), Barcelona, Spain
| | - K Furu
- Division of Mental and Physical Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - K Garuoliené
- Medicines Reimbursement Department, National Health Insurance Fund of the Republic of Lithuania, Vilnius, Lithuania.,Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pathology, Forensic Medicine and Pharmacology, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - F Hoffmann
- Department of Health Services Research, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - S Hollingworth
- School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Qld, Australia
| | - K F Huybrechts
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - L J Kalverdijk
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Psychiatry, the Netherlands
| | - K Kawakami
- Department of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Research Management, Graduate School of Medicine and Public Health, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - H Kieler
- Centre for Pharmacoepidemiology, Department of Medicine, Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - T Kinoshita
- Department of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Research Management, Graduate School of Medicine and Public Health, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - S C López
- Grupo de Investigación en Farmacoepidemiología y Farmacovigilancia, Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira - Audifarma S.A., Pereira, Colombia
| | - J E Machado-Alba
- Grupo de Investigación en Farmacoepidemiología y Farmacovigilancia, Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira - Audifarma S.A., Pereira, Colombia
| | - M E Machado-Duque
- Grupo de Investigación en Farmacoepidemiología y Farmacovigilancia, Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira - Audifarma S.A., Pereira, Colombia
| | - M Mahesri
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - P S Nishtala
- New Zealand's National School of Pharmacy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - D Piovani
- Pharmacoepidemiology Unit, Department of Public Health, IRCCS Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche 'Mario Negri', Milan, Italy
| | - J Reutfors
- Centre for Pharmacoepidemiology, Department of Medicine, Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - L K Saastamoinen
- Kela Research, The Social Insurance Institution, Helsinki, Finland
| | - I Sato
- Department of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Research Management, Graduate School of Medicine and Public Health, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - C C M Schuiling-Veninga
- Unit of Pharmacotherapy, -Epidemiology and -Economics, Department of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Y-C Shyu
- Community Medicine Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung, Taiwan.,Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Qld, Taiwan.,Department of Nutrition, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Kwei-Shan, Taiwan
| | - D Siskind
- School of Medicine, University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Qld, Australia
| | - S Skurtveit
- Division of Mental and Physical Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - H Verdoux
- University Bordeaux, INSERM, Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, team Pharmaco-epidemiology, UMR 1219, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - L-J Wang
- Department of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - C Zara Yahni
- Pharmacy Department of Barcelona Health Region, Catalan Health Service (CatSalut), Barcelona, Spain
| | - H Zoëga
- Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, INSERM, Univ. Bordeaux, team Pharmaco-epidemiology, UMR 1219, Bordeaux, France
| | - D Taylor
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.,Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
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28
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Remington G, Lee J, Agid O, Takeuchi H, Foussias G, Hahn M, Fervaha G, Burton L, Powell V. Clozapine’s critical role in treatment resistant schizophrenia: ensuring both safety and use. Expert Opin Drug Saf 2016; 15:1193-203. [DOI: 10.1080/14740338.2016.1191468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- G. Remington
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - J. Lee
- Department of General Psychiatry 1, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - O. Agid
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - H. Takeuchi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - G. Foussias
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - M. Hahn
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - G. Fervaha
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - L. Burton
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - V. Powell
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, ON, Canada
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