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Gray JC, Murphy M, Carter SE, Johnson MW, Wolfgang AS, Roy MJ, Maples-Keller JL. Beliefs and Perceived Barriers Regarding Psychedelic-assisted Therapy in a Pilot Study of Service Members and Veterans With a History of Traumatic Brain Injury. Mil Med 2023; 188:e3356-e3362. [PMID: 36564939 PMCID: PMC10629986 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usac400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression are common in service members and veterans, and the response to currently available treatments is often modest at best. Recent studies suggest potential benefit with psychedelic-assisted therapies (PATs), particularly 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine-assisted therapy for PTSD and psilocybin-assisted therapy for depression. This study examined beliefs and perceived barriers regarding PAT among service members and veterans to inform the delivery of these treatments if they are approved by the FDA. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty-one service members and veterans (67% male, 81% White, and 43% active duty) with a history of traumatic brain injury and co-occurring cognitive and psychological symptoms completed a measure assessing baseline knowledge and views of PAT, read a brief psychoeducation regarding PAT, and then responded to questions related to their beliefs and perceived barriers to PAT. RESULTS Before psychoeducation, participants reported a neutral view of psychedelic drugs (M = 2.76; range: 1-5), PAT (M = 3.33), and interest in PAT (M = 3.10). After psychoeducation, participants reported a significantly more positive view of psychedelic drugs (M = 3.24, P = .014) and interest in PAT (M = 3.67, P = .016). Overall, participants indicated that they would support PAT availability in medical settings if proven beneficial (M = 4.52; 5 = "agree strongly") and they would support a loved one engaging in PAT (M = 4.29). The most frequently reported health concerns were concern of long-term effects (43%), fear of losing their mind (33%), fear of personality changes (33%), and fear of traumatic brain injury complications (24%). The most frequently endorsed barriers were time commitment, transportation, financial concerns, work, and childcare (33%-19%), with 48% reporting no barriers. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to explore beliefs and perceived barriers regarding PAT among service members and veterans. These results indicate that military populations may be interested in PAT, particularly if psychoeducation and outreach regarding these treatments occurred. If FDA approved, it will be important to facilitate command support and address logistical barriers to ensure appropriate access within military contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua C Gray
- Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Mikela Murphy
- Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Sierra E Carter
- Department of Psychology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
| | - Matthew W Johnson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Aaron S Wolfgang
- U.S. Army Medical Department, Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Michael J Roy
- Department of Medicine and Center for Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Jessica L Maples-Keller
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
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Breeksema JJ, Niemeijer A, Kuin B, Veraart J, Vermetten E, Kamphuis J, van den Brink W, Schoevers R. Phenomenology and therapeutic potential of patient experiences during oral esketamine treatment for treatment-resistant depression: an interpretative phenomenological study. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2023:10.1007/s00213-023-06388-6. [PMID: 37222753 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-023-06388-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ketamine and its enantiomers are widely researched and increasingly used to treat mental disorders, especially treatment-resistant depression. The phenomenology of ketamine-induced experiences and their relation to its psychotherapeutic potential have not yet been systematically investigated. AIMS To describe the phenomenology of patient experiences during oral esketamine treatment for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and to explore the potential therapeutic relevance of these experiences. METHODS In-depth interviews were conducted with 17 patients after a 6-week, twice-weekly 'off label' generic oral esketamine (0.5-3.0mg/kg) treatment program. Interviews explored participants' perspectives, expectations, and experiences with oral esketamine treatment. Audio interviews were transcribed and analyzed using an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) framework. RESULTS The effects of ketamine were highly variable, and psychological distress was common in most patients. Key themes included (a) perceptual effects (auditory, visual, proprioceptive), (b) detachment (from body, self, emotions, and the world), (c) stillness and openness, (d) mystical-type effects (transcendence, relativeness, spirituality), and (e) fear and anxiety. Key themes related to post-session reports included (a) feeling hungover and fatigued, and (b) lifting the blanket: neutralizing mood effects. CONCLUSION Patients reported several esketamine effects with psychotherapeutic potential, such as increased openness, detachment, an interruption of negativity, and mystical-type experiences. These experiences deserve to be explored further to enhance treatment outcomes in patients with TRD. Given the frequency and severity of the perceived distress, we identify a need for additional support in all stages of esketamine treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joost J Breeksema
- Department of Psychiatry, Research School of Behavioural and Cognitive Neurosciences (BCN), University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Postbus 30.001, 9700, RB, Groningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Alistair Niemeijer
- Department of Care Ethics, University of Humanistic Studies, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Bouwe Kuin
- Department of Psychiatry, Research School of Behavioural and Cognitive Neurosciences (BCN), University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Postbus 30.001, 9700, RB, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Jolien Veraart
- Department of Psychiatry, Research School of Behavioural and Cognitive Neurosciences (BCN), University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Postbus 30.001, 9700, RB, Groningen, the Netherlands
- PsyQ Haaglanden, Parnassia Psychiatric Institute, The Hague, the Netherlands
| | - Eric Vermetten
- Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Jeanine Kamphuis
- Department of Psychiatry, Research School of Behavioural and Cognitive Neurosciences (BCN), University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Postbus 30.001, 9700, RB, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Wim van den Brink
- Amsterdam UMC, location Department of Psychiatry, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Program Compulsivity, Impulsivity & Attention, Amsterdam Neuroscience Research, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Robert Schoevers
- Department of Psychiatry, Research School of Behavioural and Cognitive Neurosciences (BCN), University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Postbus 30.001, 9700, RB, Groningen, the Netherlands
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Xu S, Ma B, Li J, Su W, Xu T, Zhang M. Europium Nanoparticles-Based Fluorescence Immunochromatographic Detection of Three Abused Drugs in Hair. TOXICS 2023; 11:toxics11050417. [PMID: 37235232 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11050417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Drug abuse is becoming increasingly dangerous nowadays. Morphine (MOP), methamphetamine (MET) and ketamine (KET) are the most commonly abused drugs. The abuse of these drugs without supervision can cause serious harm to the human body and also endanger public safety. Developing a rapid and accurate method to screen drug suspects and thus control these drugs is essential to public safety. This paper presents a method for the simultaneous quantitative detection of these three drugs in hair by a europium nanoparticles-based fluorescence immunochromatographic assay (EuNPs-FIA). In our study, the test area of the nitrocellulose membrane was composed of three equally spaced detection lines and a quality control line. The test strip realized the quantitative analysis of the samples by detecting the fluorescence brightness of the europium nanoparticles captured on the test line within 15 min. For the triple test strip, the limits of detection of MOP, KET and MET were 0.219, 0.079 and 0.329 ng/mL, respectively. At the same time, it also showed strong specificity. The strip was stable and could be stored at room temperature for up to one year, and the average recovery rate was 85.98-115.92%. In addition, the EuNPs-FIA was validated by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis, and a satisfactory consistency was obtained. Compared to the current immunochromatographic methods used for detecting abused drugs in hair, this method not only increased the number of detection targets, but also ensured sensitivity, improving detection efficiency to a certain extent. The approach can also be used as an alternative to chromatography. It provides a rapid and accurate screening method for the detection of abused drugs in hair and has great application prospects in regard to public safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shujuan Xu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Biometrology and Inspection & Quarantine, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Biao Ma
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Biometrology and Inspection & Quarantine, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Jiali Li
- Hangzhou Quickgene Sci-Tech. Co., Ltd., Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Wei Su
- Wenzhou MeiZhong Medical Laboratory, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Tianran Xu
- College of Life Science, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Mingzhou Zhang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Biometrology and Inspection & Quarantine, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou 310018, China
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Lapidos A, Lopez-Vives D, Sera CE, Ahearn E, Vest E, Senic I, Vande Voort JL, Frye M, Goes FS, Achtyes E, Greden J, Parikh SV. Patients' recovery and non-recovery narratives after intravenous ketamine for treatment-resistant depression. J Affect Disord 2023; 323:534-539. [PMID: 36481228 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.11.090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intravenous (IV) ketamine is an effective therapy for treatment-resistant depression. A large data base is confirmatory and steadily expanding. Qualitative studies can inform best practices and suggest new research directions. As part of a clinical trial designed to identify biomarkers of ketamine response, a qualitative study was conducted to characterize experiences with: receiving infusions; recovering or not recovering from depression; and beliefs about why ketamine worked or did not work. METHODS Adults with treatment-resistant depression received three IV ketamine infusions in a two-week period and were characterized as remitters or non-remitters via symptom reduction 24 h after the third infusion. Qualitative interviews of a subset of participants were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and coded using deductive and inductive methods. Themes were derived and compared across a broader construct of recovery status. RESULTS Of the 21 participants, nine (43 %) were characterized as having experienced remission and 12 (57 %) non-remission. Of the 12 non-remitters, five were characterized as having experienced partial recovery based on their subjective experiences, reporting substantial benefit from ketamine infusions despite non-remission status based on scale measurements. Attributions for ketamine's effects included biological and experiential mechanisms. Among non-remitters there was risk of disappointment when adding another failed treatment. LIMITATIONS A more diverse sample may have yielded different themes. Different patients had different amounts of time elapsed between ketamine infusions and qualitative interview. CONCLUSIONS Qualitative methods may enhance researchers' characterization of IV ketamine's impact on treatment-resistant depression. While requiring confirmation, patients may benefit from a preparatory milieu that prepares them for multiple recovery pathways; decouples the psychedelic experience from clinical outcomes; and addresses potential risks of another failed treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrienne Lapidos
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical School, USA.
| | | | - Cortney E Sera
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical School, USA
| | - Elizabeth Ahearn
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical School, USA
| | - Erica Vest
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical School, USA
| | - Ivana Senic
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical School, USA
| | | | - Mark Frye
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, USA
| | - Fernando S Goes
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, USA; Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, USA
| | - Eric Achtyes
- Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services, USA; Division of Psychiatry & Behavioral Medicine, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, USA
| | - John Greden
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical School, USA; Eisenberg Family Depression Center
| | - Sagar V Parikh
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical School, USA; Eisenberg Family Depression Center
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Polhemus A, Simblett S, Dawe-Lane E, Gilpin G, Elliott B, Jilka S, Novak J, Nica R, Temesi G, Wykes T. Health tracking via mobile apps for depression self-management: a qualitative content analysis of user reviews (Preprint). JMIR Hum Factors 2022; 9:e40133. [DOI: 10.2196/40133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Tamman AJF, Anand A, Mathew SJ. A comparison of the safety, feasibility, and tolerability of ECT and ketamine for treatment-resistant depression. Expert Opin Drug Saf 2022; 21:745-759. [PMID: 35253555 DOI: 10.1080/14740338.2022.2049754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) is a problematic and prevalent public health and societal concern. Although electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is the gold standard TRD intervention, the treatment evokes apprehension due to public perceptions, feasibility, and tolerability. Despite significant medical advancements, few medications have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for TRD. In 2019, intranasal esketamine, the S-isomer of racemic ketamine, was approved for TRD, garnering significant excitement about the potential for the drug to act as an alternative treatment to ECT. AREAS COVERED The goal of this narrative review is to compare the safety, efficacy, and tolerability of ketamine and ECT; clarify whether ketamine is a reasonable alternative to ECT; and to facilitate improved treatment assignment for TRD. Empirical quantitative and qualitative studies and national and international guidelines these treatments are reviewed. EXPERT OPINION : The field awaits the results of two ongoing large comparative effectiveness trials of ECT and IV ketamine for TRD, which should help guide clinicians and patients as to the relative risk and benefit of these interventions. Over the next five years we anticipate further innovations in neuromodulation and in drug development which broadly aim to develop more tolerable versions of ECT and ketamine, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda J F Tamman
- Department of Psychology, St. John's University, Queens, NY, USA.,Mood and Anxiety Disorders Program, Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Amit Anand
- Department of Psychiatry, Mass General Brigham, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sanjay J Mathew
- Michael E. Debakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA.,Mood and Anxiety Disorders Program, Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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Grabski M, Waldron J, Freeman TP, van Laar M, Curran HV. Is approving esketamine as an antidepressant for treatment resistant depression associated with recreational use and risk perception of ketamine? Results from a longitudinal and cross-sectional survey in nightlife attendees. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2022; 102:103612. [PMID: 35151083 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2022.103612] [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] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Esketamine was licensed for use in treatment resistant depression by the European Medicines Agency in December 2019. It is unclear whether this new approval has lowered the risk perception of recreational ketamine use. This is important given a recent increase in recreational ketamine use. METHODS This study expanded on an existing longitudinal online study of the nightlife scene, by adding an additional longitudinal assessment as well as a new cross-sectional sample. Participants had to be aged 18-34 years, reside in the UK and have attended at least 6 electronic music events in the past year. The likelihood of increasing recreational ketamine use due to the approval, attitudes towards and risk perception of medical ketamine use and experiences resulting from recreational ketamine use were collected after the approval. Changes in ketamine use and frequency were assessed longitudinally before and after the approval. RESULTS The overall sample size was 2415: 414 longitudinal (57% retention rate) and 2001 new cross-sectional participants. The majority indicated no change in their likelihood of using recreational ketamine due to the approval of esketamine (87%). Longitudinal participants did not indicate an increase in past 12 month use or frequency after the approval. Only one-third of participants reported being aware of the approval. Participants previously aware showed greater overall support for medical use of ketamine than participants previously unaware of the change. However, an equally high risk was assigned to the recreational use of ketamine in both groups. Ketamine users indicated both increases as well as decreases in depression and anxiety as a result of ketamine use. CONCLUSION The introduction of esketamine as an antidepressant was not associated with a change in the risk perception of recreational ketamine use in most participants, nor was it longitudinally associated with increased use. Potential negative effects of recreational ketamine use on mental health, as users in this sample reported, should be clearly communicated when discussing the benefits of (es-) ketamine in a therapeutic context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meryem Grabski
- Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London, WC1E 7HB, United Kingdom.
| | - Jon Waldron
- Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London, WC1E 7HB, United Kingdom
| | - Tom P Freeman
- Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London, WC1E 7HB, United Kingdom; Addiction and Mental Health Group (AIM), Department of Psychology, University of Bath, 10 West, Claverton Down, Bath, BA2 7AY, United Kingdom
| | - Margriet van Laar
- Trimbos Institute, The Netherlands Institute of Mental Health and Addiction, Da Costakade 45, 3521VS, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - H Valerie Curran
- Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London, WC1E 7HB, United Kingdom
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Breeksema JJ, Niemeijer A, Kuin B, Veraart J, Kamphuis J, Schimmel N, van den Brink W, Vermetten E, Schoevers R. Holding on or letting go? Patient experiences of control, context, and care in oral esketamine treatment for treatment-resistant depression: A qualitative study. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:948115. [PMID: 36506427 PMCID: PMC9732097 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.948115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ketamine and its enantiomer esketamine represent promising new treatments for treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Esketamine induces acute, transient psychoactive effects. How patients perceive esketamine treatment, and which conditions facilitate optimal outcomes, remains poorly understood. Understanding patient perspectives on these phenomena is important to identify unmet needs, which can be used to improve (es)ketamine treatments. AIMS To explore the perspectives of TRD patients participating in "off label" oral esketamine treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS In-depth interviews were conducted with 17 patients (11 women) after a six-week, twice-weekly esketamine treatment program, and subsequently after six months of at-home use. Interviews explored participants' perspectives, expectations, and experiences with esketamine treatment. Audio interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed following an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) framework. RESULTS Key themes included overwhelming experiences; inadequate preparation; letting go of control; mood states influencing session experiences; presence and emotional support, and supportive settings. Patients' attempts to let go and give into vs. attempts to maintain control over occasionally overwhelming experiences was a central theme. Multiple factors influenced patients' ability to give into the experience and appeared to impact their mood and anxiety about future sessions, including level of preparation and education, physical and emotional support, and setting during the session. CONCLUSION Better preparation beforehand, an optimized treatment setting, and emotional and psychological support during (es)ketamine sessions can help patients to "let go" and may lead to better quality of care and outcomes. Recommendations to improve quality of patient care in (es)ketamine treatment are provided, including suggestions for the training of nurses and other support staff.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joost J Breeksema
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands.,Research School of Behavioural and Cognitive Neurosciences (BCN), University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands.,Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Alistair Niemeijer
- Department of Care Ethics, University of Humanistic Studies, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Bouwe Kuin
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Jolien Veraart
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands.,PsyQ Haaglanden, Parnassia Psychiatric Institute, The Hague, Netherlands
| | - Jeanine Kamphuis
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Nina Schimmel
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Wim van den Brink
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam UMC Locatie AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Amsterdam Neuroscience, Research Program Compulsivity, Impulsivity & Attention, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Eric Vermetten
- Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Robert Schoevers
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands.,Research School of Behavioural and Cognitive Neurosciences (BCN), University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
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