Effectiveness of lithium in children and adolescents with conduct disorder: a retrospective naturalistic study

Why Do They Do It? The Psychology Behind Antisocial Behavior in Children and Adolescents

Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) is a complex and often debilitating condition that can emerge from early behavioral disturbances in childhood and adolescence. This narrative review provides a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of ASPD in pediatric and adolescent populations, examining key diagnostic challenges, developmental trajectories, and emerging treatment approaches. Recent research underscores the critical role of the early identification of conduct disorder (CD) and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) as precursors to ASPD. Specific attention is given to biological, environmental, and psychosocial risk factors, including genetic predispositions, family dynamics, and socio-economic adversity. Additionally, neuro-psychological research highlights deficits in executive function, emotion regulation, and social cognition, which may underline the persistent antisocial patterns. Neuroimaging studies suggest atypical neural activity in regions associated with empathy, reward processing, and impulse control. Effective intervention remains a challenge, as treatment options are limited and often complicated by co-occurring conditions, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and mood disorders. Promising evidence supports the efficacy of integrative, multimodal approaches combining behavioral therapy, family interventions, and pharmacotherapy to reduce symptom severity and improve long-term outcomes. The review concludes by advocating for a public health approach that emphasizes prevention and early intervention, aiming to mitigate the progression to full ASPD in adulthood.

Extended-Release Lithium Sulfate in Adolescents with Bipolar Disorder: Results from a Longitudinal Prospective Cohort Study

Objectives: Bipolar disorder (BD) in adolescence often associates with risky conducts, nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI), and suicidal ideation. Lithium salts represent the first-line choice for BD in youth to manage manic symptoms and prevent both manic and depressive relapses. Our study aimed to assess efficacy and tolerability of extended-release lithium sulfate (ERLS) in youths with BD. Methods: A longitudinal perspective intervention study was thus conducted on a single cohort of 36 patients with BD aged 12-17 years treated with ERLS and followed up for 1 year. ERLS was titrated up to reach optimal plasma concentrations during the 3 months before baseline visit (T0). Then, patients underwent five follow-up visits after 1, 2, 3, 5, and 11 months and were administered with a battery of self- and parent-rated questionnaires and interviews to evaluate, at each timepoint, ERLS-related side effects, manic and depressive symptoms, emotional dysregulation (ED), NSSI and suicidality, and aggressiveness. Regular clinical assessments were also conducted, as well as blood tests, urinalysis, and EKG. Regression models were applied to examine the time course of outcome variables. Results: Twenty-four patients completed the follow-up. Regressions showed a significant reduction of most dependent variables included in the models, including depressive symptoms (β = -0.0006; adj-p = 0.0007), aggressiveness (β = -0.0031; adj-p < 0.0001), ED (β = -0.0002; adj-p = 0.0497), and unstructured suicidal ideation (β = -0.0058; adj-p = 0.0340). Fine distal tremor, increased thirst, and diuresis were among the most frequently reported side effects. Conclusions: Findings from the present study support the use of ERLS as an effective and well-tolerated agent for the management of BD in youth, with a beneficial effect on associated severe symptoms, including NSSI and suicidality.

Extended-Release Lithium Treatment for Adolescents with Bipolar Disorder with or Without Comorbid Autism Spectrum Disorder: Protocol of a Longitudinal Prospective Naturalistic Study for the Assessment of Efficacy and Tolerability

Background: Lithium is the gold-standard treatment for Bipolar Disorder (BD) in both adults and adolescents, effectively managing mood episodes and reducing suicide risk. While its efficacy in neurotypical youth is well established, its use in adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and comorbid BD remains under-researched. Here, we present the protocol for a study aiming to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of Extended-Release Lithium Salts in treating adolescents with BD and comorbid ASD compared to neurotypical BD patients. Methods: This longitudinal prospective naturalistic comparative study will enroll lithium-naïve adolescents aged 12-18 with BD, with or without comorbid ASD, from the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychopharmacology. Participants will be followed for six months while receiving Extended-Release Lithium Salts treatment. Primary outcomes will include mood instability, suicidality, emotional dysregulation, and aggression, assessed through a range of clinical rating scales and diagnostic tools at baseline, three months, and six months. Secondary outcomes will focus on the safety and tolerability of Extended-Release Lithium Salts, with measures including side effect ratings, physical exams, and laboratory tests. Results: We hypothesize that Extended-Release Lithium Salts will demonstrate non-inferiority in treating BD symptoms in adolescents with comorbid ASD compared to those without ASD. Conclusions: This study is poised to fill a significant gap in the literature by providing critical data on the use of lithium for adolescents with BD and ASD. Findings will inform clinical practice and future research, potentially guiding more personalized treatment approaches for this complex and vulnerable population.

Contemporary diagnosis and treatment of conduct disorder in youth

INTRODUCTION

Conduct disorder (CD) is characterized by repetitive and persistent antisocial behaviors, being among the most frequently reported reasons of referral in youth. CD is a highly heterogeneous disorder, with possible specifiers defined according to age at onset, Limited Prosocial Emotions (LPE) otherwise known as Callous-Unemotional (CU) traits, Emotional Dysregulation (ED), and patterns of comorbidity, each with its own specific developmental trajectories.

AREAS COVERED

The authors review the evidence from published literature on the clinical presentations, diagnostic procedures, psychotherapeutic and psychoeducational approaches, and pharmacological interventions from RCT and naturalistic studies in youth. Evidence from studies including youths with LPE/CU traits, ED and aggression are also reviewed, as response moderators.

EXPERT OPINION

Due to its clinical heterogeneity, relevant subtypes of CD should be carefully characterized to gain reliable information on prognosis and treatments. Thus, disentangling this broad category in subtypes is crucial as a first step in diagnosis. Psychosocial interventions are the first option, possibly improving LPE/CU traits and ED, especially if implemented early during development. Instead, limited information, based on low-quality studies, supports pharmacological options. Second-generation antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, and stimulants are first-line medications, according to different target symptoms, such as aggression and emotional reactivity. Developmental pathways including ADHD suggest a specific role of psychostimulants.

Pharmacological strategies for the management of the antisocial personality disorder

INTRODUCTION

Antisocial personality disorder (AsPD) is a pervasive pattern of violation of others' rights, related to the concept of psychopathy. AsPD is stable over time from adolescence, with evidence of conduct disorder (CD) before 15 years. DSM-5 included a specifier 'with limited prosocial emotions' (LPE), which characterizes adolescents with higher developmental vulnerability to develop AsPD. Despite being relatively frequent with considerable societal impact, AsPD is a difficult-to-treat condition with high comorbidity rates and poor evidence for effective pharmacological interventions.

AREAS COVERED

We conducted a narrative review and searched PubMed up to September 2022. We included RCTs and naturalistic studies evaluating pharmacological interventions on AsPD in adults, including those with comorbid substance use disorder or psychopathic traits. Evidence in youths with CD, callous-unemotional (CU) traits and aggression were also reviewed, exploring the role of CU traits as moderators of response.

EXPERT OPINION

Psychosocial interventions are the first option, with possible improvement of CU traits, beyond behavioral and affective symptoms, particularly if implemented early during development. Limited information, based on low-quality studies, supports the pharmacological options. Second-generation antipsychotics, lithium, anti-epileptic drugs, and stimulants are first-line medications, according to different target symptoms. Developmental pathways including ADHD suggest a specific role of psychostimulants.

Use of Lithium in Pediatric Bipolar Disorders and Externalizing Childhood- related Disorders: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

BACKGROUND

Lithium is the standard treatment for bipolar disorders (BD) in adults. There is a dearth of data on its use in the pediatric age. This review aimed to investigate the use of lithium in pediatric bipolar disorder (BD) and other externalizing childhood-related disorders.

METHODS

We applied the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses criteria (PRISMA) to identify randomized controlled trials evaluating the use of lithium in pediatric (BD), conduct disorder (CD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, and disruptive mood dysregulation disorder. The primary outcome of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of lithium compared to a placebo or other pharmacological agents. The secondary outcomes were acceptability and tolerability.

RESULTS

Twelve studies were eligible, 8 on BD and 4 on CD. Overall, 857 patients were treated with lithium. No studies for externalizing disorder diagnoses were identified. Regarding BD patients (n = 673), efficacy results suggested that lithium was superior to placebo in manic/mixed episodes but inferior to antipsychotics. Lithium efficacy ranged from 32% to 82.4%. Results on maintenance need to be expanded. Comorbidity rates with other externalizing disorders were extremely high, up to 98.6%. Results in CD patients (n= 184) suggested the efficacy of lithium, especially for aggressive behaviors. No severe adverse events directly related to lithium were reported in BD and CD; common side effects were similar to adults.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review supports the use of lithium in BD and CD as an efficacious and generally well-tolerated treatment in the pediatric age. However, evidence is limited due to the paucity of available data.

Comorbidities in Youth with Bipolar Disorder: Clinical Features and Pharmacological Management

BACKGROUND

Bipolar Disorder (BD) is a highly comorbid condition, and rates of cooccurring disorders are even higher in youth. Comorbid disorders strongly affect clinical presentation, natural course, prognosis, and treatment.

METHODS

This review focuses on the clinical and treatment implications of the comorbidity between BD and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, disruptive behavior disorders (Oppositional Defiant Disorder and/or Conduct Disorder), alcohol and substance use disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorder, anxiety disorders, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, and eating disorders.

RESULTS

These associations define specific conditions which are not simply a sum of different clinical pictures, but occur as distinct and complex combinations with specific developmental pathways over time and selective therapeutic requirements. Pharmacological treatments can improve these clinical pictures by addressing the comorbid conditions, though the same treatments may also worsen BD by inducing manic or depressive switches.

CONCLUSION

The timely identification of BD comorbidities may have relevant clinical implications in terms of symptomatology, course, treatment and outcome. Specific studies addressing the pharmacological management of BD and comorbidities are still scarce, and information is particularly lacking in children and adolescents; for this reason, the present review also included studies conducted on adult samples. Developmentally-sensitive controlled clinical trials are thus warranted to improve the prognosis of these highly complex patients, requiring timely and finely personalized therapies.

Updates in Pharmacologic Strategies for Emotional Dysregulation in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Emotional dysregulation (ED) manifesting as irritability or aggression produces appreciable impairment in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and a main reason why they present for treatment. Central nervous system (CNS) stimulants seem to be a safe and tolerable treatment of most youth with these presentations. Optimization of CNS stimulants dose in combination with psychosocial interventions led to reductions in ED. Randomized controlled trials support that addition of risperidone further reduces aggression when these treatments are not sufficient. There is evidence for the efficacy of divalproex, molindone and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor improve these outcomes when used as adjunct to CNS stimulants.

Long-Term Effects of Lithium Use on Children and Adolescents: A Retrospective Study from Turkey

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term effects of lithium treatment on white blood cell (WBC) count, serum creatinine, and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels in children and adolescents with bipolar disorder (BD) and non-BD in a Turkish children and adolescent sample. Methods: The study is based on retrospective chart review. Children and adolescent patients with BD and non-BD prescribed lithium in a mental health and neurological disorders hospital between 2012 and 2017 were included in the study. Data were collected from the electronic medical files. Laboratory values for WBC count, serum creatinine, and TSH levels at baseline within the week before the onset of lithium, and at 1st, 3rd, 6^th, and 12th month of treatment were recorded. Results: A total of 143 patients (82 females, 61 males; 100 BD, 43 non-BD) aged 9-18 were included. Non-BD diagnoses were psychotic and schizoaffective disorders, unipolar depression, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, conduct disorder, severe mood dysregulation syndrome, borderline personality disorder, and autism. Mean age of the participants were 15.90 ± 1.16 years for the bipolar group and 14.88 ± 1.79 years for the nonbipolar group. Patients with BD reported more adverse effects. There was a statistically significant increase in WBC counts and TSH levels at any time point. A statistically significant elevation in serum creatinine was found at 3rd and 12th month of treatment. During the course of lithium treatment, WBC counts exceeded 13,000 in 14 (9.8%) patients, and TSH levels exceeded 5.5 mU/L in 41 patients (28.6%). Twenty-one (14.68%) patients were started on thyroxin replacement. Basal TSH levels and duration of the lithium treatment were higher in the participants with TSH levels exceeding 5.5 mU/L. Lithium maximum dose, lithium blood level, basal TSH level, and duration of treatment were higher in the participants receiving thyroxin replacement. No patients had serum creatinine levels exceeding the normal reference values. Conclusion: Our study suggests that lithium is a generally safe and tolerable agent for children and adolescents with BD and non-BD; however, close monitoring of thyroid functions particularly in patients with a higher basal TSH level and longer duration of lithium use is important.

Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3 Inhibitors: Preclinical and Clinical Focus on CNS-A Decade Onward

The protein kinase, GSK-3, participates in diverse biological processes and is now recognized a promising drug discovery target in treating multiple pathological conditions. Over the last decade, a range of newly developed GSK-3 inhibitors of diverse chemotypes and inhibition modes has been developed. Even more conspicuous is the dramatic increase in the indications that were tested from mood and behavior disorders, autism and cognitive disabilities, to neurodegeneration, brain injury and pain. Indeed, clinical and pre-clinical studies were largely expanded uncovering new mechanisms and novel insights into the contribution of GSK-3 to neurodegeneration and central nerve system (CNS)-related disorders. In this review we summarize new developments in the field and describe the use of GSK-3 inhibitors in the variety of CNS disorders. This remarkable volume of information being generated undoubtedly reflects the great interest, as well as the intense hope, in developing potent and safe GSK-3 inhibitors in clinical practice.

Cold-Blooded and on Purpose: A Review of the Biology of Proactive Aggression

Proactive aggression (PA) is a planned and unprovoked form of aggression that is most often enacted for personal gain or in anticipation of a reward. Frequently described as "cold-blooded" or goal oriented, PA is thought to be associated with low autonomic arousal. With this view in mind, we performed a scoping review of the biological correlates of PA and identified 74 relevant articles. Physiological findings indicated a robust association between PA and reduced resting heart rate, and to a lesser extent a relationship between PA and decreased heart rate and skin conductance reactivity, perhaps indicating dampened sympathetic function. The twin literature identified PA as a heritable trait, but little evidence implicates specific genes in the pathogenesis of PA. Neuroimaging studies of PA pinpoint impaired amygdala function in the assessment and conditioning of aversive stimuli, which may influence the establishment of behavioral patterns. Nodes of the default mode network were identified as possible neural correlates of PA, suggesting that altered function of this network may be involved in the genesis of PA. Given the overlap of PA with reactive aggression and the overall behavioral complexity of PA, it is clear that multiple endophenotypes of PA exist. This comprehensive review surveys the most salient neurobiologically informed research on PA.

Putative Mechanisms of Action and Clinical Use of Lithium in Children and Adolescents: A Critical Review

Background:

Lithium is a first-line treatment for bipolar disorder in adults, but its mechanism of action is still far from clear. Furthermore, evidences of its use in pediatric populations are sparse, not only for bipolar disorders, but also for other possible indications.

Objectives:

To provide a synthesis of published data on the possible mechanisms of action of lithium, as well as on its use in pediatric samples, including pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety data.

Methods:

Clinical trials in pediatric samples with at least one standardized measure of efficacy/effectiveness were included in this review. We considered: i) randomized and open label trials, ii) combination studies iii) augmentation studies iv) case series including at least 5 patients.

Results:

Different and non-alternative mechanisms of action can explain the clinical efficacy of lithium. Clinical studies in pediatric samples suggest that lithium is effective in managing manic symptoms/episodes of bipolar disorder, both in the acute phase and as maintenance strategy. Efficacy on depressive symptoms/phases of bipolar disorder is much less clear, while studies do not support its use in unipolar depression and severe mood dysregulation. Conversely, it may be effective on aggression in the context of conduct disorder. Other possible indications, with limited published evidence, are the acute attacks in Kleine-Levin syndrome, behavioral symptoms of X-fragile syndrome, and the management of clozapine- or chemotherapy- induced neutropenia. Generally, lithium resulted relatively safe.

Conclusions:

Lithium seems an effective and well-tolerated medication in pediatric bipolar disorder and aggression, while further evidences are needed for other clinical indications.

Psychotropic Treatment Pattern in Medicaid Pediatric Patients With Concomitant ADHD and ODD/CD

OBJECTIVE

To describe psychotropic treatment pattern and evaluate the association of socio-demographic factors and psychotropic combination therapy in children with ADHD and oppositional defiant disorder/conduct disorder (ODD/CD).

METHOD

This is a cross-sectional drug utilization study based on Medicaid fee-for-service programs in 26 U.S. states (1999-2006). Children aged 4 to 18 with concomitant ADHD and ODD/CD were included. We calculated the prevalence of psychotropic drugs and used logistic regression to evaluate the role of socio-demographic factors in psychotropic combination therapy.

RESULTS

We identified 121,740 children with ADHD and ODD/CD (140,777 person-years). The period prevalence of "no psychotropic therapy," psychotropic monotherapy, and psychotropic dual therapy was 38.1%, 44.7%, and 9.0%, respectively. The most common drug class was stimulants. Whites, males, and children in foster care were more likely to use psychotropic combination therapy. State-level variation was observed.

CONCLUSION

"No psychotropic therapy" and stimulants dominate treatment choices in children with ADHD and ODD/CD. Socio-demographic characteristics are associated with combination psychotropic therapy.

Understanding suicide: Focusing on its mechanisms through a lithium lens

BACKGROUND

Current intervention strategies have been slow in reducing suicide rates, particularly in mood disorders. Thus, for intervention and prevention, a new approach is necessary. Investigating the effects of a medication known for its anti-suicidal properties on neurobiological and neurocognitive substrates of suicidal thinking may provide a deeper and more meaningful understanding of suicide.

METHOD

A literature search of recognised databases was conducted to examine the intersection of suicide, mood disorders, and the mechanisms of lithium.

RESULTS

This review synthesises the extant evidence of putative suicide biomarkers and endophenotypes and melds these with known actions of lithium to provide a comprehensive picture of processes underlying suicide. Specifically, the central importance of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3β) is discussed in detail because it modulates multiple systems that have been repeatedly implicated in suicide, and which lithium also exerts effects on.

LIMITATIONS

Suicide also occurs outside of mood disorders but we limited our discussion to mood because of our focus on lithium and extending our existing model of suicidal thinking and behaviour that is contextualised within mood disorders.

CONCLUSIONS

Focusing on the neurobiological mechanisms underpinning suicidal thinking and behaviours through a lithium lens identifies important targets for assessment and intervention. The use of objective measures is critical and using these within a framework that integrates findings from different perspectives and domains of research is likely to yield replicable and validated markers that can be employed both clinically and for further investigation of this complex phenomenon.

Lithium Treatment Is Safe in Children With Intellectual Disability

Lithium is a widely used and effective treatment for individuals with psycho-neurological disorders, and it exhibits protective and regenerative properties in multiple brain injury animal models, but the clinical experience in young children is limited due to potential toxicity. As an interim analysis, this paper reports the safety/tolerability profiles of low-dose lithium treatment in children with intellectual disability (ID) and its possible beneficial effects. In a randomized, single-center clinical trial, 124 children with ID were given either oral lithium carbonate 6 mg/kg twice per day or the same dose of calcium carbonate as a placebo (n = 62/group) for 3 months. The safety of low-dose lithium treatment in children, and all the adverse events were monitored. The effects of low-dose lithium on cognition was evaluated by intelligence quotient (IQ), adaptive capacity was assessed by the Infant-Junior Middle School Students Social-Life Abilities Scale (IJMSSSLAS), and overall performance was evaluated according to the Clinical Global Impression-Improvement (CGI-I) scale. After 3 months of lithium treatment, 13/61 children (21.3%) presented with mild side effects, including 4 (6.6%) with gastrointestinal symptoms, 4 (6.6%) with neurological symptoms, 2 (3.3%) with polyuria, and 3 (4.9%) with other symptoms—one with hyperhidrosis, one with alopecia, and one with drooling. Four children in the lithium group had elevated blood thyroid stimulating hormone, which normalized spontaneously after lithium discontinuation. Both IQ and IJMSSSAS scores increased following 3 months of lithium treatment (F = 11.03, p = 0.002 and F = 7.80, p = 0.007, respectively), but such increases were not seen in the placebo group. CGI-I scores in the lithium group were 1.25 points lower (better) than in the placebo group (F = 82.66, p < 0.001) after 3 months of treatment. In summary, lithium treatment for 3 months had only mild and reversible side effects and had positive effects on cognition and overall performance in children with ID.

Clinical Trial Registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR-IPR-15007518.

Lithium improved behavioral and epileptic symptoms in an adolescent with ring chromosome 20 and bipolar disorder not otherwise specified

We present a case of ring chromosome 20 syndrome in a twelve-year-old girl, with resistant epileptic disease and severe behavioral impairment that both drastically improved after a lithium challenge. If replicated, this could support the use of lithium as a safe treatment in the management of this severe phenotype.

Using Lithium in Children and Adolescents with Bipolar Disorder: Efficacy, Tolerability, and Practical Considerations

Lithium has been an intriguing treatment option in psychiatry for over a century. While seemingly just a simple elemental compound, it has powerful treatment effects for both depression and bipolar disorder. The evidence base for treatment of pediatric bipolar disorder is relatively small, but, in recent years, additional clinical trial data have enabled lithium to re-emerge as a valuable and, in many cases, preferred treatment. Pharmacologically, lithium is complex, with varied effects at both intracellular and extracellular levels. As a treatment for bipolar disorder in pediatrics, lithium is challenging, given its narrow therapeutic window and myriad of potential side effects. However, the efficacy of lithium continues to match that of newer pharmacologic agents, and its tolerability has been shown to be comparable with more commonly prescribed medications. Lithium is still one of few drugs that have been proven to reduce the risk of suicidality, and it may have utility in illnesses beyond affective disorders. Practically, as a primary agent or as an adjunct, lithium continues to claim a rightful place in the treatment armamentarium of child psychiatry. New dosing paradigms have improved tolerability and reduced potential side effects. Recent evidence affirms that lithium is effective for pediatric bipolar disorder in multiple phases of the illness.

The pharmacological treatment of aggression in children and adolescents with conduct disorder. Do callous-unemotional traits modulate the efficacy of medication?

BACKGROUND

Children and adolescents with conduct disorder (CD) show repetitive and persistent patterns of aggressive behaviour and the more severe forms are often associated with callous-unemotional (CU) traits.

OBJECTIVES

To systematically review and, where data are adequate, conduct meta-analyses on the efficacy of medication on aggression in children and adolescent with CD considering the impact of CU traits.

RESULTS

Few studies have investigated patients with CD as primary diagnosis, and few of these have discriminated between different types of aggression or reported measures of CU traits. Methylphenidate and risperidone showed the largest effects on aggression in randomized controlled trials; other antipsychotics showed clinical efficacy on CD but this evidence is mainly revealed by open label trials. There is some low quality evidence to support a small effect of mood stabilizers and other agents. There were only two papers describing the effects of CU traits thus providing inconclusive results.

CONCLUSION

Considering heterogeneity of the disorder, more proof-of-concept clinical studies are needed to define effects of medication and role of CU traits.

Combined pharmacotherapy-multimodal psychotherapy in children with Disruptive Behavior Disorders

Although multi-component psychotherapeutic interventions are first-line treatments for Disruptive Behavior Disorders (DBD), pharmacotherapy is often associated for more severe patients. Our aim was to explore effectiveness of an associated pharmacotherapy in referred children with DBD receiving a one-year psychotherapeutic intervention. Aggression, callous unemotional (CU) traits and emotional dysregulation were outcome measures. The sample included 144 children, aged 8-12 years, 41 (29%) with an ADHD comorbidity. Fifty-five (38%) patients received an additional pharmacotherapy with one medication, methylphenidate, a second generation antipsychotic, or a mood stabilizer. Data were collected before and after the one-year treatment. According to the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), aggressive behaviors, rule-breaking behaviors and emotional dysregulation improved in the whole group, as well as parent- and child-reported CU traits. The hierarchical regression model showed that additional pharmacotherapy significantly predicted lower scores at the CBCL aggressive behaviors and emotional dysregulation, but not CU traits at the end of the treatment. The interaction between methylphenidate and ADHD comorbidity predicted lower aggressive behaviors after the treatment. In summary, this naturalistic investigation suggest that an additional pharmacotherapy significantly improved aggression and emotional dysregulation, but not CU traits. When ADHD was comorbid, methylphenidate was more effective than antipsychotics or mood stabilizers in reducing aggression.

Response to treatments in youth with disruptive behavior disorders

OBJECTIVE

Predictors of poor response to treatments in youths with disruptive behavior disorders (DBDs), including conduct disorder (CD) and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), are under-studied. Multimodal psychosocial interventions are the best option, but a significant portion of patients needs adjunctive pharmacotherapy. The concept of "psychopathy", and namely, the callous (lack of empathy and guilt) and unemotional (shallow emotions) trait, has been considered a possible specifier indicating a more severe subgroup of patients. We explored whether the callous-unemotional trait (CU) may affect the response to multimodal treatment in referred youths with DBDs.

METHOD

118 youths (102 males, age range 6-14years, mean age 11.1±2.5years) completed a 12-month multimodal intervention, 48 of whom (41%) needed an associated pharmacotherapy. The patients were assessed according to psychopathological profile (Child Behavior Checklist, CBCL), severity and improvement (Clinical Global Impression-Severity and Improvement scores, CGI-S and CGI-I), functional impairment (Children-Global Assessment Scale, C-GAS), and psychopathic dimension (Antisocial Process Screening Device, APSD), including CU dimension.

RESULTS

58 patients (49.2%) were non-responders. They had more frequently a diagnosis of CD than ODD, presented a comorbid mood disorder, higher CBCL scores in rule-breaking behavior, and higher APSD ("psychopathic") scores. Subjects with higher or lower CU differed only according to the rate of responders (35% vs. 60%, p<.05). The linear blockwise regression indicated that pre-treatment functional impairment (C-GAS) and baseline CU trait were predictors of non-response. The logistic regression indicated that only the value of baseline APSD-CU trait was a predictor of non-response.

CONCLUSIONS

A careful assessment of baseline clinical functioning and psychopathological features, namely the psychopathic traits, can identify the most problematic patients, and has specific prognostic and treatment implications.

The physician's unique role in preventing violence: a neglected opportunity?

BACKGROUND

Episodes of explosive rage and violence comprise a symptom complex which can have a devastating effect on a person's life. In the community this behavior is seen as workplace violence, domestic abuse and road rage, while in the clinical setting, this behavior is rarely mentioned by patients, despite evidence that it can signify an important biological disorder that may afflict more than three percent of the population.

DISCUSSION

Patients are often reluctant to seek help for episodic attacks of rage, especially attacks which are accompanied by physical violence. Although, in the past, clinicians have had few treatment options to offer, recent neuroscience advances have created new possibilities to understand and help patients with this neglected problem. No formal medical guidelines for treating violence exist; however, many patients can be helped by diagnosis, referral and treatment. Treatment can include pharmaceuticals and nutrients, as well as referral for anger management or behavioral therapy.

SUMMARY

The astute clinician has an opportunity to positively impact an important problem through the diagnosis and treatment of patients with symptoms of intermittent explosive disorder.

Predicting the emetic liability of novel chemical entities: a comparative study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Emesis is a multi-system reflex, which is usually investigated using in vivo models. The aim of the study is to compare the response induced by emetic compounds across species and investigate whether dogs, ferrets and rats are all similarly predictive of humans.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

A systematic review was carried out and relevant publications were identified from PubMed. The search was restricted to four species (human, dog, ferret, rat) and ten compounds representative of various mechanisms of emesis induction (apomorphine, cisplatin, cholecystokinin octapeptide, copper sulphate, cyclophosphamide, ipecacuanha, lithium chloride, morphine, nicotine, rolipram).

KEY RESULTS

1046 publications were reviewed, and 311 were included, the main reason for exclusion was the lack of quantitative data. Emetic or pica data were extracted as incidence, intensity or latency. All three animal species identified emetic liability but interspecies differences for dose sensitivity were detected.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATION

These results suggest that emetic liability can be reliably identified in a common laboratory species such as the rat. However, to evaluate the characteristics of the emetic response, no animal species is a universal predictor of emetic liability and the choice of species should be an informed decision based on the type of compound investigated. Limitations relating to the conduct and reporting of emesis studies were identified, the main ones being the lack of comparable outcome measures between human and animal data, and the limited availability of human data in the public domain.

The psychopharmacology of aggressive behavior: a translational approach: part 2: clinical studies using atypical antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, and lithium

Patients experiencing mental disorders are at an elevated risk for developing aggressive behavior. In the past 10 years, the psychopharmacological treatment of aggression has changed dramatically owing to the introduction of atypical antipsychotics on the market and the increased use of anticonvulsants and lithium in the treatment of aggressive patients.This review (second of 2 parts) uses a translational medicine approach to examine the neurobiology of aggression, discussing the major neurotransmitter systems implicated in its pathogenesis (serotonin, glutamate, norepinephrine, dopamine, and γ-aminobutyric acid) and the neuropharmacological rationale for using atypical antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, and lithium in the therapeutics of aggressive behavior. A critical review of all clinical trials using atypical antipsychotics (aripiprazole, clozapine, loxapine, olanzapine, quetiapine, risperidone, ziprasidone, and amisulpride), anticonvulsants (topiramate, valproate, lamotrigine, and gabapentin), and lithium are presented. Given the complex, multifaceted nature of aggression, a multifunctional combined therapy, targeting different receptors, seems to be the best strategy for treating aggressive behavior. This therapeutic strategy is supported by translational studies and a few human studies, even if additional randomized, double-blind, clinical trials are needed to confirm the clinical efficacy of this framework.

Predictors of nonresponse to psychosocial treatment in children and adolescents with disruptive behavior disorders

OBJECTIVE

A crucial issue in youths with disruptive behavior disorders, including oppositional defiant disorder and conduct disorder, is the refractoriness to treatments. A multimodal approach with individual therapy to improve social skills and self-control and family and school interventions is the best psychosocial treatment. Predictors of poor response to psychosocial treatment remain understudied. We aimed at exploring whether callous (lack of empathy and guilt) and unemotional (shallow emotions) (CU) trait and type of aggression (predatory vs. affective) can affect response to psychosocial treatment in referred youths with disruptive behavior disorders.

METHODS

The sample consisted of 38 youths (28 boys and 10 girls, age range: 6-14 years, mean age: 13.1 ± 2.6 years) diagnosed as having oppositional defiant disorder or conduct disorder according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition (DSM-IV) criteria and a clinical interview (Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children-Present and Lifetime Version), who completed a 6-month therapeutic program at our hospital. Patients were assessed according to severity and improvement (Clinical Global Impressions-Severity score [CGI-S] and CGI-Improvement score), functional impairment (Children's Global Assessment Scale [C-GAS]), type of aggression, predatory versus affective (Aggression Questionnaire), and CU dimension (Antisocial Process Screening Device and the Inventory of CU Traits).

RESULTS

Among the 38 patients, 21 (55.3%) were responders and 17 (44.7%) were nonresponders, according to CGI-Improvement score and CGI-S. Nonresponders were more impaired at the baseline according to CGI-S and C-GAS. Nonresponders presented higher scores of predatory aggression, whereas affective aggression did not differ between groups. Nonresponders presented higher scores in CU trait of Antisocial Process Screening Device and in Inventory of CU total score (callous trait), but these differences did not survive Bonferroni correction.

CONCLUSIONS

Severity at the baseline and predatory aggression are negative predictors of psychosocial treatment, but the role of the callous trait needs more exploration in larger samples. Further research may increase our diagnostic and prognostic capacities, thus improving our treatment strategies.

Psychopharmacologic control of aggression and violence in children and adolescents

Aggression in children and adolescents is commonly displayed in the community and is even more commonly seen in clinical settings. As symptoms of an underlying disorder, aggressive behaviors should be comprehensively evaluated, and developmental, medical, and substance-use disorders should be identified and treated. This article reviews the most common psychiatric conditions associated with aggression and suggests appropriate psychopharmacologic interventions. Tables with recommended agents for each psychiatric disorder, as well as dosing ranges for each agent, are included.

Pharmacotherapy of major depressive disorder in adolescents

IMPORTANCE OF THE FIELD

At any one time, major depressive disorder (MDD) affects 4 - 6% of adolescents. When untreated, MDD leads to a high immediate and subsequent suicide risk, long-term chronicity and a poor psychosocial outcome. Whereas psychotherapy can be effective in mild depression, it seems to be less effective in moderate and severe depression. However, although the use of antidepressants increased markedly during the 1990s, in recent years it has decreased as a result of concerns regarding the emergence of suicidality during antidepressant treatment.

AREAS COVERED IN THIS REVIEW

Are antidepressants truly effective? What is the relationship between different treatments for depression - psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy - alone or in combination? Can antidepressants increase the risk of suicide in some adolescents? Can antidepressants reduce suicide risk in suicidal adolescents?

WHAT THE READER WILL GAIN

There is evidence that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can improve adolescent depression better than placebo, although the magnitude of the antidepressant effect is 'small to moderate', because of a high placebo response. The SSRI with the best rate of response compared to placebo is fluoxetine. The increased risk of suicidality in adolescents, compared to adults, is weak but consistent across most studies. However, epidemiological studies do not support a relationship between use of antidepressants and suicide rate.

TAKE HOME MESSAGE

A cautious and well-monitored use of antidepressant medications is a first-line treatment option in adolescents with moderate to severe depression. Low rates of remission with current treatment strategies indicate that further research in both psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy is warranted.