Correlates of insight into different symptom dimensions in obsessive-compulsive disorder

BACKGROUND

In this study, we evaluated insight into different obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) symptom dimensions and their impact on clinical and sociodemographic features of patients with OCD.

METHODS

Sixty OCD patients were assessed with the Brown Assessment of Beliefs Scale (BABS), the Dimensional Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale-Short Version, the Beck Depression Inventory, and the Sheehan Disability Scale. Two methods of using BABS were employed: 1) a traditional approach, which considers a composite of the insight into existing OCD symptoms, and 2) an alternative approach, which includes assessments of insight into each OCD symptom dimension separately.

RESULTS

Composite BABS scores correlated with global severity of OCD and depressive symptoms, and degree of interference on social life/leisure activities and family life/home responsibilities. Dimension-specific correlations between severity of symptoms and insight ranged from very high (P = .87, for hoarding) to moderate (P = .61, for miscellaneous symptoms). Greater severity of depression and concomitant generalized anxiety disorder were independently associated with lower levels of insight into aggressive/checking symptoms. While earlier-onset OCD was associated with lower insight into sexual/religious and symmetry symptoms, later-onset OCD displayed lower insight into hoarding.

CONCLUSIONS

Assessing insight into dimension-specific OCD symptoms may challenge the existence of clear-cut OCD with fair or poor insight.

Group cognitive behavior therapy for bipolar disorder can improve the quality of life

Bipolar disorder (BD) can have an impact on psychosocial functioning and quality of life (QoL). Several studies have shown that structured psychotherapy in conjunction with pharmacotherapy may modify the course of some disorders; however, few studies have investigated the results of group cognitive behavior therapy (G-CBT) for BD. Our objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of 14 sessions of G-CBT for BD patients, comparing this intervention plus pharmacotherapy to treatment as usual (TAU; only pharmacotherapy). Forty-one patients with BD I and II participated in this study and were randomly allocated to each group (G-CBT: N = 27; TAU: N = 14). Thirty-seven participants completed the treatment (women: N = 66.67%; mean age = 41.5 years). QoL and mood symptoms were assessed in all participants. Scores changed significantly by the end of treatment in favor of the G-CBT group. The G-CBT group presented significantly better QoL in seven of the eight sub-items assessed with the Medical Outcomes Survey SF-36 scale. At the end of treatment, the G-CBT group exhibited lower scores for mania (not statistically significant) and depression (statistically significant) as well as a reduction in the frequency and duration of mood episodes (P < 0.01). The group variable was significant for the reduction of depression scores over time. This clinical change may explain the improvement in six of the eight subscales of QoL (P < 0.05). The G-CBT group showed better QoL in absolute values in all aspects and significant improvements in nearly all subscales. These results were not observed in the TAU control group.

Efficacy of pharmacotherapy in bipolar disorder: a report by the WPA section on pharmacopsychiatry

The current statement is a systematic review of the available data concerning the efficacy of medication treatment of bipolar disorder (BP). A systematic MEDLINE search was made concerning the treatment of BP (RCTs) with the names of treatment options as keywords. The search was updated on 10 March 2012. The literature suggests that lithium, first and second generation antipsychotics and valproate and carbamazepine are efficacious in the treatment of acute mania. Quetiapine and the olanzapine-fluoxetine combination are also efficacious for treating bipolar depression. Antidepressants should only be used in combination with an antimanic agent, because they can induce switching to mania/hypomania/mixed states/rapid cycling when utilized as monotherapy. Lithium, olanzapine, quetiapine and aripiprazole are efficacious during the maintenance phase. Lamotrigine is efficacious in the prevention of depression, and it remains to be clarified whether it is also efficacious for mania. There is some evidence on the efficacy of psychosocial interventions as an adjunctive treatment to medication. Electroconvulsive therapy is an option for refractory patients. In acute manic patients who are partial responders to lithium/valproate/carbamazepine, adding an antipsychotic is a reasonable choice. The combination with best data in acute bipolar depression is lithium plus lamotrigine. Patients stabilized on combination treatment might do worse if shifted to monotherapy during maintenance, and patients could benefit with add-on treatment with olanzapine, valproate, an antidepressant, or lamotrigine, depending on the index acute phase. A variety of treatment options for BP are available today, but still unmet needs are huge. Combination therapy may improve the treatment outcome but it also carries more side-effect burden. Further research is necessary as well as the development of better guidelines and algorithms for the step-by-step rational treatment.

Executive summary of the report by the WPA section on pharmacopsychiatry on general and comparative efficacy and effectiveness of antidepressants in the acute treatment of depressive disorders

Current gold standard in the treatment of depression includes pharmacotherapeutic and psychotherapeutic strategies together with social support. Due to the actually discussed controversies concerning the differential efficacy of antidepressants, a contribution to a comprehensive clarification seems to be necessary to avert further deterioration and uncertainty from patients, relatives, and their treating psychiatrists and general practitioners. Both efficacy and clinical effectiveness of antidepressants in the treatment of depressive disorders can be confirmed. Clinically meaningful antidepressant treatment effects were confirmed in different types of studies. Methodological issues of randomized controlled studies, meta-analyses, and effectiveness studies will be discussed. Furthermore, actual data about the differential efficacy and effectiveness of antidepressants with distinct pharmacodynamic properties and about outcome differences in studies using antidepressants and/or psychotherapy are discussed. This is followed by a clinically oriented depiction-the differential clinical effectiveness of different pharmacodynamic modes of action of antidepressants in different subtypes of depressive disorders. It can be summarized that the spectrum of different antidepressant treatments has broadened during the last decades. The efficacy and clinical effectiveness of antidepressants is statistically significant and clinically relevant and proven repeatedly. For further optimizing antidepressant treatment plans, clearly structured treatment algorithms and the implementation of psychotherapy seem to be useful. A modern individualized antidepressant treatment in most cases is a well-tolerated and efficacious tool to minimize the negative impact of the otherwise devastating and life-threatening outcome of depressive disorders.

Pharmacotherapy of dysthymia: review and new findings

Open trials with tricyclics, classical monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or lithium in dysthymia yielded a response rate in 45% of subjects. A long-term treatment of dysthymia with 276 patients treated during 4 years with either moclobemide, tranylcypromine or a combination of amitryptiline plus chlordiazepoxide is described. After discontinuation there was a relapse rate of 89.1%. The controlled studies with tricyclics, MAOIs, reversible inhibitors of monoamine oxidase (RIMAs), specific serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRIs) or benzamides showed that drugs well-tolerated work better in dysthymia, due to the fact that the treatment must be long-term. Sertraline was studied vs placebo or imipramine in primary dysthymia. Moclobemide, imipramine and placebo were also studied in 315 patients. Mean doses were 650 mg/d of moclobemide and 203.2 mg/d of imipramine. Moclobemide and sertraline were both efficacious and well tolerated. In a long term treatment the clinician should assess the risk-benefit ratio. Dysthymic patients are very sensitive to unwanted effects and compliance is a serious issue.

EEG frontal asymmetry in the depressed and remitted elderly: is it related to the trait or to the state of depression?

BACKGROUND

Over the last 30 years, frontal EEG asymmetry has been investigated with regards to the study of emotion, motivation, and psychopathology.

METHOD

We analyzed the frontal alpha asymmetry, depressive symptoms with a Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and quality of life with a Short Form Health Survey-36® (SF-36®) in depressed (n=12), remitted (n=8) and non-depressed (n=7) elderly subjects. We also evaluated the correlation between the frontal EEG asymmetry and physical and mental aspects of SF-36®.

RESULTS

The groups showed no difference regarding the frontal alpha asymmetry (F=0.37; p=0.69). Moreover, there was no significant correlation between frontal asymmetry and quality of life (mental and physical aspects).

CONCLUSION

The results showed no evidence of a relationship between frontal asymmetry, quality of life and depression in the elderly. Future studies on frontal asymmetry should carefully consider the effects of age.

Psychopharmacotherapy of panic disorder: 8-week randomized trial with clonazepam and paroxetine

The objective of the present randomized, open-label, naturalistic 8-week study was to compare the efficacy and safety of treatment with clonazepam (N = 63) and paroxetine (N = 57) in patients with panic disorder with or without agoraphobia. Efficacy assessment included number of panic attacks and clinician ratings of the global severity of panic disorders with the clinical global impression (CGI) improvement (CGI-I) and CGI severity (CGI-S) scales. Most patients were females (69.8 and 68.4% in the clonazepam and paroxetine groups, respectively) and age (mean ± SD) was 35.9 ± 9.6 years for the clonazepam group and 33.7 ± 8.8 years for the paroxetine group. Treatment with clonazepam versus paroxetine resulted in fewer weekly panic attacks at week 4 (0.1 vs 0.5, respectively; P < 0.01), and greater clinical improvements at week 8 (CGI-I: 1.6 vs 2.9; P = 0.04). Anxiety severity was significantly reduced with clonazepam versus paroxetine at weeks 1 and 2, with no difference in panic disorder severity. Patients treated with clonazepam had fewer adverse events than patients treated with paroxetine (73 vs 95%; P = 0.001). The most common adverse events were drowsiness/fatigue (57%), memory/concentration difficulties (24%), and sexual dysfunction (11%) in the clonazepam group and drowsiness/fatigue (81%), sexual dysfunction (70%), and nausea/vomiting (61%) in the paroxetine group. This naturalistic study confirms the efficacy and tolerability of clonazepam and paroxetine in the acute treatment of patients with panic disorder.

Psychopharmacotherapy of panic disorder: 8-week randomized trial with clonazepam and paroxetine

The objective of the present randomized, open-label, naturalistic 8-week study was to compare the efficacy and safety of treatment with clonazepam (N = 63) and paroxetine (N = 57) in patients with panic disorder with or without agoraphobia. Efficacy assessment included number of panic attacks and clinician ratings of the global severity of panic disorders with the clinical global impression (CGI) improvement (CGI-I) and CGI severity (CGI-S) scales. Most patients were females (69.8 and 68.4% in the clonazepam and paroxetine groups, respectively) and age (mean ± SD) was 35.9 ± 9.6 years for the clonazepam group and 33.7 ± 8.8 years for the paroxetine group. Treatment with clonazepam versus paroxetine resulted in fewer weekly panic attacks at week 4 (0.1 vs 0.5, respectively; P < 0.01), and greater clinical improvements at week 8 (CGI-I: 1.6 vs 2.9; P = 0.04). Anxiety severity was significantly reduced with clonazepam versus paroxetine at weeks 1 and 2, with no difference in panic disorder severity. Patients treated with clonazepam had fewer adverse events than patients treated with paroxetine (73 vs 95%; P = 0.001). The most common adverse events were drowsiness/fatigue (57%), memory/concentration difficulties (24%), and sexual dysfunction (11%) in the clonazepam group and drowsiness/fatigue (81%), sexual dysfunction (70%), and nausea/vomiting (61%) in the paroxetine group. This naturalistic study confirms the efficacy and tolerability of clonazepam and paroxetine in the acute treatment of patients with panic disorder.

A psychopharmacological treatment algorithm for generalised anxiety disorder (GAD)

Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) is defined as excessive and uncontrollable worry and anxiety about everyday life situations. It is a chronic disorder, and is associated with substantial somatisation, high rates of comorbid depression and other anxiety disorders, and significant disability. The evidence base for pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy has continued to grow, and a wide range of drug choices for GAD now exists. Current guidelines for GAD generally restrict themselves to presentation of the evidence for various treatments, which, as a result, generally do not offer detailed discussion or recommendation of strategies beyond the first level of treatment, or take into account the individual circumstances of the patient. Thus, there is a lack of algorithm-based treatment guidelines for GAD. Our aim is, therefore, to present an algorithm for the psychopharmacologic management of GAD, intended for all clinicians who treat patients with GAD, where issues of pharmacotherapy are under consideration. We also hope that these GAD algorithms and other guidelines can help to identify high-priority areas that need further study. In this algorithm, we provide a sequenced approach to the pharmacotherapy of GAD, taking into account salient symptomatology and comorbidity, levels of evidence and extent of response. Special issues, including comorbidity, insomnia, suicidality, substance abuse, treatment adherence, pregnancy and lactation, cross-cultural issues, use of medication in the elderly, psychosocial treatment and dosing issues are also addressed.

Quality of life and symptom dimensions of patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of different dimensions of obsessive-compulsive symptoms, of co-morbid anxious depressive symptoms, and of sociodemographic characteristics on the quality of life of patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). We evaluated 53 patients with OCD and 53 age- and gender-matched individuals from the community with a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Structured Clinical Interview for the Diagnosis of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth Edition, (DSM-IV), the Short-Form Health Survey-36 (SF-36), the Saving Inventory-Revised, the Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory-Revised, the Beck Depression Inventory and the Beck Anxiety Inventory. A series of stepwise linear regression analyses were performed, having the SF-36 dimensions as the dependent variables and the sociodemographic and clinical features as the independent ones. Patients with OCD displayed significantly lower levels of quality of life in all dimensions measured by the SF-36, except bodily pain. A model that included depressive symptoms, hoarding and employment status predicted 62% of the variance of the social functioning dimension of the quality of life of patients with OCD. Washing symptoms explained 31% of the variance of limitation due to physical health problems. Further, a series of models that included depressive, but not obsessive-compulsive symptoms, explained the remaining SF-36 dimensions. The severity of depressive and anxiety symptoms seems, therefore, to be powerful determinants of the level of quality of life in patients with OCD.

The Brazilian Portuguese version of the Saving Inventory-Revised: internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and validity of a questionnaire to assess hoarding

Pathological hoarding results in clutter that precludes normal activities and creates distress or dysfunction. It may lead to an inability to complete household functions, health problems, social withdrawal, and even death. The aim of this study was to describe the validation of the Brazilian version of the hoarding assessment instrument, the Saving Inventory-Revised. Sixty-five patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and 70 individuals from the community were assessed using the Structured Clinical Interview for the Diagnosis of DSM-IV (clinical sample), the Saving Inventory-Revised, the Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory-Revised, the Beck Depression Inventory, and the Beck Anxiety Inventory. The Brazilian version of the Saving Inventory-Revised exhibited high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = .94 for OCD and .84 for controls), high to moderate test-retest reliability and, using the hoarding dimension of the Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory-Revised as a reference point, high to moderate convergent validity. The Saving Inventory-Revised total scores also correlated significantly with comorbid anxiety and depressive symptoms.

Volitional disorders: a proposal for DSM-V

In the DSM-IV-TR, specific impulse control disorders not elsewhere classified (ICD) have been designated following four principles: (1) through the addition of an adjective that emphasizes the aberrant character of an otherwise normal behaviour (e.g., pathological gambling); (2) by means of metaphors (such as in intermittent explosive disorder); (3) according to the presumably quintessential nature of their main signs and symptoms, such as impulsive (e.g., impulse control disorders not elsewhere classified), compulsive (e.g., compulsive shopping), or addictive (e.g., internet addiction); or (4) using Greek suffix mania (e.g., kleptomania, pyromania, and trichotillomania). Given this flagrant inconsistency, we argue that time has come to adopt a less arbitrary way of describing these disorders, at least until it becomes clearer whether they are really impulsive, compulsive or addictive or if the preoccupation with this distinction is valid. In keeping with DSM's emphasis on descriptive phenomenology rather than on unsupported theory, a less biased terminology is in order. Therefore, we would like to suggest: (1) the substitution of the term ICD by the more neutral expression 'volitional disorders not elsewhere classified'; (2) the use of the classical Greek suffix mania, already present in some DSM-IV-TR ICDs, as the main naming principle to be adopted in the DSM-V; and (3) the creation of compulsive, impulsive, and mixed subtypes of the 'volitional disorders not elsewhere classified', since they are beginning to be validated by treatment trials.

Long-term safety and efficacy of ziprasidone in subpopulations of patients with bipolar mania

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate long-term safety and efficacy of ziprasidone.

METHOD

Subjects completing a 21-day placebo-controlled trial of ziprasidone in DSM-IV acute bipolar mania (N = 65) were enrolled in a 52-week open-label extension of flexibly dosed ziprasidone 40 to 160 mg/day, administered b.i.d. Three subjects had missing evaluations (N = 62) but still provided demographic data. Subpopulations with manic (N = 43) or mixed (N = 19) episodes, and with (N = 37) or without (N = 25) psychotic symptoms, were identified. Safety evaluations included adverse event monitoring, electrocardiography, and standard laboratory assessments. Efficacy measures included change from initial study baseline in Mania Rating Scale (MRS) and Clinical Global Impressions-Severity of Illness scale (CGI-S) scores, as well as MRS responder rates (> or = 50% reduction from initial study baseline). The study was conducted from March 1998 to September 1999.

RESULTS

Almost all adverse events (98%) were mild to moderate in severity. The mean +/- SD reduction in MRS score at week 55 (last observation carried forward [LOCF]) was -23.5 +/- 1.5 (p <.0001) from a baseline of 29.4. CGI-S score decreased by 2.32 +/- 0.25 at week 55 (LOCF, p <.0001) from a baseline of 5.0. MRS and CGI-S reductions were comparable across the subpopulations. The overall MRS responder rate was 86%; subpopulation responder rates were 88% (manic), 79% (mixed), 84% (psychotic), and 88% (nonpsychotic). Long-term improvement within subpopulations was comparable to the overall study population.

CONCLUSION

Sustained and comparable improvements in symptoms were seen with up to 55 weeks of ziprasidone treatment for patients initially treated for bipolar mania, regardless of whether the baseline episode was manic or mixed or involved psychotic symptoms.

The diagnoses of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder and unipolar depression: interrater reliability and congruence between DSM-IV and ICD-10

BACKGROUND

The present study investigated the interrater reliability of the diagnoses of schizophrenia (SCH), schizoaffective disorder (SAD), bipolar disorder (BPD) and unipolar depression (UPD) according to both DSM-IV and ICD-10, as well as the diagnostic congruence between the two classificatory systems.

SAMPLING AND METHODS

Using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview, two trained psychiatrists simultaneously evaluated 100 inpatients and independently assessed the psychiatric diagnoses. The Cohen's kappa coefficient was employed to estimate interrater reliability and diagnostic congruence between DSM-IV and ICD-10.

RESULTS

SCH was more frequent according to ICD-10 than DSM-IV criteria. Considering both diagnostic systems, all the four nosological categories, but ICD-10 SAD and DSM-IV UPD, were associated with interrater reliability coefficients above 0.50. The coefficient of the diagnostic congruence between DSM-IV and ICD-10 was inferior to 0.50 only for SAD. BPD was associated with the highest degrees of both interrater reliability and diagnostic congruence.

CONCLUSIONS

The lack of an item excluding the occurrence of an affective syndrome among ICD-10 diagnostic criteria for SCH can account for: the larger frequency of SCH according to ICD-10 than DSM-IV; the unsatisfactory interrater reliability for the diagnosis of ICD-10 SAD, and the low diagnostic congruence for SAD.

Do SSRIs or antidepressants in general increase suicidality? WPA Section on Pharmacopsychiatry: consensus statement

In the past few years several papers have reported critically on the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviour associated with antidepressants, primarily SSRIs. The risk-benefit ratio of antidepressant (AD) treatment has been questioned especially in children and adolescents. The critical publications led to warnings being issued by regulatory authorities such as the FDA, MHRA and EMEA and stimulated new research activity in this field. However, potential harmful effects of antidepressants on suicidality are difficult to investigate in empirical studies because these have several methodological limitations. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) are the most reliable way to test the hypothesis that AD have such side effects. In addition to meta-analyses of RCTs, complementary research methods should be applied to obtain the most comprehensive information. We undertook a comprehensive review of publications related to the topics ADs, suicide, suicidality, suicidal behaviour and aggression. Based on this comprehensive review we conclude that ADs, including SSRIs, carry a small risk of inducing suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts, in age groups below 25 years, the risk reducing further at the age of about 30-40 years. This risk has to be balanced against the well-known beneficial effects of ADs on depressive and other symptoms (anxiety, panic, obsessive-compulsive symptoms), including suicidality and suicidal behaviour. According to the principles of good clinical practice, decision making should consider carefully the beneficial effects of AD treatment as well as potentially harmful effects and attempt to keep the potential risks of AD treatment to a minimum. It is the major problem facing efforts to identify the possible 'suicidal effects' of antidepressants.

Does schizoaffective disorder really exist? A systematic review of the studies that compared schizoaffective disorder with schizophrenia or mood disorders

BACKGROUND

Since its first definition in the literature, schizoaffective disorder (SAD) has raised a considerable controversy regarding its clinical distinction from schizophrenia (SCH) and mood disorders (MD) as well as its validity as an independent nosological category.

OBJECTIVE

Investigate the validity of SAD as a discrete nosological category and its relationship with SCH and MD.

METHOD

A systematic literature review of clinical trial that compared SAD with SCH and/or MD patients was carried out throughout MEDLINE, psycINFO, Cochrane Library, SCIELO and LILACS databases.

RESULTS

Evaluation of demographic characteristics, symptomatology, other clinical data, dexamethasone suppression test, neuroimage exams, response to treatment, evolution and family morbidity indicated that SAD occupies an intermediate position between SCH and MD. Literature review also failed to indicate a clear cut distinction between SAD and SCH or MD.

DISCUSSION

Present analysis indicated that SAD cannot be interpreted as atypical forms of SCH or MD. SAD also does not appear to represent a SCH and MD comorbidity or yet an independent mental disorder. It is argued that SAD might constitute a heterogeneous group composed by both SCH and MD patients or a middle point of a continuum between SCH and MD.

Demographic and clinical features of panic disorder comorbid with bipolar I disorder: a 3-year retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Mood disorders are considered related to anxiety disorders and their association may determine clinical course and prognosis. We aimed to describe with retrospective methodology the demographic, clinical, and treatment features in a group of panic disorder comorbid with bipolar I disorder (PD-BI) patients who were been treated for at least 3 year-period and compare them with bipolar I (BI) patients who were treated during the same period.

METHOD

We compared the demographic and clinical data of 26 PD-BI, 28 BI, and 25 panic disorder (PD) outpatients without history of comorbidity with mood disorder were diagnosed and treated for at least 3 years in the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro.

RESULTS

PD group have a higher educational level, are more married, and are more economically active. In the PD-BI and BI patients the disorders started earlier. They also turn out to have an equivalent pattern in the presence of drug abuse episodes, moderate or severe depressive episodes, psychotic episodes, suicide attempts, maniac episodes, mixed episodes, use of fewer days of antidepressants and benzodiazepines, and use of more days of antipsychotics and mood stabilizers. The PD-BI and the BI groups had a higher frequency of depressive episodes and psychotic episodes.

LIMITATIONS

It is a retrospective data description based on a naturalistic treatment. The sample has a small size and the some data could be different in a large sample.

CONCLUSION

PD-BI patients have demographic, clinical and therapeutic features similar to BI and the data support its validation as a special severe bipolar I disorder subgroup.

History of trauma and dissociative symptoms among patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder and social anxiety disorder

We aimed to compare the history of trauma and the profile and severity of dissociative symptoms of patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) to those of patients with social anxiety disorder (SAD). Patients with OCD (n = 34) and patients with SAD (n = 30) were examined with the following instruments: Trauma History Questionnaire (THQ), Dissociative Experience Scale (DES), Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory (OCI), Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). Patients with OCD reported significantly lower rates of exposure to traumatic events. Nevertheless, the severity of dissociative symptoms was not significantly different between the groups. Regression analyses showed that, while the OCI scores better predicted the variance on DES scores in the OCD sample, the LSAS and the BAI better predicted the variance on the DES among patients with SAD. Patients with OCD are probably less vulnerable to some types of traumatic experiences. Dissociative symptoms may cut across different anxiety disorders.

World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry (WFSBP) Guidelines for Biological Treatment of Unipolar Depressive Disorders in Primary Care

These practical guidelines for the biological treatment of unipolar depressive disorders in primary care settings were developed by an international Task Force of the World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry (WFSBP). They embody the results of a systematic review of all available clinical and scientific evidence pertaining to the treatment of unipolar depressive disorders and offer practical recommendations for general practitioners encountering patients with these conditions. The guidelines cover disease definition, classification, epidemiology and course of unipolar depressive disorders, and the principles of management in the acute, continuation and maintenance phase. They deal primarily with biological treatment (including antidepressants, other psychopharmacological and hormonal medications, electroconvulsive therapy, light therapy).

An update on the pharmacological treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder

The purpose of this article is to introduce the reader to an updated evidence-based drug treatment algorithm to be employed in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Relevant studies were identified through a comprehensive review and classified according to the type of patients enrolled, the quality of the study design and the invasiveness, availability and complexity of the therapeutic approach. When ineffective, therapeutic trials with first-line strategies (such as the selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors [SSRIs] and venlafaxine) should be followed by treatment approaches such as clomipramine, augmentation with antipsychotics or pindolol, SSRI megadoses or cognitive behavioral therapy. These therapeutic strategies are expected to help most patients with OCD. Additional approaches include intravenous clomipramine, oral morphine, 'heroic drug strategies', deep brain stimulation and functional neurosurgery. Independent studies are urgently needed to help identify the most promising drug treatment sequences for OCD.

Sexual function and dysfunction in Brazilian patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder and social anxiety disorder

We compared the history, the profile, and the severity of sexual symptoms of 31 patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) to those of 26 patients with social anxiety disorder (SAD) by means of the Sexual Inventory of the Institute of Psychiatry of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, the Clinical Interview for the Diagnosis of DSM-IV Sexual Disorders, the Female Sexual Function Index, the International Index of Erectile Function, the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale, and the Sexual Behavior Inventory. Patients with OCD reported more difficulties to reach orgasm (p = 0.009), less frequent effective erections (p = 0.05), and a positive history of sexual abuse (p = 0.006) significantly more often than patients with SAD. Male patients with SAD reported not using contraceptive methods significantly more frequently than male patients with OCD (p = 0.007). Patients with OCD and patients with SAD exhibit different profiles of sexual behavior.

Catatonia in Obsessive-compulsive Disorder: Etiopathogenesis, Differential Diagnosis, and Clinical Management

OBJECTIVE

We describe the case of a patient who developed an episode of catatonia during the course of her life-long obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and discuss issues related to the etiopathogenesis, differential diagnosis, and therapeutic management of this association.

BACKGROUND

Catatonia is conventionally considered a heterogeneous syndrome of motor dysregulation characterized by mutism, immobility, negativism, posturing (catalepsy), stereotypies, and echophenomena. The relationship between OCD and catatonia is still misunderstood and poses significant challenges to the diagnosis and treatment of patients with both conditions.

METHOD

Naturalistic follow-up of a single case.

RESULTS

A patient with OCD developed catatonia in concert with deteriorating mood, thought, and behavior. This atypical clinical presentation of individuals with OCD and the list of differential diagnosis raised during the patient's clinical assessment are discussed on 3 different levels: symptomatic presentation, comorbidity pattern, and pharmacodynamic mechanisms involved.

CONCLUSIONS

The development of a systematic therapeutic plan for patients with OCD and comorbid catatonia includes: the fine-tuning of the antiobsessional treatment; management of comorbid disorders that may engender catatonia; prompt discontinuation, and subsequent slow reintroduction of drugs deemed to trigger toxic reactions or to worsen comorbid disorders and, ultimately, the catatonia; and the implementation of specific anticatatonia measures.

A sociodemographic, phenomenological, and long-term follow-up study of patients with body dysmorphic disorder in Brazil

OBJECTIVE

The main characteristic of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a preoccupation with an imagined defect in appearance in a normal-appearing person or an excessive preoccupation with appearance in a person with a small physical defect. In this non-controlled study, our objective was to describe the socio-demographic, phenomenological, and long-term outcome features of a Brazilian sample of patients with BDD.

METHODS

We performed a chart-review of the 166 patients who attended the Obsessions, Compulsions, and Impulsions Subprogram of the Institute of Psychiatry of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, during the period between 1998 and 2005.

RESULTS

Twenty patients (12%) had clinically significant BDD. This sample was characterized by a predominance of female (n = 11; 55%), single or divorced (n = 18; 90%), and economically unproductive patients (n = 17; 85%). We found an average of 2.5 current imagined defects per patient. The most frequently reported body parts of excessive concern were the overall appearance, size or shape of the face (n = 7; 35%), the skin (n = 6; 30%), the hair (n = 6; 30%), the nose (n = 5; 25%), and the body build and weight (n = 5; 25%). Most individuals exhibited a chronic condition (n = 13; 65%) and kept the same concerns during the course of the disorder (n = 12; 60%). All patients displayed compulsive behaviors, including recurrent mirror checking (n = 14; 70%), camouflaging (n = 13; 65%), reassurance seeking by means of repetitive questioning of others (n = 9; 45%), and excessive use of cosmetics (n = 7; 35%). Two patients reported "do-it-yourself" surgeries. Seven patients had current suicidal ideation (35%). Six patients (30%) showed no insight over their dysmorphic beliefs. Fifteen patients (95%) exhibited psychiatric comorbidities, mostly obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) (n = 14, 70%) and major depressive disorder (n = 11; 55%). The majority of patients were treated naturalistically with serotonin reuptake inhibitors (n = 15; 75%), either solo or in association with antipsychotics (n = 10; 50%). Nevertheless, only 5 (25%) responded favorably to treatment during the long-term follow-up (CGI < or = 2).

CONCLUSIONS

BDD is a severe disorder that is frequently associated with other psychiatric conditions and responds poorly to treatment in the naturalistic setting. No significant trans-cultural variations were identified in the comparison between Brazilian, North American, and European samples.

The problem of delusional ugliness: is it really body dysmorphic disorder?

Currently, the DSM-IV allows individuals with dysmorphic delusions to be diagnosed with either delusional body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) and delusional disorder, somatic type (DDST). However, given the growing acceptance of a dimensional perspective in psychopathology, it is conceivable that future editions of the DSM may recommend the exclusion of the diagnosis of DDST whenever isolated dysmorphic delusions are present, arguing that the latter should be considered no more than a symptom of BDD. But is the concept of DDST condemned to extinction in favor of that of delusional BDD? While some studies suggest that non-delusional and delusional BDD/DDST may be indistinguishable from the clinical, neuroanatomical, and therapeutic perspectives, several facts support the utility of the DDST concept. Firstly, DDST is a wider construct than delusional BDD. Secondly, it is unclear whether DDST in general (as opposed to delusional BDD) belongs to the obsessive-compulsive spectrum. Thirdly, differential pharmacological response may not be an adequate criteria for blending non-delusional and delusional BDD/DDST. Fourthly, "delusional" BDD may not be delusional at all. Finally, there is more about delusion than just an "extreme" conviction. Future studies are urgently needed in order to substantiate our judgement regarding the existence of diagnostic limits between delusional BDD and DDST with dysmorphic delusions.

Ziprasidone in bipolar disorder

Ziprasidone is a second-generation antipsychotic currently marketed for the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar mania. It has a unique receptor profile that includes high-affinity antagonist activity at 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) 2A, D2, 1D and 2C receptors, a potent agonist activity at 5-HT1A receptors and a relatively high affinity for the 5-HT and noradrenaline transporters. The efficacy of ziprasidone in bipolar mania (current episode, manic or mixed) has been well demonstrated in three placebo-controlled trials. In a three-arm controlled study, ziprasidone was shown to be efficacious in dysphoric mania, whereas haloperidol was comparable to placebo. Open-label treatment for up to 52 weeks supported the sustained efficacy of ziprasidone in bipolar disorder. Combined with lithium, ziprasidone has been shown to be efficacious as an augmenting agent in the acute treatment of mania, with sustained efficacy up to 1 year. Ziprasidone was very well tolerated by patients with bipolar disorder and did not cause increased weight, glucose or lipid levels.

The descriptive epidemiology of obsessive-compulsive disorder

Since the early eighties, there has been a growing interest in the descriptive epidemiology of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). In this narrative review, the authors describe the findings of a number of studies that employed selected instruments, such as the Diagnostic Interview Schedule, the Composite International Diagnostic Instrument, and the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia, to ascertain the prevalence and incidence rates for OCD in several different countries. We noted that there is a great heterogeneity of findings and that the potential reasons for this variability include not only the intrinsic characteristics of the population under study but also extrinsic factors (i.e., the several methodologically-informed decisions that are to be made before undertaking such investigations, such as the adoption of a specific diagnostic instrument). In order to further the knowledge on the epidemiology of OCD, it would be worthwhile to establish a global consensus regarding a standard assessment package for OCD, to produce more cross-culturally valid versions of the key research instruments, and to conduct studies specifically aimed at comparing the sociodemographic, clinical and prognostic aspects of OCD across different countries.

Low-resolution electromagnetic tomography and treatment response in obsessive-compulsive disorder

We investigated whether findings from pretreatment low-resolution electromagnetic tomography (LORETA) predicted response to drug treatment in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The 3D intra-cerebral distribution of neuronal electrical activity from the scalp-recorded potential distribution of 17 drug-free patients with OCD was assessed with LORETA. They were treated with antidepressants in the maximum tolerated doses for at least 12 wk. Individuals were considered to be treatment responders if they displayed a reduction of at least 35% on the initial YBOCS scores and had a final CGI score of 1 or 2. The SPM-99 t test for independent samples was employed to compare, voxel-by-voxel, the brain electrical activities of responders (n = 10) and non-responders (n = 7). Responders exhibited significantly lower activities in beta band in the rostral anterior cingulate [Brodmann's area (BA) 24 and 32] (p = 0.002) and the medial frontal gyrus (BA 10) (p = 0.002), suggesting that a distinctive pattern of activity within the medial surface of the frontal lobe predicts therapeutic response in OCD.

Demographic and clinical features of schizoaffective (schizobipolar) disorder--a 5-year retrospective study. Support for a bipolar spectrum disorder

BACKGROUND

Schizobipolar disorder is considered related to both schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. We aimed to describe with retrospective methodology the demographic, clinical, and treatment features in a group of schizobipolar disorder patients who have been treated for at least a 5-year period and compare them with bipolar I and schizophrenic patients who were treated during the same period.

METHOD

We compared the demographic and clinical data of 61 schizobipolar, 57 bipolar I, and 55 schizophrenic outpatients who were diagnosed and treated for at least 5 years in the outpatient clinic in the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro.

RESULTS

The schizobipolar disorder patients had a profile similar to the bipolar I patients but are significantly different from schizophrenic patients in educational level, marital status, occupation, drug and alcohol abuse episodes, presence of depressive, mixed and maniac episodes, family history of bipolar I and mood disorders, and use of medications. Only the age of onset, suicide attempts, and family history of suicide are not significantly different among the groups. The schizophrenic patients used antipsychotics for more days and the schizobipolar and bipolar I used more antidepressants and mood stabilizers. 37 (60.6%) schizobipolar patients had their diagnosis changed to bipolar disorder by their physician in different periods during the period studied.

LIMITATIONS

It is a retrospective data description based on a naturalistic treatment. The family history was collected from the patient and whenever possible from one first-degree relative.

CONCLUSION

Schizobipolar disorder patients have demographic, clinical and therapeutic features similar to bipolar I patients and data support its definite inclusion in the bipolar spectrum group.

A three-year follow-up study of patients with the respiratory subtype of panic disorder after treatment with clonazepam

The demographic, clinical and therapeutic features of the respiratory subtype of panic disorder (PD) versus the non-respiratory subtype were studied in a prospective design. Sixty-seven PD outpatients (DSM-IV), who had previously been categorized into respiratory (n=35) and non-respiratory (n=32) subgroups, were openly treated with clonazepam for a 3-year period. The principal measure of efficacy was the number of panic attacks, obtained from the Sheehan Panic and Anticipatory Anxiety Scale. In the first 8 weeks of treatment (acute phase), the respiratory subtype group had a significantly faster response to clonazepam. During the follow-up (weeks 12-156), the two subgroups did not differ significantly in the number of panic attacks experienced from baseline to end point. Patients in the respiratory subtype were characterized by a later onset of disorder and a family history of PD. Patients in the non-respiratory subgroup had a significantly higher number of past depressive episodes than those in the respiratory subgroup. The respiratory subgroup had a faster response after 8 weeks of treatment and an equivalent response in the 3-year follow-up period. Clonazepam had a sustained therapeutic effect over the entire treatment period.

Obsessions with aggressive content emerging during the course of panic disorder: a different subtype of obsessive-compulsive disorder?

We report the clinical and therapeutic features of three patients with an obsessive-compulsive syndrome that emerged during the course of panic disorder. The DSM-IV criteria for panic disorder places central attention on the patient's phobic responses to the panic attacks and their perceived consequences. These phobic responses may develop into a syndrome that closely resembles obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) but typically responds to conventional anti-panic approaches. Our cases suggest that patients with OCD should be probed for an underlying panic disorder. This 'panic disorder-related subtype of OCD' may be associated with an excellent treatment response and increased rates of remission.

Citalopram plus reboxetine in treatment-resistant obsessive-compulsive disorder

While serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs) are the first-line treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), as many as 40-60% of patients fail to respond to adequate trials with these drugs. In this study, we describe the case of a patient with an SRI-resistant OCD who was successfully treated with a combination of citalopram (a selective SRI) and reboxetine (a selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor (SNRI)). This report suggests that future studies accessing the efficacy of the SRI SNRI combination in treatment resistant OCD are needed.

Clinical subtypes of obsessive-compulsive disorder based on the presence of checking and washing compulsions

OBJECTIVE: We aimed at examining the utility of checking and washing compulsions as markers of valid subtypes of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). METHODS: One hundred and six patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder were evaluated with a socio-demographic and clinical questionnaire, the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV, the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale, the Clinical Global Impression, the Beck Depression Inventory, the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, and the Global Assessment of Functioning. These individuals were allocated in one of four subgroups [checkers (OCD-Ch; n = 20), washers (OCD-Wa; n = 13), checkers and washers (OCD-CW; n = 48), and non-checkers and non-washers (OCD non-CW = 25)] on the basis of the presence and the clinical relevance of checking and/or washing compulsive behaviors across their lifetime. Socio-demographic and clinical variables were compared and contrasted between the groups by means of ANOVA followed by post-hoc Least Significant Difference or Dunnett's tests for continuous variables and chi-square tests followed by partitioned chi-square tests for categorical variables. RESULTS: OCD-Ch and OCD-Wa did not differ on most demographic and clinical features, the only exception being the number of different types of obsessions, which were significantly higher in the former group. The OCD-CW group was more likely to exhibit an insidious onset of obsessive-compulsive symptoms, to manifest itself as a mixed subtype of obsessive-compulsive disorder and to display obsessions with contamination themes. On the other hand, the OCD non-CW group was more likely to exhibit an acute onset, a shorter duration of illness, obsessions with religious themes, an episodic course, and less severe obsessive-compulsive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: In our sample, the probing of the presence of checking and/or washing compulsions has provided significant empirical support to establish valid subtypes of obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Do social anxiety disorder patients belong to a bipolar spectrum subgroup?

BACKGROUND

It has been proposed that all forms of bipolar disorder-perhaps all primary affective disorders-are best conceptualized as a spectrum of related illness, clinically overlapping but not necessarily genetically uniform illnesses. We aim to describe with retrospective methodology the demographic, clinical, and therapeutic response in a group of social anxiety disorder (SA) patients who improves while taking antidepressants and compare them with bipolar II (B-II) patients.

METHODS

57 SA outpatients (DSM-IV) were diagnosed and naturalistic efficacious treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI). Their demographic, clinical features and therapeutic response were compared with 41 DSM-IV bipolar II patients in their starting evaluations in our outpatient clinic in the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

RESULTS

There is a sub-group of SA patients who improves while taking antidepressants and presents a clear hypomanic phase. Their improvement is identical to a mild/moderate hypomanic state. Without the antidepressant, the symptoms of SA return. The SA and B-II patients have a similar number of previous depressive episodes, alcohol abuse, suicide attempts, and family history for mood disorder.

LIMITATIONS

It is a retrospective data description based on a naturalist follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Some SA patients have demographic, clinical and therapeutic features similar to B-II patients and they might just be a Bipolar-III sub-group with a higher level of complains to social situations and without spontaneous hypomania during lifetime.

Comparison of the effects of mirtazapine and fluoxetine in severely depressed patients

INTRODUCTION

Depression is a major global problem associated with large medical, sociological and economic burdens. Mirtazapine (Remeron, Organon NV, The Netherlands) is an antidepressant with a unique mechanism of action that has similar or superior efficacy to TCAs and SSRIs in moderate-to-severe depression. However, this agent has not yet been tested in patients with severe depression alone.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the antidepressant efficacy and tolerability of mirtazapine and fluoxetine and their effects on anxiety and quality of life in patients with severe depression (> or = 25 points on the first 17 items of the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale [HDRS-17]).

METHODS

In this double-blind study, 297 severely depressed patients were randomised to receive mirtazapine 15-60 mg/day (n = 147) or fluoxetine 20-40 mg/day (n = 152) for 8 weeks. 294 subjects were actually treated and 292 included in the intent-to-treat population. Symptom severity was measured by the HDRS-17, Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and Clinical Global Impression (CGI) rating scale. Quality of life was self-assessed by patients using the Leeds Sleep Evaluation Questionnaire and the Quality of Life, Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire. Adverse events were recorded throughout the study.

RESULTS

No statistically significant differences were noted between the two groups in change from baseline HDRS-17 score at any time point; both treatments were associated with large (approximately 15 points) decreases by study end. However, more mirtazapine-treated patients tended to exhibit a > or = 50% decrease in HDRS score (significant at day 7; 9.0% vs 0.7%, p = 0.002). Significant differences in favour of mirtazapine were also observed at day 14 for changes in MADRS scores (-10.9 vs -8.5, p = 0.006) and the proportion of patients with > or = 50% decrease in MADRS score (21.4% vs 10.9%, p = 0.031). On the CGI, the proportion of 'much/very much improved' patients tended to be greater with mirtazapine (significant at day 7; 9.7% vs 3.4%, p = 0.032). No significant between-group differences were observed for the majority of quality-of-life measures. However, mirtazapine produced significantly better improvements on 'sleeping assessment 1' (14.9 +/- 5.2 vs 13.7 +/- 5.4, p = 0.028) and 'sleeping assessment 2' (p = 0.013) than fluoxetine. Both agents were generally well tolerated but mirtazapine-treated patients experienced a mean weight gain of 0.8 +/- 2.7 kg compared with a mean decrease in weight of 0.4 +/- 2.1 kg for fluoxetine-treated patients (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Mirtazapine is as effective and well tolerated as fluoxetine in the treatment of patients with severe depression.

Impulse control disorders in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder

The purpose of the present paper was to identify the rate of prevalence of impulse control disorders (ICD) in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and to compare patients with OCD with and without ICD with regard to sociodemographic, clinical and prognostic characteristics. Forty-five patients with OCD were assessed by means of the Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th edn, DSM-IV) plus additional modules for the assessment of ICD and examined using the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale, the Clinical Global Impression, the Beck Depression Inventory, the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, and the Global Assessment of Functioning. These patients were treated with serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SRI) and followed for a variable period of time. Individuals with ICD (here defined as including not only the impulse control disorders not elsewhere classified of the DSM-IV, but also other disorders in which impulse control is a prominent feature such as alcohol and drug dependence, paraphilias and bulimia nervosa/binge eating disorder) were compared to those without ICD using the Mann-Whitney U-test and the Pearson's goodness of fit chi2 test. Sixteen patients with OCD (35.5%) displayed comorbid ICD. Patients with ICD were characterized by a significantly earlier age at OCD onset (P=0.04), a more insidious appearance of OCD symptoms (P=0.04), a higher rate of comorbid anxiety disorders (P=0.03), a greater number (P=0.02) and severity of compulsive symptoms (P=0.04), an increased rate of counting compulsions (P=0.02), and a higher number of required SRI trials (P=0.01). When OCD is found in association with ICD, the clinical picture is characterized by a greater severity of the obsessive-compulsive symptoms at presentation and by the requirement of a greater number of therapeutic attempts during follow up.

Clonidine in respiratory panic disorder subtype

OBJECTIVE

Clonidine, which inhibits locus coeruleus discharge, would seem for theoretical reasons to be a good antipanic drug. Panic disorder (PD) presents a heterogeneous cluster of symptoms and a classification based on subtypes has been suggested and the respiratory symptoms group appears as a distinct subtype.

METHOD

We report three cases of respiratory PD patients who were successfully treated with clonidine.

RESULTS

Patients obtained panic free status, reduced anxiety levels and better functioning after clonidine administration (0.30-0.45 mg/day) for 6 weeks.

CONCLUSION

Clonidine can be effective in the treatment of respiratory PD. This drug might play a role in relieving symptoms of anxiety due to noradrenergic hyperactivity in these patients.

Trans-cultural aspects of obsessive-compulsive disorder: a description of a Brazilian sample and a systematic review of international clinical studies

Little is known about the extent and the mechanisms through which culture may affect the clinical manifestations of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). In this study, our objective was to identify culture-related symptomatological patterns in OCD. We described the socio-demographic and phenomenological characteristics of 101 adult patients with OCD seen at an university clinic for anxiety and depressive disorders in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and compared them with those reported in 15 clinical samples from North and Latin America, Europe, Africa, and Asia identified through a systematic review in MEDLINE, PsychINFO, and LILACS. Patients with OCD were almost universally characterized by: (1) a predominance of females, (2) a relatively early age of onset, and (3) a preponderance of mixed obsessions and compulsions. In contrast, a predominance of aggressive and religious obsessions was found only in Brazilian and Middle Eastern samples, respectively. The core features of OCD are probably relatively independent of cultural variations. The sole exception to this rule seems to be the content of the obsessions, in which cultural factors may play a significant role.

Asperger Syndrome, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and major depression in a patient with 45,X/46,XY mosaicism

BACKGROUND

Although previous reports have described the association of autism, mental retardation, and schizophrenia with a missing Y chromosome, we are not aware of any case showing an association between this particular chromosomal abnormality and Asperger syndrome.

METHOD

We report the case of a male patient with a combination of Asperger syndrome, obsessive-compulsive disorder and 45,X/46,XY mosaicism. During the follow-up, this individual has also developed a severe episode of major depression, which was successfully treated with electroconvulsive therapy.

RESULTS

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case in which a 45,X/46,XY mosaicism was described in association with Asperger syndrome, either alone or associated with other psychiatric disorders. Diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of this unique case are presented and discussed.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that a missing Y chromosome may play an etiological role in some cases of Asperger syndrome.

Respiratory panic disorder subtype: acute and long-term response to nortriptyline, a noradrenergic tricyclic antidepressant

The goal of the study was to describe with prospective methodology the therapeutic response to nortriptyline in the respiratory panic disorder (PD) subtype versus the non-respiratory subtype. A total of 118 PD outpatients (DSM-IV) were previously divided into respiratory (n=77) and non-respiratory (n=41) subtypes and then treated with nortriptyline for 1 year. Demographic and clinical features were compared in the two groups. Anxiety scales were administered before and during the treatment by raters who were blind to the subtype diagnosis. The principal instruments used to evaluate response were the Clinical Global Impression, the Sheehan Panic and Anticipatory Anxiety Scale, and the Panic Disorder Severity Scale. In the first 8 weeks of treatment (acute phase), the respiratory subtype had a significantly faster response on all the major scales. At the end of the study (week 52), there was no difference in the scale scores, and the reduction in panic attacks from baseline to end-point did not differ significantly between the two groups. In the respiratory subtype, the disorder had a later onset, was associated with a high familial history of mental disorder, and significantly more often required treatment with more than an occasional benzodiazepine. The non-respiratory subtype had significantly more previous depressive episodes. In conclusion, the respiratory PD subtype had a faster response to treatment with nortriptyline at 8 weeks than did the non-respiratory subtype, and an equivalent response after 1 year of treatment.

Valproic acid for the treatment of social anxiety disorder

The aim of the study was to examine the efficacy of valproic acid in participants with social anxiety disorder. Following a 2-week single-blind, placebo run-in period, 17 participants were enrolled in a 12-week open flexible-dose trial of valproic acid (500-2500 mg). The primary outcome measures were the mean change from baseline in the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS) total score and responder status [defined as a Clinical Global Impression of Improvement score (CGI-I) < or =2]. Social anxiety symptoms as measured by the LSAS and CGI-I scores significantly improved with treatment. The mean reduction in the LSAS was 21.3 points in the last visit carried forward analysis and 19.1 points for the completer analysis, with 41.1% and 46.6% participants, respectively, achieving responder status. The results from this open-label trial suggest the potential efficacy of valproic acid for the treatment of social anxiety disorder. Placebo-controlled trials are indicated to confirm these findings.

Ziprasidone in the treatment of acute bipolar mania: a three-week, placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized trial

OBJECTIVE

The study evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of ziprasidone, compared with placebo, in the treatment of adult patients with acute bipolar mania.

METHOD

Patients with a primary DSM-IV diagnosis of bipolar I disorder and a current manic or mixed episode (confirmed by the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders, Patient Edition) (N=210) were randomly assigned in a 2:1 ratio to 3 weeks of double-blind treatment with ziprasidone (40-80 mg twice daily) or placebo. Efficacy was assessed with the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia, Change Version (which contains the Mania Rating Scale), Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, Clinical Global Impression (CGI) severity scale, CGI improvement scale, and Global Assessment of Functioning Scale. Primary efficacy variables were differences from baseline to endpoint (last observation carried forward) in mean Mania Rating Scale and CGI severity scale scores between the ziprasidone and placebo groups. Safety evaluations included monitoring of adverse events, vital signs, electrocardiogram results, and clinical laboratory values and assessment of movement disorders and akathisia.

RESULTS

Ziprasidone produced rapid, sustained improvements relative to baseline and placebo on all primary and most secondary efficacy measures at endpoint. Significant improvements were typically observed within 2 days after treatment commenced and were maintained throughout the 3 weeks. Ziprasidone was well tolerated and associated with a low rate of extrapyramidal symptoms; neither weight gain nor clinically significant changes in vital signs or other safety parameters were observed with ziprasidone.

CONCLUSIONS

Ziprasidone monotherapy was significantly superior to placebo in reducing symptoms of acute mania in patients with bipolar I disorder. Onset of action was rapid, and tolerability of ziprasidone was generally comparable to that of placebo.