bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Audit of Sub-Therapeutic Dosing of Methadone as Opioid Substitution Therapy
Authors: Wilson Paul 
Published: August 2024

AimsClinical guidance indicates that methadone doses of 60–120mg are therapeutic as opioid substitution therapy (OST). Audit was completed to understand why patients open to Newcastle Treatment and Recovery (Addictions) are being prescribed doses below 60mg and to identify areas for improvement.Methods285 patients were identified via prescription software as currently prescribed <60mg methadone. A random sample of 50 cases was obtained for audit during signing of routine prescriptions. Case sample was adjusted to ensure even distribution between keyworkers. Review then completed of prescribing card and clinical entries in the last 6 months. Standards included reason for subtherapeutic dosing and evidence of instability with use of illicit opioids, or other substances (excluding alcohol or cannabis), alongside secondary outcomes.Results54% of cases were found to currently be undergoing a change in their dose – mostly reducing though 2 increasing and 2 preparing to switch to buprenorphine. The remaining 46% were maintained on a consistent dose of methadone below 60mg. Of these 8 were advised to change their dose but this was declined. The remaining 15 had no additional advice recorded and remained on sub-therapeutic dose. Of 50 cases 8 were unstable with regards illicit opioid use, 21 were using other substances (1 gabapentin with the remaining using cocaine). For those using illicit opioids 63% were advised of an increase but declined whilst 25% were not advised of any change in their OST. Of those using other substances 48% had no change in OST considered whilst a further 10% continued with a reduction.ConclusionThe audit found that a proportion of cases prescribed a sub-therapeutic dose were being maintained on this dose. Most concerning was the proportion of patients who were not advised to increase despite use of illicit opioids but also the proportion who were not following advice from their keyworker. Additional concerns highlighted uncertainty in practice around the role of OST in those who remain using other substances, in particular cocaine. Department of Health guidance recommends that doses in these cases should be optimised which would mean at least targeting therapeutic range. Recommendations made included to develop further training to ensure consistency of practice as well as requiring that all patients on sub-therapeutic doses of methadone should be booked for strategic care plan reviews at a minimum of 6 monthly.
Imaginator
Authors: Gardner-Bougaard Emily , Sevri Athina , Do Simplicio Martina 
Published: August 2024

AimsSelf-harm affects around 20% of all young people in the UK. Treatment options for self-harm remain limited and those available are either non-specific or long and costly and may not suit all young people. There is an urgent need to develop new scalable interventions to address this gap.Imaginator is a novel imagery-based intervention targeting self-harm initially developed for 16–25-year-olds. It is a blended digital intervention delivering Functional Imagery Training (FIT) via therapist sessions and a smartphone app. In this study we piloted a new version of Imaginator extended to adolescents from age 12 after co-producing a new app with a diverse group of young people experts-by-experience.We aimed to assess feasibility of delivering Imaginator in Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and adult secondary mental health services and gather young people's feedback on the interventionMethodsParticipants were recruited from West London NHS Trust Tier 2 CAMHS and adult Mental health Integrated Network Teams (MINT) teams. They underwent a baseline screening and were allocated to a therapist for three face-to-face FIT sessions in which the app was introduced followed by five phone support sessions. Outcome assessments were conducted after completing therapy, approximately 3-months post-baseline, including questionnaire measures and a qualitative feedback interview.Qualitative data were analysed using a co-produced thematic analysis method with lived experience co-researchers.ResultsThirty-four participants were referred (31 female, 2 male, 1 transgender; mean age = 18.4), of which 30 met inclusion criteria and completed screening. Out of 25 who started therapy 16 completed the intervention. Only 15 completed the quantitative outcome assessment, and 10 the interviews. There was an overall reduction in number of self-harm episodes over 3-months from pre- to post-interventionFive main themes were identified: Imaginator therapy impact, mental imagery acceptability and efficacy, usefulness and usability of the app, integration of the app in therapy and need for improvements. Young people found Imaginator helpful at improving their mental health, in particular the use of mental imagery techniques. The app was overall well received but improvements were suggested.ConclusionOur study suggests that Imaginator can be extended to adolescents, is acceptable and has potential as a brief intervention reducing self-harm in young people under mental health services. A future RCT is needed to robustly test the intervention efficacy, after considering issues around high attrition in outcome measures.
A Case Study of Cognitive Impairment Associated With Levetiracetam
Authors: McKenzie Stefan , Seelam Kalyan 
Published: August 2024

AimsIn patients with cognitive impairment, it is important to assess the possible impact of medications on cognition. Levetiracetam is an antiepileptic medication used in the management of epilepsy. Its effect on cognition is unclear.MethodsWe present a case study of a 57-year-old female who developed cognitive impairment associated with levetiracetam.She was referred to Memory Services from her GP due to cognitive impairment. Her past medical history included an optic nerve glioma which was surgically removed followed by radiotherapy, and meningiomas which were managed with stereotactic radiosurgery. She had no previous psychiatric history.Following a first seizure, she was started on levetiracetam 250 mg BD. Over the following months, she developed worsening symptoms of poor memory, fatigue and lethargy, sleeping excessively, headaches, and subsequently, low mood and occasional suicidal thoughts. Levetiracetam dose was halved. When seen in Memory Services 3 months later, it was reported that there had been a gradual but partial improvement in her symptoms since the dose reduction. Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination (ACE-III) score was 67/100. Short form mood scale was 3/15, below the threshold for depression. Blood tests were normal. MRI Head showed meningiomas and diffuse white matter hyperintensities, both unchanged from previous imaging.The patient then started lamotrigine and stopped levetiracetam. On follow up (2 months after initial memory assessment), ACE-III score improved to 80/100 and it was reported that her symptoms had completely resolved.ResultsIn this case, there is evidence to support a causal link between levetiracetam and the patient's cognitive impairment – there was a temporal relationship, dose response relationship, and reversibility, which are all in the Bradford Hill criteria for causation. Other causes were considered and deemed less likely, including depression; the mood symptoms were not the predominant symptoms and developed after the other symptoms, and the patient scored below the threshold score for depression on short form mood scale.Regarding the aetiology in this case, one hypothesis is that there may have been risk factors that made this patient more susceptible to cognitive side effects from the biological effects of levetiracetam, such as previous neurosurgery and radiosurgery. Another hypothesis is that the levetiracetam may have triggered an atypical depressive episode which manifested predominantly with memory symptoms and tiredness.ConclusionThis case study highlights the importance of reviewing medications when assessing cognitive impairment, and of obtaining a clear timeline of symptoms. There is a need for further research looking at the effect of levetiracetam on cognition.
Catatonia Following Oral Ingestion of Cannabis
Authors: Tewari Abhinav , Pathak Ashish , Pathak Andrea 
Published: August 2024

AimsCatatonia is a neuropsychiatric syndrome that affects motor, speech, and behavioural functions. The link between catatonia and cannabis use is complex and poorly understood, with limited evidence from case reports about the neuropsychiatric manifestations. This paper aims to describe an unusual presentation of catatonia precipitated by a drink made from cannabis leaves (a.k.a. ‘Bhang’).MethodsMr JP, a 22-year-old college student, was admitted to an acute medical ward in North India. The medical team sought psychiatry opinion following the unusual presentation: sudden onset of mutism, staring, and rigidity. Physical examination revealed tachycardia and redness of the eyes. Routine blood investigations, EEG and MRI-Brain were unremarkable. Urine drug screen was positive for cannabis. Initially reluctant due to fear of legal troubles, the accompanying friends later revealed a history of ingestion of cannabis leaves (Bhang) for recreational purposes twelve hours ago. Following the clinical diagnosis of catatonia, the lorazepam challenge test led to improvement in rigidity and verbal responsiveness. No overt psychotic symptoms, such as delusions or hallucinations, were noted at the time or during follow-up. JP had previously experimented with smoked cannabis without any diagnosed psychiatric or medical complications requiring inpatient management. He was abstinent from all forms of cannabis use over the past three months due to college exams and denied any illicit substance use. Over the next two days, as the effects of the ingested cannabis wore off and oral lorazepam (6 mg/day) was continued, JP was back to his previous self with stable vital signs. He was discharged from the hospital with a plan to taper and stop lorazepam on an outpatient basis.Results‘Bhang' has been a culturally acceptable cannabis form in the Indian subcontinent for centuries, providing an interesting cultural aspect to the case. This case highlights an unusual clinical instance of cannabis use; Oral ingestion led to a drastic presentation requiring hospitalisation, while the smoked form did not result in any similar sequelae. The study's limitations include the inability to test for synthetic cannabinoids and the lack of objective catatonia scoring scale(s).ConclusionWith the surging popularity of cannabis use in recent years, it is essential to be aware of its various forms and exercise a high degree of suspicion towards unusual presentations. Further research is needed to understand the link between cannabis use and catatonia at the neurotransmitter level, mediated by individual risk factors.
Prescription Patterns in Adolescent Patients With Depressive Disorder at a Tertiary Care Centre in Singapore
Authors: Chee Tji Tjian , Han Ngoh Mark Ye , Hoe Yew Ron , Qi Chong Crystal Xue , Vanessa Tan Pei Sheuan 
Published: August 2024

AimsWe aim to examine the prescription patterns of local psychiatrists for adolescent patients with depressive disorder, treated on an outpatient basis, as part of an integrated programme for management of mood disorders in adolescent patients (IPMDA) in Singapore.MethodsAn longitudinal cohort observational study was carried out at a psychiatry out-patient department in the National University Hospital of Singapore, as part of a specialised programme for the treatment of adolescents, aged 13 to 18, with depressive disorder. The data which were collected included information about age, gender, education, therapy provision and drug prescription included generic name and dosing.ResultsA total of 129 patients were included in the study. 81.7% (n = 105) were females and 18.3% (n = 24) were males. 72 (76.4% female, 23.6% male) patients were started on medications. All patients were initiated on a monotherapy regime of antidepressants.The most commonly prescribed antidepressant was Fluoxetine (58.3%), followed by Sertraline (18.1%), Fluvoxamine (12.5%), Escitalopram (6.9%), Mirtazapine (2.8%) and Amitriptyline (1.4%).ConclusionOur findings revealed that current psychopharmacology practice for depressive disorder in Singapore generally follows the published Singaporean treatment guidelines, which is generally kept up to date with wider international recommendations.The factor of pricing may affect the lower prescription of certain medications, such as Escitalopram, as it is more expensive than the other prescribed medications in the list.
Prevalence and factors associated with suicidal ideation and attempts among war-affected internally displaced people in northwest Ethiopia, 2022
Authors: Tadesse Gebresilassie , Gashaw Fanuel , Amare Zeleke Tadele , Fentahun Setegn , Yitayih Sewbesew 
Published: August 2024

Background
People who are forced to leave home often experience emotional suffering and may be disproportionately subjected to risk factors for suicide. Although it is a grave concern for the global public health community, it has not been understood in Ethiopia.

Aims
This study aims to assess the prevalence and factors associated with suicidal ideation and attempts among war-affected internally displaced people in northwest Ethiopia, 2022.

Method
From 23 May to 22 June 2022, a cross-sectional study design was conducted, and a sample of 765 participants was selected through simple random sampling. A structured interview was employed to collect data. Suicidal ideation and attempts were assessed using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview.

Results
Out of 751 interviewed participants with a response rate of 98.2%, the magnitude of suicidal ideation and attempt was 22.4% (95% CI: 19.5%, 25.4%) and 6.7% (95% CI: 5.1%, 8.7%), respectively. People of female gender, having depression, family with a history of mental illness, and poor social support were significantly associated with both suicidal ideation and attempts. Furthermore, post-traumatic stress symptoms and the death of a family member were significantly associated with suicide ideation and attempt, respectively.

Conclusion
At least one in five of the displaced people in this population had experienced suicide ideation, and one in fifteen had attempted suicide. Therefore, strengthening early detection and intervention for individuals is recommended, especially for females with depression, post-traumatic stress symptoms, family with a history of mental illness, poor social support and the death of family members.
Quantifying the Core Deficit in Classical Schizophrenia From Three Independent Samples of Psychosis Spectrum Patients
Authors: Rathnaiah Mohanbabu , Liddle Elizabeth , Liddle Peter 
Published: August 2024

AimsIn schizophrenia, disorganisation and impoverished mental activity (as described in the classical descriptions by Kraepelin and Bleuler) together with impaired cognitive function, predict persisting functional impairment (Liddle, 2019). We propose that in schizophrenia, four ‘classical’ features (disorganisation, impoverished mental activity, cognitive dysfunction, and impaired role-functioning) arise from a shared pathophysiological process that increases risk of persisting functional impairment. We also propose that this shared process creates a risk of subsequent episodic reality distortion (delusions and hallucinations). In the current work, we investigate whether a single latent variable accounts for the shared variance in the four ‘classical’ features. We also investigate whether the severity of this latent variable based on assessment of long-standing classical symptoms predicts severity of current reality distortion.MethodsWe performed maximum likelihood factor analysis of disorganisation, impoverishment, cognition and role-function in three separate samples of patients (n = 54, n = 128, n = 64) with DSM diagnosed schizophrenia, schizo-affective disorder or bipolar disorder. In the first two samples, we quantified current disorganisation and impoverished mental activity using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). In the third, we scored persistent disorganisation and impoverished mental activity according to Symptoms & Signs of Psychosis Illness (SSPI) based on systematic examination of case records. We assessed cognition using the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST) and role-function using the Social & Occupational functioning scale (in two studies) and the Personal & Social Performance scale (in one study). We quantified current reality distortion by summing SSPI scores for current delusions and hallucinations.ResultsIn each of the three studies, a single latent variable accounted for more than 50% of variance. Loadings were similar whether current or persistent symptoms were used. The latent variable derived from persistent symptom scores correlated significantly with current reality distortion.ConclusionThis series of studies provide further evidence that disorganisation, impoverished mental activity, cognitive impairment and impaired role function share substantial variance, consistent with the proposal that they reflect a core pathophysiological process underlying ‘classical’ schizophrenia. Furthermore, our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that over time, this pathophysiological process increases the risk of episodic reality distortion. However, these were all cross-sectional studies, and need to be confirmed using longitudinal data. Our findings have potential clinical and research implications including development of a custom-made clinical tool to quantify the core deficit as well as investigating targeted interventions employing medication or neuromodulation.
The Social and Clinical Factors Associated With Mental Health Act (MHA) Use Among Children and Adolescent Inpatients: A Cohort Study Using Electronic Health Records
Authors: Walker Susan , Freitas Daniela Fonseca , Downs Johnny , Nyikavaranda Patrick , Johnson Sonia 
Published: August 2024

AimsLittle is known about the use of the Mental Health Act (MHA) in children and young people (CYP). There is some evidence that having a diagnosis of psychosis or substance misuse disorder, having an intellectual disability, being older and being of black ethnicity are associated with involuntary admission. However, the existing literature is limited and relies on retrospective case note review or surveys based on a small number of sites over short periods of time. We investigated the social and clinical factors associated with MHA use in CYP using electronic health records. We hypothesised that older adolescence, psychosis, more severe illness, the presence of risk to others and Black ethnicity would be associated with involuntary admission under the MHA.MethodsUsing data from the Clinical Record Interactive Search (CRIS) system for South London and the Maudsley (SLaM) services we identified 2165 CYP under 18 years, with a first admission to inpatient units between 2007 and 2021 with complete data on variables of interest; 1638 (75.7%) were voluntary patients for the duration of the admission and 527 (25.3%) had been detained under a section 2 or 3 of the MHA during the admission. We conducted univariable logistic regression to investigate the association between clinical factors (diagnosis, severity of illness, risk) and social factors (gender, age, ethnicity, deprivation) with the outcome i.e. MHA admission. We then conducted multivariable logistic regression to investigate the association between the clinical and social factors and involuntary admission.ResultsIn multivariable analyses we found evidence that a diagnosis of psychosis (OR 2.63, 95% CI 1.83–3.76, p < 0.001), being older (age 13–15 years: OR 5.88, 95% CI 3.46–10.03, p < 0.001; age 16–17 years: OR 6.72, 95% CI 3.97–11.41, p < 0.001), having a developmental disorder (OR 1.60, 95% CI 1.04–2.47, p = 0.033) and being of Black ethnicity (OR 2.14, 95% CI 1.60–2.89, p < 0.001) were associated with involuntary admission after accounting for other factors. Being less impaired (i.e. a higher CGAS score) was associated with a lower odds of involuntary admission (moderate impairment: OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.42–0.74, p < 0.001; lowest impairment: OR 0.41, 95% CI 0.30–0.54, p < 0.001).ConclusionIn this large cohort of child and adolescent inpatients from South East London, we found that CYP of Black ethnicity are more likely than those from White groups to have an involuntary than voluntary psychiatric hospitalisation, after adjusting for social and clinical factors relating to admission. The finding that Black CYP are more than twice as likely to experience involuntary admission is in keeping with prior literature in CYP and the adult literature. This racial inequity requires further investigation to address disparities in access to mental health care and application of the MHA.
Classification and Regression Trees to Predict for Survival for Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treated With Atezolizumab and Bevacizumab
Authors: Brown Timothy J. , Gimotty Phyllis A. , Mamtani Ronac , Karasic Thomas B. , Yang Yu-Xiao 
Published: August 2024

PURPOSE Systemic therapy with atezolizumab and bevacizumab can extend life for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, there is substantial variability in response to therapy and overall survival. Although current prognostic models have been validated in HCC, they primarily consider covariates that may be reflective of the severity of the underlying liver disease of patients with HCC. We developed and internally validated a classification and regression tree (CART) to identify patient characteristics associated with risks of early mortality, at or before 6 months from treatment initiation. METHODS This retrospective cohort study used the nationwide Flatiron Health electronic health record–derived deidentified database and included patients with a diagnosis of HCC after January 1, 2020, who received initial systemic therapy with atezolizumab and bevacizumab. CART was developed from available baseline clinical and demographic information to predict mortality within 6 months from treatment initiation. Model characteristics were compared to the albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) model and was further validated against a contemporary validation cohort of patients after a data update. RESULTS A total of 293 patients were analyzed. The CART identified seven cohorts of patients from baseline demographic and laboratory characteristics. The model had an area under the receiver operating curve (AUROC) of 0.739 (95% CI, 0.683 to 0.794) for predicting 6-month mortality. This model was internally valid and performed more favorably than the ALBI model, which had an AUROC of 0.608 (95% CI, 0.557 to 0.660). The model applied to the contemporary validation cohort (n = 111) had an AUROC of 0.666 (95% CI, 0.506 to 0.826). CONCLUSION Using CART, we identified unique cohorts of patients with HCC treated with atezolizumab and bevacizumab with distinct risks of early mortality. This approach outperformed the ALBI model and used clinical and laboratory characteristics that are readily available to oncologists caring for these patients.