bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Is the most really the best: a review for the most selective SSRI concept three decades later
Authors: Allam M. A. 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionPharmaceutical slogans presuming a particular antidepressant molecule being the best solely based on a core concept could be proved “not accurate” especially following patients’ actual exposure to the antidepressant for longer than the usual six or twelve weeks’ trialsObjectivesReviewing the current situations of SSRI induced anhedonia recognition and its management. Distinguishing anhedonia as a core symptoms of depression from SSRI induced anhedonia and the combination of both.MethodsReview of literatures including theses related to the same topicResultsResearch suggests that, SSRIs might be more effective at treating some symptoms than others. More specifically, it has been suggested that, SSRIs might be more effective at improving symptoms such as low mood and anxiety but not anhedonia (Argyropoulos et al. psych.pharmaology, 2013; 27(10), 869-877). It has been proposed that, catecholaminergic antidepressants might be more effective treatments for anhedonia and emotional blunting in MDD than SSRIs (McCabe et al. Biological psychiatry, 2010; 67(5), 439–445. The primary effect of SSRIs is reduced processing of negative stimuli rather than increased positive stimuli. Emotional blunting is related to SSRI dose and possibly serotonergic effects on the frontal lobes and/or serotonergic modulation of midbrain dopaminergic systems projecting to the prefrontal cortex (PFC). By enhancing serotonergic transmission, SSRIs can activate the inhibitory Gamma Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) interneurons, thereby dampening the noradrenergic and dopaminergic input ( Blier. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol., 2014; 17:997–1008).Management of SSRI induced anhedonia includes lowering the current SSRI dose. Adding non SSRI antidepressant to the current SSRI dose or to a lowered SSRI dose. Gradual discontinuation of the SSRI and switching to another antidepressant with a different profile (SNRI) that might improve the patient’s emotional response (Koenigs. Behav Brain Res., 2009;201:239–43).Bupropion is an antidepressant with less possibility to give rise to emotional blunting. (Tomoko et al. Neuroscience Letters., 2021; 749, 135716. agomelatine(Thome et al. Journal of neural transmission., 2015; 122(1), 3-7.Vortioxetine and others (Bing et al. frontiers in psychiatry., Jan, 2019; 10-17. are of inrerest in this regard.Image 2:ConclusionsThe most selective SSRI concept assumes that most selective means less affinity to other receptors or secondary binding sites which might suggest less side effects and perhaps being the most efficacious. Not only serotonin but multiple neurotransmitters are in action at the downstream part of a cascade of events underpinning the etiology of MDD. MDD has heterogeneous etiology and this explains why patients respond differently. SSRI induced anhedonia could be tackled and we need to explore how many patients would benefit from that now and have not yet.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Prevalence of Treatment Resistant Psychoses in a Complete National Forensic Mental Health Service: A Dundrum Forensic Redevelopment Evaluation Study (D-FOREST)
Authors: Waqar M. U. , Amin H. , Ní Mhuircheartaigh E. , Kennedy H. G. , Davoren M. 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionTreatment resistant schizophrenia and other treatment resistant psychotic disorders are believed to be over-represented in forensic patient clusters. The true rates of treatment resistant psychoses in secure forensic hospitals remain unexplored.ObjectivesThis study aimed to ascertain the prevalence of treatment resistant psychoses within a complete national forensic mental health service. In addition, the study sought to examine the relationships between treatment resistance for psychotic symptoms and treatment resistance in other domains, such as offending behaviour.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study of a complete cohort of patients admitted to the National Forensic Mental Health Service in Ireland during the period 01/11/2021 to 31/01/2022. All inpatients at the time of the study were included. Demographic details, data appertaining to diagnosis, medication, measures of risk (HCR-20), recovery (DUNDRUM toolkit), functioning (GAF), and symptoms (PANSS) were collated. Data were gathered as part of the Dundrum Forensic Redevelopment Evaluation Study (D-FOREST).ResultsThe sample consisted of 170 patients. Majority (n=162) 95.3% were male. The majority (n=116), 68.2%, were admitted from prisons, while a smaller number (n=35), 20.6%, were admitted from other psychiatric facilities. The insanity defense (n=94) 55.3% was the most common legal status, followed by unfit to plead (n=16) 9.4%. The commonest diagnosis was schizophrenia (n=97) 57.1%, followed by schizoaffective disorder (n=27) 15.9% and autism spectrum disorder (n=5) 2.9%. The mean age at admission was 35.52 years and the median age was 34.37 ± 9.43 SD.Of the total sample, 25.9% of patients were on more than 1000 mg per day chlorpromazine equivalent (CPZE) doses. Those whose psychotic symptoms required treatment with CPZE doses over 1000 mg per day scored poorly on DUNDRUM-3 programme completion, DUNDRUM-4 recovery scale, HCR-20 historical, HCR-20 clinical, HCR-20 risk, HCR-20 dynamic, and had poorer overall functioning (all P<0.001) than those who required lower antipsychotic doses. On binary logistic regression, correcting for age and gender, the only variable that remained significant was GAF (adjusted odds ratio = 0.979, 95% CI 0.962-0.996, P=0.014). In forward entry model regression, only the DUNDRUM-4 recovery scale (odds ratio = 1.13, 95% CI 1.07-1.19, P<0.001) and GAF (adjusted odds ratio = 0.979, 95% CI 0.962-0.996, P<0.001) were significant. This model had a robust forward and backward likelihood ratio.ConclusionsRates of treatment resistant psychoses in forensic hospital groups are indeed elevated. Overall functioning on GAF and recovery across a wide range of components in the DUNDRUM-4 scale are the best predictors of treatment resistant psychosis.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Co-producing a physical activity intervention in two forensic psychiatry settings in the UK: The IMPACT study
Authors: Walker T. 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionIn the UK there are 3500 individuals detained in medium secure forensic psychiatry units. Service users in such settings have complex and serious mental illness (SMI), often with co-morbid physical health problems and a life expectancy of at least 10 years shorter than the general population. They often have low levels of physical activity. There is little evidence about physical activity interventions for medium secure service users in the United Kingdom.ObjectivesOur objective is to co-produce, with medium secure service users, the content and delivery of an intervention to increase physical activity. We shall assess feasibility, acceptability and pilot data collection methods for outcomes relevant for a future randomised controlled trial.MethodsThis is a 24-month mixed-methods project that will follow the Medical Research Council (MRC) framework Developing and Evaluating Complex Interventions. The study has 4 phases.- Phases 1-2 will gather information required to co-develop an evidence based intervention in Phase 3.- Phase 4 will assess the intervention in a feasibility study, evaluating and testing the intervention for a future pilot study.Study settings: Two NHS Medium Secure In-Patient Psychiatric Hospitals in the UK.ResultsThis paper presents the findings from the Phase 1 questionnaire and focus groups with service users and hospital staff that identified the barriers and facilitators to physical activity in such settings. The results are then discussed in relation to the Phase 2 qualitative results that explored stakeholders’ and service users’ opinions into how to increase physical activity among medium secure service users by identifying potential elements for inclusion in a physical activity intervention, to gain insight into how we can establish engagement of this group with the intervention, maintain commitment, avoid drop-out and develop the intervention design. All findings are presented using the Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation Model of Behaviour (COM-B model), which is widely used to identify what needs to change for a behaviour change intervention to be effective.ConclusionsThe findings of Phases 1-2 are allowing the team to move forward with Phase 3 that is currently developing an intervention to increase physical activity for adult inpatient service users in the medium secure units. This phase will be guided by the MRC framework and the COM-B model to define the target behaviours and select the most suitable intervention components (functions and techniques) and implementation approach.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
From “cutaneous anthrax” to “primary delusional infestation”
Authors: Ferreira I. A. , Ponte A. 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionPrimary delusional infestation is a rare psychiatric condition in which patients mistakenly believe that their skin or other body parts are infested by small, living organisms, despite the fact that no organisms can be found upon investigation. The delusion occurs concurrently with abnormal cutaneous sensations. Therefore, they typically have a history of prior negative evaluations by dermatologists and general practice physicians. In addition, patients may have also received repeated courses of dermatologic and anti-infective therapies, despite the lack of an objective diagnosis.ObjectivesTo describe the clinical case of a patient who suffered from an undiagnosed primary delusional infestation for 12 years.MethodsDescription of a clinical case and a non-systematic review of the literature.ResultsWe describe the clinical case of a 65-year-old woman who spent 12 years being evaluated by multiple medical and surgical specialties for the following complaint: “sensation of something moving beneath the skin.” At the onset of the complaint, the patient believed that this “strange sensation” was due to a recent tooth procedure. However, as she felt the discomfort not improving, she believed it to be a consequence of a cutaneous anthrax infection. Thus, the patient started using tweezers to grasp the living organism that was bothering her and that behavior caused intense scaring in her face. Meanwhile, the patient was also submitted to 3 cutaneous biopsies (prescribed by a dermatologist) that refuted the hypothesis of any living organism underneath her skin. In addition, the patient was prescribed sertraline, bromazepam and lorazepam that, although improved her sleep and anxiety levels, were inefficient to treat the root of her suffering. Finally, after 12 years of dispersed medical follow-up, this patient was evaluated by a new psychiatrist and prescribed paliperidone that rapidly made the agonizing “strange sensation” disappear.ConclusionsEven though primary delusional infestations are a rare psychiatric diagnosis, all medical doctors should consider it when their patients report bothersome dermatologic complaints associated with the belief of infestation and negative diagnostic examinations. It is incredibly important to consider this diagnostic, as the early treatment of this entity might prevent the patient from undergoing multiple years of suffering and discomfort.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
The relationship between visual hallucinations, functioning and suicidality over the course of illness: a 10-year follow-up study in first-episode psychosis
Authors: Kreis I. , Fjelnseth Wold K. , Åsbø G. , Simonsen C. , Melle I. 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionVisual hallucinations are a common symptom across psychotic disorders and have been linked to illness severity, impaired functioning, and increased suicide risk. However, little is known about the stability of this relationship over the long-term course of illness.ObjectivesThis study aims to assess whether the presence of visual hallucinations is associated with illness severity, functioning and suicidality, early and late in the course of illness. It further explores the potential role of childhood trauma in this context, which has been linked to both visual hallucinations and suicidality.MethodsA sample of 185 individuals with first-episode psychosis was assessed with structured clinical interviews and self-report questionnaires at time of study inclusion and at 10-year follow-up. Those with lifetime experience of visual hallucinations at inclusion (VH+/+) as well as those where visual hallucinations first developed during the follow-up period (VH-/+) were compared to a group without such experiences (VH-/-). To this end, multinomial logistic regression models were applied, with a range of clinical and demographic variables as predictors.ResultsAt time of inclusion, the VH+/+ group had significantly higher symptom severity scores, lower functioning scores, and were more likely to have a history of multiple suicide attempts. There were no such differences between the VH-/+ and the VH-/- group. At follow-up, this pattern of findings partially reversed. Here, only the VH-/+ group differed from the VH-/- group in terms of higher symptom severity scores and lower functioning scores. However, the VH+/+ group was still more likely to report multiple suicide attempts during the follow-up period, whereas VH-/+ did not differ from VH-/-. Notably, childhood trauma scores did not differ between groups.ConclusionsIn line with previous studies, these findings point to an association between visual hallucinations and illness severity, functioning and suicidality. However, this association seems to change over the course of illness. Together, this highlights the relevance of assessing visual hallucinations in the clinical setting and monitoring their development over time.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Psychotic depression and the risk of death due to suicide
Authors: Paljarvi T. , Tiihonen J. , Lähteenvuo M. , Tanskanen A. , Fazel S. , Taipale H. 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionDepression markedly increases the risk of suicide, and depression is the most common psychiatric disorder diagnosed in persons with a completed suicide, but the interplay between depression and psychotic symptoms in suicides has remained unsettled.ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to establish the risk of suicide associated with incident psychotic depression (PD) compared to incident non-psychotic severe depression (NPD) in a large nationwide cohort.MethodsThis cohort study used routine data from nationwide health registers in Finland. Eligible participants were aged 18 ̶ 59 years at the index diagnosis. Causes of death were defined by the International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision codes. The follow-up time was up to five years. Adjusted Cox regression models were used to analyse risk of death by method of suicide.ResultsWe included 17331 individuals with incident PD and 85989 individuals with incident NPD. Most of the deaths due to suicides occurred within the first two years after the index diagnosis. Compared to NPD, PD was associated with an overall two-fold increased risk of suicide (adjusted hazard ratio, (aHR) 2.19, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.95, 2.46), after adjusting for psychiatric comorbidities. In PD, the highest relative risks were for impact-related suicides (aHR 3.03, 95%CI 2.23, 4.13) and for suffocation-related suicides (aHR 2.72, 95%CI 2.23, 3.30), whereas the lowest relative risk was for intentional poisonings (aHR 1.66, 95%CI 1.37, 2.02).ConclusionsPsychotic symptoms increased the risk of suicide 2-fold of the risk that was associated with severe depression, after controlling for comorbid psychiatric disorders. The severity of suicidal ideation may be higher in PD than in NPD, which then leads to more lethal methods of self-harm.Disclosure of InterestT. Paljarvi: None Declared, J. Tiihonen Grant / Research support from: Janssen-Cilag, Eli Lilly, Consultant of: HLS Therapeutics, Orion, and WebMed Global, Speakers bureau of: Eli Lilly, Evidera, Janssen-Cilag, Lundbeck, Mediuutiset, Otsuka, Sidera, and Sunovion, M. Lähteenvuo Shareolder of: Genomi Solutions ltd, Nursie Health ltd, Springflux ltd, Grant / Research support from: Finnish Medical Foundation, Emil Aaltonen Foundation, Speakers bureau of: Sunovion, Lundbeck, Otsuka Pharma, Orion Pharma, Recordati, Janssen, Janssen-Cilag, A. Tanskanen Grant / Research support from: Janssen-Cilag, Eli Lilly, S. Fazel Grant / Research support from: Wellcome Trust, H. Taipale Grant / Research support from: Janssen-Cilag, Eli Lilly, Academy of Finland, Speakers bureau of: Janssen-Cilag, Otsuka
Identifying early signs of Treatment Resistance in First Episode Psychosis to revise and aid further treatment
Authors: Wold K. F. , Flaaten C. B. , Åsbø G. , Widing L. , Melle I. 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionApproximately 1/3 of patients with first episode psychosis (FEP) will not benefit from antipsychotic medications and are considered treatment resistant (TR). TR is currently defined as sustained lack of remission with functional loss in the context of two adequate trials of different antipsychotics. Studies suggest that early initiation of clozapine treatment support a better course of illness in TR. Most treatment guidelines recommend clozapine after two antipsychotic failures. In practice, increased dosages of other antipsychotics or polypharmacy are tried out first. Identifying early signs of TR and revising treatment is thus important. Since the TR definition requires adequate lengths of treatment attempts, they are difficult to apply in FEP.ObjectivesThe aim of the current study is to 1) investigate if a shorter observation period can be used to identify subgroups of FEP patients with early signs of TR (no indication of early clinical recovery - NoECR) and 2) investigate differences in antipsychotic treatments over the first year compared to patients in full or partial early recovery (ECR/ partial ECR).MethodsParticipants 18 to 65 years in their first year of treatment were recruited from major hospitals in Oslo. The participants met the DSM-IV criteria for schizophrenia, schizophreniform disorder, schizoaffective disorder, and psychotic disorder NOS. A total of 387 completed baseline clinical assessments and 207 one-year follow-up. The SCID-I for DSM-IV was used for diagnosis, symptoms were measured with the SCI-PANSS. Treatment history was gathered through interviews and medical charts. No-ECR was defined as a) Not meeting remission criteria for at least 12 weeks at follow-up, and b) Not regained functioning, i.e., a GFS score < 60. ECR was defined as a) Meeting the criteria for remission and b) Regained functioning, i.e., a GFS score >=61. Partial ECR did not meet these criteria.ResultsAt one year follow-up, 47% met the criteria for no-ECR, 29% the criteria for ECR and 24% the criteria for partial ECR. Baseline predictors of the no-ECR group corresponded to previously identified predictors of long-term TR. Only 35 (17%) participants met the full criteria for TR at this point. Of the 97 in the no-ECR group, 18 (19%) were in an ongoing trial (p<0.001 vs ECR/partial ECR) and 21 (22%) were using the same medication over the whole follow-up year (p =.008 vs ECR /partial ECR) despite lack of significant clinical effect.ConclusionsWe show that the mostly used consensus definition of TR identifies only a proportion of FEP patients without sufficient clinical and functional improvement at one year follow-up. The main reason for not meeting the criteria is a lack of two adequate antipsychotic trials at this point of time. However, only half of these were in an ongoing trial despite recommendations in clinical guidelines.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Analysis of the predictive potential of good clinical response of plasma levels of clozapine in patients with resistant schizophrenia in an area of southern Spain
Authors: Muñoz-Manchado L. I. , González-Saiz F. , Pérez-Revuelta J. I. , Laherrán-Cantera N. , Pardo-Velasco R. J. 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionResistant schizophrenia is a schizophrenia subtype characterized by a non-ability to respond to an appropriate antipsychotic treatment in dosage and duration by the patients. These patients show a lower prognostic and symptomatology. The unique drug which has shown efficacy for resistant schizophrenia treatment is clozapine, which is effective in suicide and aggressive behaviour prevention too. Whereas clozapine has numerous and serious adverse effects such as agranulocytosis risk. Because of this, and for guaranteeing an accurate diagnosis of resistant schizophrenia, distinguishing this from pseudo-resistance due to a poor tracing of schizophrenia, clozapine’s plasmatic levels monitoring is recommended in Spain by many clinical practise-guidelines.ObjectivesThis studio has the objective of determining if altered clozapine’s plasmatic levels have predictive potential of therapeutical response and answering what clinical and sociodemographic variables are associated to these anormal plasmatic levels.MethodsIn this work, a cross-sectional observational study was carried out in which clinical and sociodemographic data obtained by the Mental Health Unit of the Jerez de la Frontera University Hospital were collected within the research project entitled: "Role of social cognition as a factor psychosocial functioning of the schizophrenic patient” (ECOFUN), of all the participating patients (in total the sample was 141 patients, of which 40 are in treatment with clozapine).ResultsThe sample of patients has a mean age of 44 years and medium-high educational levels. The vast majority are men and do not currently consume substances of abuse, and when this consumption occurs, tobacco and alcohol are the most consumed substances. Their total scores on the PANSS and Markova Barrios scales are generally very disparate, but with average values of 55 and 16. It has been obtained as results that there is no significant statistical correlation between the plasma levels of clozapine and the values of the PANSS scale and its subscales in the patients. On the other hand, patients treated with clozapine would present clinical and sociodemographic characteristics practically identical to those of patients treated with other antipsychotics, especially their values on the PANSS scale. In addition, plasma levels of clozapine are correlated, although not significantly, with an improvement in the positive symptomatology of schizophrenia.ConclusionsAs a conclusion, unusually higher values of clozapine are correlated significantly with lower values in positive symptomatology in schizophrenia, but plasmatic levels are not correlated significantly with values of PANSS scale.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared