Interferon-induced psychosis: Myth or reality?

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. S551-S552 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Antunes ◽  
L. Sousa
Keyword(s):  
Psychiatric Hospitalization ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Neuropsychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Clinical Information ◽  
Acute Onset ◽  
Psychotic Symptoms ◽  
Psychotic Episode ◽  
Brain Images ◽  
Neuropsychiatric Complications ◽  
Brazilian Woman

IntroductionInterferon combined with ribavirin is widely used to decrease the burden of Hepatitis C virus (HCV), but some serious side effects might limit its usefulness. There has been recently a growing awareness about neuropsychiatric complications of many drug treatments. Anecdotal case reports of HCV treatment induced psychosis were published but there seems to be no consensus about the causative relation and no systematic reviews were done to the date.ObjectiveTo describe a paradigmatic case that was managed as an iatrogenic psychotic episode following interferon associated with ribavirin.AimCall attention to problems that interfere with the recognition, diagnosis and management of drugs induced psychosis.MethodsBibliographic research was conducted through the PubMed in the Medline library and clinical information was obtained through medical records and clinical interviews with the patient.ResultsA 50-year-old Brazilian woman, with a previous episode of postpartum depression, presented with paranoid psychosis six months after initiating HCV antiviral therapy. Psychotic symptoms consisted of persecutory delusions and auditory hallucinations and developed together with agitation and aggressive behavior. Psychiatric hospitalization was required and psychosis resolved with discontinuation of therapy and initiation of risperidone. Laboratory tests and brain images were of no help in the etiologic investigation.ConclusionsThere are many drugs known to possibly cause neuropsychiatric symptoms. It is the job of every physician to be aware of this hypothesis especially in cases with acute onset and atypical presentations.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

scholarly journals Delirium and Cognitive Impairment as Predisposing Factors of COVID-19 Infection in Neuropsychiatric Patients: A Narrative Review

Medicina ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 57 (11) ◽  
pp. 1244
Author(s):  
Michele Fabrazzo ◽  
Antonio Russo ◽  
Alessio Camerlengo ◽  
Claudia Tucci ◽  
Mario Luciano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Neuropsychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Potential Effect ◽  
Acute Onset ◽  
Predisposing Factors ◽  
Narrative Review ◽  
Predisposing Factor ◽  
Altered Level

SARS-CoV-2 neuroinvasive and neurotropic abilities may underlie delirium onset and neuropsychiatric outcomes. Only a limited number of studies have addressed the potential effect of SARS-CoV-2 infection on mental health so far. Most studies mainly reported the acute onset of mixed neuropsychiatric conditions in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2, characterized by agitated behavior, altered level of consciousness, and disorganized thinking, regardless of psychological or socioeconomic triggering factors. The present narrative review aims to analyze and discuss the mechanisms underlying the neuroinvasive/neurotropic properties of SARS-CoV-2 and the subsequent mental complications. Delirium appeared as a clinical manifestation of SARS-CoV-2 brain infection in some patients, without systemic or multiple organ failure symptoms. A small number of studies demonstrated that neuropsychiatric symptoms associated with COVID-19, initially presenting as a confused state, may subsequently evolve in a way that is consistent with the patients’ neuropsychiatric history. A literature analysis on this topic prevalently showed case reports and case series of patients presenting delirium or delirium-like symptoms as the main outburst of COVID-19, plus a cognitive impairment, from mild to severe, which pre-existed or was demonstrated during the acute phase or after infection. Dementia appeared as one of the most frequent predisposing factors to SARS-CoV-2 infection complicated with delirium. Instead, contrasting data emerged on the potential link between COVID-19 and delirium in patients with cognitive impairment and without a neuropsychiatric history. Therefore, clinicians should contemplate the possibility that COVID-19 appears as delirium followed by a psychiatric exacerbation, even without other systemic symptoms. In addition, cognitive impairment might act as a predisposing factor for COVID-19 in patients with delirium.

scholarly journals Paediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Group A Beta-Haemolytic Streptococcal Infection: An Indication for Tonsillectomy? A Review of the Literature

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amarkumar Dhirajlal Rajgor ◽  
Navid Akhtar Hakim ◽  
Sanah Ali ◽  
Adnan Darr
Keyword(s):  
Streptococcal Infection ◽  
Group A Streptococcus ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Neuropsychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Acute Onset ◽  
Neuropsychiatric Disorder ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Definitive Evidence ◽  
Group A

Background. Paediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcal Infection (PANDAS) is the acute onset of neuropsychiatric symptoms following group A beta-haemolytic streptococcal infection. The aetiology remains elusive. However, with group A streptococcus being the most common bacterial cause of tonsillitis, surgical intervention in the form of tonsillectomy has often been considered as a potential therapy. Methods. A MEDLINE® search was undertaken using keywords “PANDAS” or “paediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcus” combined with “tonsillectomy”. Results. Six case reports and 3 case series met the inclusion criteria. Demesh et al. (case series) reported a dramatic reduction in neuropsychiatric symptom severity in the patient cohort undergoing tonsillectomy. Two case series suggest that there is no association between tonsillectomy and resolution of PANDAS. Conclusion. Due to the lack of uniform data and sporadic reports, tonsillectomy should be carefully adopted for the treatment of this disorder. In particular, tonsillectomies/adenoidectomies to alleviate neuropsychiatric symptoms should be avoided until more definitive evidence is at our disposal. This review highlights the importance of a potential collaborative prospective study.

scholarly journals Psychosis associated with methimazole-induced hypothyroidism: a case report

2013 ◽  
Vol 62 (2) ◽  
pp. 171-173 ◽  
Author(s):  
Priscila C. F. Lazaro ◽  
Julia C. Loureiro ◽  
Claudio E. M. Banzato
Keyword(s):  
Case Report ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Psychotic Symptoms ◽  
Antithyroid Drugs ◽  
Psychotic Episode ◽  
Thyroid Status ◽  
Free T4 ◽  
Acute Change ◽  
Thyroid Goiter ◽  
Psychiatric Manifestations

INTRODUCTION: Thyroid dysfunction has often been associated with several psychiatric manifestations. Previous case reports/series suggest the possible role played by acute alteration of thyroid status in the onset of psychotic symptoms. METHODS: Case report and literature review. RESULTS: A 45-year-old woman with no psychiatric antecedents was brought to the ER with a full-blown psychotic episode, marked by paranoid delusions, which developed gradually over two months. She had been treated elsewhere for hyperthyroidism for five years with methimazole 40 mg/d, with poor compliance. One month before the beginning of the psychotic symptoms, methimazole was raised to 60 mg/d and she started taking it correctly. Five months earlier she had TSH: 0.074 uUI/ml and free T4: 1.3 ng/dl. At admission we found a diffuse thyroid goiter, TSH: 70.9 uUI/ml and free T4: 0.03 ng/dl. Brain CT was normal. We hospitalized her with the diagnosis of a psychosis secondary to hypothyroidism, suspended methimazole, and gave her levothyroxine (up to 75 µg/d) and risperidone (2 mg/d). The patient had a quick remission and was discharged after 15 days. Within one month she had TSH: 0.7 uUI/ml and was completely recovered psychiatrically. She has been well since then, with risperidone in the first 8 months, and without it for 10 months now. CONCLUSION: This case report is a reminder of the necessity of checking thyroid status as part of clinical assessment of psychoses. It also supports the hypothesis that antithyroid drugs may have severe psychiatric consequences, especially when they lead to an acute change of thyroid status.

35 A case of topiramate induced psychosis in a patient treated for seizure disorder and comprehensive literature review

2020 ◽  
Vol 91 (8) ◽  
pp. e22.2-e22
Author(s):  
Michael Heinz ◽  
Karissa Tauber ◽  
William Schleyer ◽  
William Keller
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Psychotic Disorders ◽  
Age Of Onset ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Psychiatric Inpatient ◽  
Psychotic Symptoms ◽  
Psychotic Episode ◽  
Current Case ◽  
Comprehensive Literature Review ◽  
Pubmed Database

Objectives/aimsThe objective of this paper is to present a case report of a patient with what we believe to be topiramate-induced psychosis. We also aim to persuade the reader to consider such a diagnosis in the differential of patients like ours. We present a comprehensive literature review of other similar cases, as well as a possible mechanism by which topiramate causes psychosis.MethodsWe reviewed the patient‘s chart in our electronic medical record and we conducted review of current case reports documenting associations between antiepileptic medications and psychosis. We used the PubMed database, using search terms ‘psychotic disorders,’ ‘hallucinations,’ ‘delusions,’ ‘psychosis’ in conjunction with ‘topiramate,’ ‘Topamax,’ ‘anti-seizure medication,’ ‘anti-epileptic medication.’ResultsWe present the case of a 66 year old woman admitted to the psychiatric inpatient unit for management of severe, recent onset psychotic delusions and hallucinations. Prior to this psychotic episode, she had no known psychiatric history and had functioned independently at home. The patient was recently transitioned to topiramate 100 mg BID for migraines and seizures, the latter of which had started after traumatic subdural hematoma 9 years prior. The patient had an extensive medical work-up on the inpatient psychiatry unit, including head imaging, EEG, and lab tests, all of which were non-contributory. She was started on risperidone and showed little improvement. At the recommendation of neurology, topiramate was discontinued in favor of an alternative antiepileptic. With discontinuation of topiramate, the patient had almost complete resolution of psychotic symptoms. She was discharged home.ConclusionTopiramate-induced psychosis should be considered in patients being treated with topiramate who present with psychosis. Special consideration of this diagnosis should be made in patients like ours, in whom older age of onset makes primary psychotic illness less likely. Continued study in this area will be necessary to definitely establish a causal relationship and identify the mechanism of this phenomenon.

scholarly journals Acute mania with psychotic symptom in post COVID-19 patient

BJPsych Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (S1) ◽  
pp. S50-S51
Author(s):  
Sridevi Shanmugam ◽  
Praveen Kumar ◽  
Blaga Carr
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychiatric Illness ◽  
Neuropsychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Previous History ◽  
Acute Mania ◽  
Medical Attention ◽  
Psychotic Symptoms ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Neuropsychiatric Complications ◽  
History Of

AimsCOVID-19 is an on-going pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Recent evidence suggests that SARS-CoV-2 may be associated with various neuropsychiatric symptoms, including mania. We present a case of a middle aged man presenting with acute mania with psychotic symptoms 20 days post COVID infection in the absence of prior psychiatric illness. This report highlights the need for rigorous neuropsychiatric assessment in patient with symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection.MethodA 52-year-old man of West African origin with past history of hypertension and no previous history of mental health illness presented with acute manic symptoms on background of two weeks of high fever, diarrhoea, mild headache, dry cough and anosmia. He was tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection on COVID PCR test. He was under self-isolation along with his family members who exhibited mild symptoms of SARS-CoV-2, none of them required hospital admission. He was initially fearful to seek medical attention but was brought in by family after exhibiting behaviour changes, obsession with toilet cleaning, reckless spending and getting aggressive approximately two weeks after the onset of acute upper respiratory symptoms. He presented elated in mood with pressure of speech and grandiose ideas. Investigations like neuroimaging and bloods were unremarkable. Initial psychiatric assessment found symptoms consistent with acute mania and he was detained under the Mental Health Act. During admission, he was sexually disinhibited and agitated on the ward requiring IM antipsychotics. He was treated with high dose of Olanzapine and Sodium valproate and his symptoms subsided within two weeks.ResultThis case emphasises the manifestation of neuropsychiatric illness post COVID-19 without a background of psychiatric illness, hypoxemia and cerebral infarction.Based on the CORONERVE Programme and latest retrospective Lancet cohort studies, the period between 14 and 90 days after diagnosis, 5.8% COVID-19 survivors had their first recorded diagnosis of psychiatric illness.It is also important to consider other organic disease given the simultaneous diagnosis of COVID-19. Although it is not yet possible to confirm here due to the lack of a validated CSF-PCR assay, previous reports have implicated SARS-CoV-2 in the development of viral encephalitis, and this remains an important differential.ConclusionClinicians should be alert to the possibility of patients with COVID-19 developing neuropsychiatric complications post SARS-CoV-2 infection, mandating the need for vigilant initial neuropsychiatric assessment and possibly follow-up care in 3 months.

Neuropsychiatric Symptoms and Antipsychotic Therapy in the Elderly Patients with Dementia

Psychiatry ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 6-15
Author(s):  
I. V. Kolykhalov
Keyword(s):  
Neuropsychiatric Symptoms ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Psychotic Symptoms ◽  
Mixed Dementia ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Antipsychotic Therapy ◽  
Dementia Patients ◽  
Frequency Of Use ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
High Incidence

The objective of the study was to investigate syndromal-nosological specificities of neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) and the frequency of use of antipsychotics in patients with various types of dementias, institutionalized to geriatric units of mental hospitals.Patients and methods: a total of 106 in-patients of three psychogeriatric units were examined. The median age of patients is 75 years [69; 80].The diagnostic distribution of patients at the time of the examination was as follows: in 33 subjects (31.1%) Alzheimer’s disease (AD) was diagnosed, in 25 (23.6%) - mixed dementia (MD), in 32 (30.2%) - vascular dementia (VD) and in 16 (15.1%) patients had dementia of complex origin (DCO).Results: a high incidence (54.7%) of NPS was found in patients with dementia of various origins. The greatest number of patients with behavioral and psychotic symptoms was found in AD and MD. The proportion of dementia patients with such disorders in each of these types of dementia is about 70%, while in CGD and VD, the proportion of patients with NPS is noticeably smaller (30% and 40%, respectively). For the treatment of NPS, antipsychotics were most often prescribed, but their use caused adverse events (AEs) in 1/3 of cases. Patients with VD are most susceptible to the development of AE, and AD patients are the least susceptible.Conclusion: the study showed that NPS are one of the important components of dementia, regardless of the nosology and stage of the disease. The treatment of NPS in dementia is particularly challenging because, although the symptoms cause significant distress, there are currently no effective alternative therapies. The risk of AE can be minimized by carefully considering the indications for prescribing antipsychotics and their short-term use, regular monitoring of the patient’s condition, and educating caregivers.

scholarly journals 405 - Music Therapy in the management of dementia

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (S1) ◽  
pp. 121-121
Author(s):  
Catarina Pedro ◽  
Beatriz Jorge ◽  
Mariana Duarte
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Music Therapy ◽  
Behavioral Problems ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Neuropsychiatric Symptoms ◽  
World Health ◽  
Psychotic Symptoms ◽  
The World ◽  
Health Organization

Introduction:Dementia has become a worldwide concern. According to the World Health Organization, there are 50 million individuals suffering from dementia across the world and approximately 20 million new cases are diagnosed each year. The efficacy of medications in controlling agitation and psychotic symptoms is modest and may cause serious adverse effects, outlining the urge for new treatment methods for patients with dementia. Music therapy (MT) is a nonpharmacologic strategy that is used in patients with early-to-late stages of dementia with promising results.Objectives:The aim of this presentation is to evaluate the benefits of music therapy in cognitive functioning and neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients diagnosed with dementia. We also summarize the current knowledge about this topic.Methods:A non-systematic review of the literature was performed on PubMed, PsycINFO and Web of science using selected keywords.Results:MT sustains its benefit because musical memory regions in the brain are relatively spared compared to cognitive function. “Musical memories” can, thus, be stored longer than non-musical memories, allowing to recall associated life events and emotions. Systematic reviews suggest that MT seem to have a positive effect on symptoms such as depression, anxiety and behavioral problems while the findings concerning agitation/aggression are inconsistent. No large differences were found between studies using live or recorded music although the latter reported more of a consistently positive impact on behavioral and psychological outcomes. The studies using live music, however, reported specific benefits to relationships and interactions.Conclusions:The majority of the studies have methodological limitations, making it difficult to offer firm conclusions. Despite this, there were positive results on aspects of quality of life, cognitive function, behavioral, psychological, physiological and communication outcomes.

scholarly journals Oral and Palmitate Paliperidone Long-Acting Injectable Formulations use in Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders: a retrospective cohort study from the CRUPEP First Episode Psychosis Intervention Program

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
R Segarra ◽  
M Recio-Barbero ◽  
M Sáenz-Herrero ◽  
O Mentxaka ◽  
J Cabezas-Garduño ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
Retrospective Cohort ◽  
Intervention Program ◽  
Therapeutic Option ◽  
Cohort Analysis ◽  
Clinical Information ◽  
First Episode ◽  
Psychotic Episode ◽  
Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders ◽  
Long Acting

Abstract Background Long-acting injectable antipsychotics (LAIs) may be a suitable therapeutic option for those patients in earlier stages of psychosis to avoid relapses and disease progression. Despite that, there is a lack of evidence in the literature regarding the use of LAIs in this profile of patients. Methods This is a retrospective cohort analysis to assess the efficacy, tolerability, and pattern of use of palmitate paliperidone long-acting injectable (PPLAI) formulations (1-monthly and 3-monthly) compared to oral paliperidone/risperidone in patients with a non-affective First Psychotic Episode(FEP) over a 12-month follow-up. Relevant sociodemographic and clinical information were assessed as well as main clinical scales: Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Personal and Social Performance Scale (PSP), and Clinical Global Impression Scale (CGI-I and CGI-S). Results Forty-eight patients, 16 per arm, 20-50 year aged with a FEP were included. Significant improvements were registered for all treatment groups. Despite that, patients receiving PPLAI 1-monthly and PPLAI 3-monthly formulations obtained greater improvements than the oral group in the main domains assessed (p<0.001). We found no statistically significant differences in hospitalizations between groups. Side effects were presented in 24% of patients. A trend towards reducing antipsychotic doses was observed in 43.8% of patients to achieve the minimum effective dose and avoid the occurrence of side effects. Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first study assessing the use of palmitate paliperidone long-acting formulations versus oral risperidone or paliperidone in FEP. Treatment with PPLAI formulations seems to be an effective therapeutic choice at earlier stages of the disease.

scholarly journals The individual course of neuropsychiatric symptoms in people with Alzheimer's and Lewy body dementia: 12-year longitudinal cohort study

2019 ◽  
Vol 216 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-48 ◽  
Author(s):  
Audun Osland Vik-Mo ◽  
Lasse Melvaer Giil ◽  
Miguel Germán Borda ◽  
Clive Ballard ◽  
Dag Aarsland
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Neuropsychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Personalised Medicine ◽  
Lewy Bodies ◽  
Lewy Body Dementia ◽  
Psychotic Symptoms ◽  
Primary Inclusion ◽  
The Individual

IntroductionUnderstanding the natural course of neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) in dementia is important for planning patient care and trial design, but few studies have described the long-term course of NPS in individuals.MethodPrimary inclusion of 223 patients with suspected mild dementia from general practice were followed by annual assessment, including the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI), for up to 12 years. Total and item NPI scores were classified as stable, relapsing, single episodic or not present based on 4.96 (s.d. 2.3) observations (98% completeness of longitudinal data) for 113 patients with Alzheimer's disease and 84 patients with LBD (68 dementia with Lewy bodies and 16 Parkinson's disease dementia).ResultsWe found that 80% had stable NPI total ≥1, 50% had stable modest NPI total ≥12 and 25% had stable NPI total ≥24 scores. Very severe NPS (≥48) were mostly single episodes, but 8% of patients with Alzheimer's disease had stable severe NPS. Patients with Alzheimer's disease and the highest 20% NPI total scores had a more stable or relapsing course of four key symptoms: aberrant motor behaviour, aggression/agitation, delusions and irritability (odds ratio 55, P < 0.001). This was not seen in LBD. Finally, 57% of patients with Alzheimer's disease and 84% of patients with LBD had reoccurring psychotic symptoms.ConclusionsWe observed a highly individual course of NPS, with most presenting as a single episode or relapsing; a stable course was less common, especially in LBD. These findings demonstrate the importance of an individualised approach (i.e. personalised medicine) in dementia care.

scholarly journals Aggressive incidents in first-episode psychosis

2001 ◽  
Vol 178 (5) ◽  
pp. 433-440 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Milton ◽  
Shazad Amin ◽  
Swaran P. Singh ◽  
Glynn Harrison ◽  
Peter Jones ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
First Episode Psychosis ◽  
Psychotic Symptoms ◽  
First Episode ◽  
Psychotic Episode ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Episode Psychosis ◽  
Clinical Associations ◽  
Independent Effects ◽  
One Act ◽  
Service Contact

BackgroundRecent research has reported increased risk of aggressive incidents by individuals with psychotic illness.AimsTo examine acts of aggression in first-episode psychosis.MethodSubjects with a first-episode psychosis were ascertained from a defined catchment area (Nottingham, UK) and reassessed at 3 years (n=166) using clinical interview, informants, health care and forensic records.ResultsOf the subjects, 9.6% demonstrated at least one act of serious aggression (defined as weapon use, sexual assault or victim injury) during at least one psychotic episode and 23.5% demonstrated lesser acts of aggression (defined as all other acts of aggression). For all aggressive subjects (33.1%), unemployment (OR=3.6, 95%CI 1.6–8.0), comorbid substance misuse (OR=3.1, CI 1.1–8.8) and symptoms of overactivity at service contact (OR=6.9, CI 2.7–17.8) had independent effects on risk of aggression.ConclusionsWe confirmed some previously reported demographic and clinical associations with aggression in first-episode psychosis but no relationship with specific psychotic symptoms or diagnostic groups was observed.

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