Effect of medication-related factors on adherence in people with schizophrenia: A European multi-centre study

2010 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 251-259 ◽  
Author(s):  
Johanna Meier ◽  
Thomas Becker ◽  
Anita Patel ◽  
Debbie Robson ◽  
Aart Schene ◽  
...  

SUMMARYAim– To investigate the relation between medication-related factors and adherence in people with schizophrenia in outpatient treatment.Methods– The sample comprised 409 outpatients (ICD-10 diagnosis of schizophrenia) with clinician-rated instability in four European cities (Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Verona, Italy; Leipzig, Germany; London, Great Britain). Adherence was assessed using theMedication Adherence Questionnaire(patient perspective), and theClinician Rating Scale(clinician perspective). Examined medication-related factors were type (atypical vs. typical), application (oral vs. depot), daily dose frequency of antipsychotic medication (Medication History Scale), number of side effects (Liverpool University Neuroleptic Side Effect Rating Scale), and patient attitudes toward medication (Drug Attitude Inventory). Multiple regression analysis was used to identify predictors of adherence by medication-related factors.Results– Adherence, as rated by patient and clinician, was predicted by patient attitude towards medication, but was unrelated to type of drug, formulation or side effects of antipsychotic medication. A high daily dose frequency was associated with better adherence, but only when rated by the patient.Conclusions– In order to improve adherence there is a need to seriously consider and attempt to improve patient attitude toward medication. However, type of antipsychotic and other medication-related factors may not be as closely related to adherence as it has often been suggested.Declaration of Interest:The study was funded by a grant from the Quality of Life and Management of Living Resources Program of the European Union (QLG4-CT-2001–01734). JM, AS, CB, MK, CB, LB, and BP declare that they have not received any form of financing including pharmaceutical company support or any honoraria for consultancies or interventions during the last two years. DR has received honoraria from Eli Lilly, Janssen Cilag and Astra Zeneca for consultancy work, and Anita Patel has received research consultancy funding from Servier. TB reports research funding to the department from Astra Zeneca, GlaxoSmithKline and Affectis for clinical trials and investigator-initiated trials; the department has also received funds to a minor extent for symposia and in-house training from Astra Zeneca, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Eisai, Janssen Cilag, Lilly Germany, Lundbeck, Novartis, Pfizer, Servier, and Wyeth. All authors declare that they have no other involvements that might be considered a conflict of interest in connection with this article.

1973 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 145-150 ◽  
Author(s):  
K Jepson ◽  
G Beaumont

A daily dose of 200 mg of opipramol (Insidon, Geigy) and 30 mg of chlordiazepoxide (Librium, Roche) were compared in a clinical trial in general practice. The trial was double blind and a stratified randomisation technique was employed. Twenty four patients received opipramol and twenty six chlordiazepoxide for four weeks. A total anxiety score and separate ‘psychic’ anxiety and ‘somatic’ anxiety scores were recorded, using a rating scale initially and after two and four weeks treatment. No overall difference in efficacy was found between the two drugs—opipramol producing a 76% improvement and chlordiazepoxide 64% by the end of the study. There was no difference in the relief of psychic anxiety. Although opipramol appeared to give more relief of somatic anxiety, the difference was not statistically significant. Again although opipramol relieved more individual symptoms than chlordiazepoxide, none of the differences were significant. 70% of patients on opipramol and 74% of those on chlordiazepoxide were classified ‘better’ globally by both doctor and patient by the end of the trial. The total number of side effects recorded was similar on both drugs although drowsiness occurred twice as frequently on chlordiazepoxide as it did on opipramol.


2008 ◽  
Vol 38 (5) ◽  
pp. 651-661 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. E. Schlaepfer ◽  
C. Frick ◽  
A. Zobel ◽  
W. Maier ◽  
I. Heuser ◽  
...  

BackgroundVagus nerve stimulation (VNS) therapy is associated with a decrease in seizure frequency in partial-onset seizure patients. Initial trials suggest that it may be an effective treatment, with few side-effects, for intractable depression.MethodAn open, uncontrolled European multi-centre study (D03) of VNS therapy was conducted, in addition to stable pharmacotherapy, in 74 patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Treatment remained unchanged for the first 3 months; in the subsequent 9 months, medications and VNS dosing parameters were altered as indicated clinically.ResultsThe baseline 28-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-28) score averaged 34. After 3 months of VNS, response rates (⩾50% reduction in baseline scores) reached 37% and remission rates (HAMD-28 score <10) 17%. Response rates increased to 53% after 1 year of VNS, and remission rates reached 33%. Response was defined as sustained if no relapse occurred during the first year of VNS after response onset; 44% of patients met these criteria. Median time to response was 9 months. Most frequent side-effects were voice alteration (63% at 3 months of stimulation) and coughing (23%).ConclusionsVNS therapy was effective in reducing severity of depression; efficacy increased over time. Efficacy ratings were in the same range as those previously reported from a USA study using a similar protocol; at 12 months, reduction of symptom severity was significantly higher in the European sample. This might be explained by a small but significant difference in the baseline HAMD-28 score and the lower number of treatments in the current episode in the European study.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alfonso Ceccherini-Nelli ◽  
Elena Bucuci ◽  
Lisa Burback ◽  
Daniel Li ◽  
Maryam Alikouzehgaran ◽  
...  

Managing violent behavior is a particularly challenging aspect of hospital psychiatric care. Available pharmacological interventions are often unsatisfactory.Aim: To assess the effectiveness and safety of daytime zopiclone add-on administration in violent and difficult-to-treat psychiatric inpatients.Methods: Chart review of inpatients treated with daytime zopiclone, between 2014 and 2018, with up to 12 weeks follow-up. Effectiveness was retrospectively assessed with the Clinical Global Impression rating scale (CGI) and the frequency and severity of aggressive incidents recorded with the Staff Observation Aggression Scale-Revised (SOAS-R).Results: Forty-five (30 male, 15 female) cases, 18–69 years age range, average (SD) baseline CGI-S score of 5.4 (1.0), and a variety of diagnoses. Sixty-nine percent showed CGI-S improvement of any degree. For patients with at least one aggressive incident within 7 days prior to initiation of zopiclone (N = 22), average (SD) SOAS-R-Severity LOCF to baseline change was −3.5 (2.7) P &lt; 0.0001. Most patients reported no side effects; 24% reported one or more side effects, and 11% discontinued zopiclone due to sedation (4), insomnia (1) or slurred speech (1). No SAEs were recorded. Zopiclone maximum daily dose correlated with CGI-S baseline-to-LOCF change (rho = −0.5, P = 0.0003). The ROC AUC of zopiclone maximum daily dose and improvement on CGI-S was 0.84 (95% CI 0.70–0.93, P &lt; 0.0001). The ROC AUC of zopiclone maximum daily dose and SOAS-R-N improvement was 0.80 (95% CI 0.58–0.92; P = 0.0008) and maximum Youden's index value was achieved at a dose of &gt;30 mg.Conclusions: Zopiclone doses &gt;30 mg daily achieved the best anti-aggressive effect.


2000 ◽  
Vol 34 (5) ◽  
pp. 814-821 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Morrison ◽  
Tom Meehan ◽  
Deanne Gaskill ◽  
Paul Lunney ◽  
Paul Collings

Objective: Our goal was to reduce the prevalence of antipsychotic medication side-effects by providing a short-term training program on the assessment and management of side-effects to case managers. Method: Forty-four patients in receipt of community-based mental health services were allocated to comparison (n = 20) and intervention (n = 24) groups based on the health service district in which they resided. While case managers working with the intervention group attended a short-term training program to improve their assessment and management of neuroleptic side-effects, case managers providing services to the comparison group received no additional training. Side-effects were assessed pre- and postintervention using the Liverpool University Neuroleptic Side-effect Rating Scale (LUNSERS). Results: A reduction in the overall prevalence of side-effects in both groups was observed, however, only those patients in the intervention group reported a statistically significant reduction in mean side-effect scores between the pre- and post-measures (Wilcoxon Matched Pairs Signed-ranks Test, z = −2.8411, two-tailed, p < 0.01). In addition, qualitative data collected during the second survey revealed that patients in the intervention group had acquired some positive management strategies for dealing with unwanted side-effects. The strategies were elicited from eight different patients distributed across six of the 12 case managers who took part in the training program. Conclusions: Training cases managers in the assessment and management of side-effects may help to reduce their impact on the lives of people prescribed neuroleptic medication.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xuliang Shi ◽  
Shuo Wang ◽  
Zhen Wang ◽  
Fang Fan

Abstract Background In this study, we examined psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Resilience Scale (RS) and parenting-related factors associated with resilience among disaster-exposed adolescents. Methods Eighteen months after the earthquake, a total of 1266 adolescents (43.4% male, mean age = 15.98; SD = 1.28) were assessed using the RS, the Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Self-Rating Scale, the Depression Self-rating Scale for Children, the Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders, and Parental Bonding Instrument. Results Through exploratory factor analyses (EFAs) and parallel analysis, responses were characterized into a 3-factor structure: personal competence, meaningfulness, and acceptance of self and life. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for the RS was 0.89 and the test-retest reliability coefficient was 0.72. In terms of predictive validity, resilience was found to be a significant predictor for PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Multiple regression analysis showed that maternal parenting styles were significant predictors of resilience after adjusting for gender, age, sibling number, and earthquake experiences. Conclusions The Chinese version of RS is a reliable and valid tool for assessing resilience among adolescent survivors after disasters. The implications for research and resilience-oriented interventions were also discussed.


2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. s258-s259
Author(s):  
M.J. Martins ◽  
A.T. Pereira ◽  
C.B. Carvalho ◽  
P. Castilho ◽  
A.C. Lopes ◽  
...  

IntroductionAlthough being highly consensual that antipsychotic adherence is an important outcome predictor in psychosis, existing reviews have found mean rates of adherence around 40–60%. Several aspects, such as patient-related, medication-related, environmental-related variables have been described as important predictors.AimsThis study aim is to develop, administer and present preliminary psychometric properties of a new scale for antipsychotic medication adherence that includes different types of predictors (clinical, psychosocial, and practical among others).MethodsThe “AMAS” was developed by a multidisciplinary team and was based on recent research on factors influencing antipsychotic adherence. The scale evolved from multiple drafts and experts were contacted in order to improve the final version. Over 50 patients with a diagnosis of a psychotic-spectrum disorder taking antipsychotic medication will be assessed with the “AMAS” and the Medication Adherence Rating Scale. Additionally, each patient's psychiatrist will fill in a form with demographic and clinical variables (such as type of symptoms, previous adherence problems, current adherence, insight and other relevant variables).ResultsThis is an ongoing study and the sample is still being collected (scheduled finish date: February/2016). Our statistical analysis’ plan includes: reliability analysis (Chronbach's alpha, alpha if item deleted, inter item correlations and covariances and item-total correlations); validity (convergent validity); factorial analysis.ConclusionsIt is hypothesized that the “AMAS” will be a practical, reliable and valid unidimentional instrument with clinical utility assessing adherence to antipsychotics. The “AMAS” can be also useful in assessing intervention targets (e.g. psychoterapeutical, psychoeducational) to enhance adherence.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.


2011 ◽  
Vol 26 (S2) ◽  
pp. 1144-1144
Author(s):  
Y. Jin ◽  
J. Phillips ◽  
Yueqin Huang ◽  
Steven Heurta

IntroductionEfficacy of conventional repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in major depressive disorder (MDD) is limited. The authors report here on an alternative treatment using low energy synchronized TMS (sTMS) at the intrinsic frequency of subjects’ alpha electroencephalogram (EEG).ObjectivesEstablish efficacy and safety profile of sTMS in MDD.Aim(1)Examine the clinical effectiveness of sTMS.(2)Identify adverse effects associated with sTMS.MethodsFifty-two MDD subjects with 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD17) scores >17 were enrolled into a randomized, sham controlled, double-blind trial. Current medication remained unchanged during the trial. Depressive symptoms were evaluated by HAMD17 administered weekly.EEGs were recorded at baseline to determine the stimulus frequency and at week 4 to evaluate the physiological effect. sTMS was delivered through three 6000-G cylindrical neodymium magnets synchronously rotating at a rate equal to the subject's intrinsic alpha frequency.ResultsForty-five subjects completed at least 1 week of treatment and were evaluable. Those who received active treatment had superior clinical response to sham (t = 2.54, P = 0.01), where 55.2% in the active treatment group were clinical responders versus 12.5% in sham (X2 = 7.82, P = 0.005). No significant side effects were reported. The clinical improvement was correlated with the degree of EEG improvement (r = .46, P = 0.009).ConclusionsA therapeutic effect in MDD subjects can be achieved through administration of sTMS at the subject's alpha EEG frequency. Because of minimal side effects, this appears to be a safe and effective treatment option.


2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S197-S197
Author(s):  
G. Gürcan ◽  
Ş. Hun Şenol ◽  
A.E. Anıl Yağcıoğlu ◽  
A. Ertuğrul

IntroductionThe side effects of clozapine may affect the treatment process negatively, and increase the disability.AimsWe aimed to assess the side effects of clozapine, and their relationship with the clinical variables in schizophrenia patients, and study the predictors of disability.MethodsConsecutive 122 outpatients who met DSM-IV criteria for schizophrenia, and were on clozapine treatment were included in the study. Information about sociodemographic characteristics, past and current clinical status were gathered through a clinical interview and review of the medical records, and physical measures and laboratory tests, including clozapine plasma levels, were recorded. The patients were assessed with SCID-I, Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, UKU-Side Effect Rating Scale, WHO-Disability Assessment Schedule-II.ResultsHypersalivation, weight gain, sedation and constipation were the most common side effects of clozapine. Although the mean plasma clozapine levels were high (828.11 ± 445.5 ng/mL), no significant effect of clozapine dose and plasma levels were detected on the severity of side effects, except for constipation. Metabolic syndrome prevalence was found to be 50% according to ATP IIIA criteria. Duration of clozapine treatment, clozapine dose and plasma levels were not significantly different between patients with and without metabolic syndrome. Regression analysis showed that the severity of schizophrenia psychopathology and the number of side effects predicted the severity of disability.ConclusionsSide effects of clozapine increase the disability of patients with schizophrenia and should be monitored regularly. On the other hand, clozapine dose and plasma levels do not determine the severity of most of the common side effects.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.


Author(s):  
Samuel Baek ◽  
Seok Kim ◽  
Myung Ho Shin ◽  
Tae Min Kim ◽  
Seoung-Joon Lee ◽  
...  

Purpose: We introduce the novel treatment technique, scalene injection, and study its clinical efficacy for diagnosis, treatment, and pain control for patients with thoracic outlet syndrome.Methods: Between November 2001 and October 2018, 266 patients were studied retrospectively. To evaluate the efficacy and sustainability, we checked the numerical rating scale (NRS) for pain relief and neck disability index (NDI) for functional improvements, prior to and 1, 12 weeks after the injection. The safety was evaluated by examining side effects for at least 24 hours from the point of injection.Results: NRS was improved from 7.12 to 3.11 at 1 week, and to 3.05 at 12 weeks (p<0.05). NDI was improved from 15.87 to 6.15 at 1 week, and to 6.19 at 12 weeks (p<0.05). There were two cases of convulsion immediately after the injection and were treated with prompt oxygen supply and sedatives. Transient side effects included two cases of dyspnea and one case of nausea and were resolved within 1 hour after. All five cases showed symptoms of side effects on the day of injection and were resolved within a day. A total of 242 patients (91.0%) experienced immediate declines in NRS and 161 patients experienced persistent declines for more than 12 weeks. However, 24 patients (9.0%) showed no improvement and 20 patients (7.5%) experienced increases in NRS.Conclusion: Scalene injection is also effective as a therapeutic method. However, this study suggests that it must be done with monitoring of vital signs in an operating room for any possible complications and side effects.


BMC Neurology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ling Yu Zhang ◽  
Bei Cao ◽  
Qian-Qian Wei ◽  
Ru Wei Ou ◽  
Bi Zhao ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Camptocormia is common in patients with multiple system atrophy (MSA). The current study was aimed at assessing the frequency of camptocormia and its related factors in MSA patients with different disease durations. Also, the impact of camptocormia on disability was evaluated. Methods A total of 716 patients were enrolled in the study. They were classified into three groups based on disease duration (≤ 3, 3–5, ≥ 5 years). Specific scales were used to evaluate the motor and non-motor symptoms. Disease severity was assessed using the Unified Multiple System Atrophy Rating Scale (UMSARS). The binary logistic regression model was used to explore the factors related to camptocormia. To analyze the impact of camptocormia on disability in patients with disease duration less than 5 years, propensity score matching (PSM) and stratified Cox regression analysis were used. Results In the current study, we found that the frequency of camptocormia was 8.9, 19.7 and 19.2% when the disease duration was ≤3, 3–5, ≥ 5 years, respectively. In the disease duration ≤3 years group, we found that MSA-parkinsonian subtype (MSA-P) (OR = 2.043, P = 0.043), higher total UMSARS score (OR = 1.063, P < 0.001), older age of onset (OR = 1.047, P = 0.042), and lower score on the frontal assessment battery (FAB) (OR = 0.899, P = 0.046) were associated with camptocormia. Only greater disease severity was associated with camptocormia in the group of patients with disease duration 3–5 years (OR = 1.494, P = 0.025) and in the group of patients with disease duration ≥5 years (OR = 1.076, P = 0.005). There was no significant impact of camptocormia on disability in patients with a disease duration of < 5 years (HR = 0.687, P = 0.463). Conclusion The frequency of camptocormia increased with prolonged disease duration. Disease severity was related to camptocormia at different stages of the disease. The MSA-P subtype, older age of onset, and lower FAB score were associated with camptocormia in the early stage of the disease.


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