scholarly journals P19 Drug use in adolescents attending the emergency department for mental health problems

2019 ◽  
Vol 104 (6) ◽  
pp. e25.1-e25
Author(s):  
M Buttera ◽  
A Clavenna ◽  
E Maselli ◽  
L Tansini ◽  
MP Canevini ◽  
...  

BackgroundScant evidence is available regarding the pharmacological management of acute episodes of mental disorders in children and adolescents attending emergency departments (ED). In this regard, we performed a retrospective study with the aim to evaluate the pattern of psychotropic drug use in an ED of a large hospital.MethodsA retrospective chart review of adolescents (13–17 years) visited in the ED of San Paolo University Hospital in Milan for a mental disorder between January and June 2018 was conducted. In particular, information concerning age, gender, type of mental disorder, psychotropic drugs administered in the ED and outcome of the visit were extracted and analysed, using an anonymous patient code.ResultsA total of 1,298 adolescents 13–17 years old were visited during the observation period, 56 (4%) of whom had a diagnosis of mental disorder (35 females and 21 males).The most common disorder was predominant psychomotor disturbance (International Classification of Diseases 9 (ICD9) revision code 308.2; 12 patients), followed by anxiety disorder in conditions classified elsewhere (293.84, 8 patients) and anxiety states (300.0, 7 patients).Ten adolescents were hospitalised, while 16 (29%) received a psychotropic drug in the ED: 14 patients received a benzodiapine (8 delorazepam, 3 lorazepam), and 2 an antipsychotic drug (risperidone+olanzapine; promazine). Five out of 12 adolescents with psychomotor disturbance received a psychotropic drug (3 delorazepam, 1 lorazepam, 1 risperidone+olanzapine).Although no randomized controlled trial has evaluated the safety and effectiveness of benzodiazepines in the paediatric population, delorazepam was identified as the first choice pharmacological treatment for agitation in children and adolescents in a local protocol.ConclusionNearly all children received drugs for which no controlled trials have been performed in the paediatric population and for which the appropriateness is debatable. More evidence is needed to guide the pharmacological management of acute episodes of mental disorders.Disclosure(s)Nothing to disclose

Adolescents ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Martina Buttera ◽  
Antonio Clavenna ◽  
Lucia Tansini ◽  
Erica Maselli ◽  
Alessandro Albizzati ◽  
...  

Background: Given the paucity of data concerning the care of adolescents attending an emergency department (ED) for mental disorders, we performed an observational study with the aim to describe psychotropic drug use in an Italian ED. Methods: A retrospective chart review of adolescents (13–17 years) visited in the ED of the San Paolo University Hospital in Milan for mental disorders between January and June 2018 was conducted. Information concerning age, gender, type of disorder, psychotropic drug use in the ED and outcome of the visit were analyzed, using an anonymous patient code. Results: A total of 1298 adolescents, 13–17 years old, were visited in the ED, 56 (4%) of whom had a diagnosis of mental disorder (34 females and 22 males). The most common disorder was anxiety (21 patients), followed by predominant psychomotor disorder (13 patients). In all, 30 adolescents received a psychotropic drug. Benzodiazepines were the most commonly used drugs (73% of the subjects), and delorazepam was administered/prescribed to 17 adolescents, despite the fact that evidence on its safety, efficacy, and its off-label use in the pediatric population is lacking. Conclusions: One out of two adolescents attending the ED for an acute episode of mental disorder received a psychotropic drug prescription, mainly in an off-label manner. More evidence is needed to guide the pharmacological management of acute episodes of mental disorders.


2021 ◽  
pp. 000486742110096
Author(s):  
David Lawrence ◽  
Sarah E Johnson ◽  
Francis Mitrou ◽  
Sharon Lawn ◽  
Michael Sawyer

Objectives: This study aimed to (1) examine the strength of the association between mental disorders/mental health problems, risk behaviours and tobacco smoking among Australian adolescents, (2) compare rates of tobacco smoking among Australian adolescents with major depressive disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and/or conduct disorder in 2013/14 vs 1998, and (3) identify the extent to which an association between tobacco smoking and mental health problems among adolescents can be attributed to non-mental health risk factors. Methods: The study utilised data from the first (1998) and second (2013/14) child and adolescent components of the National Surveys of Mental Health and Wellbeing. Both surveys identified nationally representative samples of Australian young people aged 4–17 years, living in private dwellings. Information was collected from parents and 13- to 17-year-olds about mental disorders, mental health problems, risk behaviours and tobacco smoking. Results: In the 2013/14 survey, the rate of current tobacco smoking among those with a mental disorder was 20% compared to 5% in those without a mental disorder. Rates were highest for young people with conduct disorder (50%), major depressive disorder (24%) and anxiety disorders (19%). In 2013/14, 38% of current tobacco smokers had a mental disorder and 32% reported self-harm and/or suicidal ideation vs 10% and 5%, respectively, among adolescents who had never smoked. Females with mental disorders or reporting self-harm or suicidal ideation had higher rates of current smoking than males. Other significant factors associated with current smoking included school-related problems, binge eating and having had more than one sexual partner. Conclusion: While smoking rates in 13- to 17-year-olds with mental disorders had declined since 1998, the strength of the association between mental disorders and smoking had increased, especially among females. Our findings highlight the need to address the tobacco smoking among adolescents with mental disorders, particularly females.


Synthese ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sander Werkhoven

AbstractAre mental disorders (autism, ADHD, schizophrenia) natural kinds or socially constructed categories? What is at stake if either of these views prove to be true? This paper offers a qualified defence for the view that there may be natural kinds of mental disorder, but also that the implications of this claim are generally overestimated. Especially concerns about over-inclusiveness of diagnostic categories and medicalisation of abnormal behaviour are not addressed by the debate. To arrive at these conclusions the paper opens with a discussion of kind formation in science, followed by an analysis of natural kinds. Seven principled and empirically informed objections to the possibility of natural kinds of mental disorder are considered and rejected. The paper ends with a reflection on diagnostics of mental health problems that don’t fall into natural kinds. Despite the defence of the possibility of natural kinds of mental disorder, this is likely to be the majority of cases.


1993 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-48 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ingmar Skoog ◽  
Lars Nilsson ◽  
Sten Landahl ◽  
Bertil Steen

The prevalence of mental disorders was studied in a representative sample of 85-year-old living in Gothenburg, Sweden, (n=494). All subjects were examined by a psychiatrist, whose diagnoses were defined according to the DSM-III-R criteria. In the sample, the prevalence of dementia was 29.8%, and of any other mental disorder was 24.3%. Psychotic disorders were present in 4.7%, depressive disorders in 12.6%, and anxiety disorders in 10.5%. Anxiety disorders were more common in women than in men. Of all subjects, 42.5% used a psychotropic drug (men 30.1%, women 47.6%, p<0.001), 34.2% used anxiolytic-sedatives, 14.0% used antidepressants, and 5.7% used neuroleptics. Women used significantly more anxiolytic-sedatives and antidepressants than did men. Of those with no mental disorders, 29.1% used a psychotropic drug. Although the prescription of psychotropic drugs was high, only one fifth of those with depressive disorders received antidepressant drug therapy and one tenth of those with psychotic disorders received neuroleptics.


Author(s):  
Vijay Kumar Chattu ◽  
Paula Mahon

Mental health problems affect society as a whole, and not just a small, isolated segment. In developed countries with well-organized healthcare systems, between 44% and 70% of patients with mental disorders do not receive treatment whereas in developing countries the treatment gap being close to 90%. Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder affecting more than 21 million people worldwide. People with schizophrenia are 2-2.5 times more likely to die early than the general population. The case study highlights about agnosia in a schizophrenic patient in a primary care setting and how to address the management at a broader perspective using the appropriate antipsychotic medication and ensuring the support from a family without violating the human rights of the patient. The World Economic Forum estimated that the cumulative global impact of mental disorders in terms of lost economic output will amount to US$ 16 trillion over the next 20 years, equivalent to more than 1% of the global gross domestic product. Mental health should be a concern for all of us, rather than only for those who suffer from a mental disorder. The mental health action plan 2013-2020, endorsed by the World Health Assembly in 2013, highlights the steps required to provide appropriate services for people with mental disorders including schizophrenia. A key recommendation of the action plan is to shift services from institutions to the community. Mental health must be considered a focus of renewed investment not just in terms of human development and dignity but also in terms of social and economic development.


2015 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 16-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mauro Giovanni Carta ◽  
Teresa Di Fiandra ◽  
Lorenzo Rampazzo ◽  
Paolo Contu ◽  
Antonio Preti

Introduction:Mental disorders are the largest cause of the burden of disease in the world. Most of the burden affecting adult life has its onset during childhood and adolescence. The European Pact for Mental Health and Wellbeing calls for immediate action and investments in the mental health of children and adolescents. Schools may be the ideal location for promoting health and delivering healthcare services, since schools are a location where young people usually spend their daytime and socialize, schools are easily accessible to families, can provide non-stigmatizing health actions, and form links with the community.Aims and Goals of this Special Issue:This issue is developed within the framework of the Joint Action on Mental Health promoted by the European Commission. This special issue presents a set of systematic reviews on the evidence of the international literature on school interventions for the promotion of the mental health and wellbeing of children and adolescents. It is focused on five topical main areas: promoting general health and wellbeing; programs targeting specific mental disorders and conditions and integration of adolescents with mental health problems; Bullying; Sport; Alcohol and Drugs. An additional paper on the results of the largest epidemiological study conducted in some European countries on the prevalence and relative risk factors of mental disorders in school-age completes the issue.Conclusion:These reviews are a first contribution to address future European research and interventions, in particular about the multiple ways through which European policies could support the schooling and wellbeing of children and adolescents.


2018 ◽  
Vol 49 ◽  
pp. 16-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ragnar Nesvåg ◽  
Jørgen G. Bramness ◽  
Marte Handal ◽  
Ingeborg Hartz ◽  
Vidar Hjellvik ◽  
...  

AbstractBackgroundAntipsychotic drug use among children and adolescents is increasing, and there is growing concern about off-label use and adverse effects. The present study aims to investigate the incidence, psychiatric co-morbidity and pharmacological treatment of severe mental disorder in Norwegian children and adolescents.MethodsWe obtained data on mental disorders from the Norwegian Patient Registry on 0–18 year olds who during 2009–2011 were diagnosed for the first time with schizophrenia-like disorder (International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision codes F20-F29), bipolar disorder (F30-F31), or severe depressive episode with psychotic symptoms (F32.3 or F33.3). Data on filled prescriptions for psychotropic drugs were obtained from the Norwegian Prescription Database.ResultsA total of 884 children and adolescents (25.1 per 100 000 person years) were first time diagnosed with schizophrenia-like disorder (12.6 per 100 000 person years), bipolar disorder (9.2 per 100 000 person years), or severe depressive episode with psychotic symptoms (3.3 per 100 000 person years) during 2009–2011. The most common co-morbid mental disorders were depressive (38.1%) and anxiety disorders (31.2%). Antipsychotic drugs were prescribed to 62.4% of the patients, 72.0% of the schizophrenia-like disorder patients, 51.7% of the bipolar disorder patients, and 55.4% of the patients with psychotic depression. The most commonly prescribed drugs were quetiapine (29.5%), aripiprazole (19.6%), olanzapine (17.3%), and risperidone (16.6%).ConclusionsWhen a severe mental disorder was diagnosed in children and adolescents, the patient was usually also prescribed antipsychotic medication. Clinicians must be aware of the high prevalence of depressive and anxiety disorders among early psychosis patients.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kefyalew Dagne Gizachew ◽  
Gashaw Andargie Biks ◽  
Abate Dargie Wubetu

Abstract Introduction: The high prevalence of antenatal mental disorders in Sub-Saharan African countries is poorly understood. Pregnancy and childbirth are gaining recognition as significant risk factors for the development and exacerbation of mental health problems. In low- and lower-middle income countries about one in six pregnant women are experiencing antenatal common mental disorders (CMD). Objective: To assess prevalence and associated factors of common mental disorders (CMD) among pregnant women in Debre Berhan town, North Showa Zone, Amhara region, Ethiopia, 2016. Methods: Community based cross-sectional study was employed among 569 participants. Data was collected using face-to-face interviews with Amharic version of Self Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20) from seven selected kebeles. Kebeles were selected by simple random sampling and individuals were selected using cluster sampling. Crude and adjusted OR was analyzed using bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis and the level of significance for association was determined with 95% CI and at P- value < 0.05. Result: A total 557 study participants were completed the interview and the prevalence of antenatal common mental disorder was found to be 45.2%. Loss of loved one (AOR = 1.97; 95% CI: 1.19–3.27), history of chronic medical illness (AOR = 6.57; 95% CI: 2.17–19.94), unwanted pregnancy (AOR = 2.13; 95% CI: 1.15–3.95), nulliparity (AOR = 8.71; 95% CI: 1.58–47.94), one or less ANC consultations (AOR = 0.22; 95% CI: 0.08–0.64), two-three ANC consultations (AOR = 0.30; 95% CI: 0.11–0.83) and current obstetric complications (AOR = 4.45; 95% CI: 2.21–8.99) were important factors significantly associated with antenatal common mental disorder. Conclusion: The prevalence of antenatal common mental disorder (CMD) was high in this study that shows antenatal CMD is significant public health issue that requires a great emphasis. So, early screening and intervention for antenatal CMD should be integrated in primary health care and antenatal care service settings.


Author(s):  
Rebecca McKnight ◽  
Jonathan Price ◽  
John Geddes

One in four individuals suffer from a psychiatric disorder at some point in their life, with 15– 20 per cent fitting cri­teria for a mental disorder at any given time. The latter corresponds to around 450 million people worldwide, placing mental disorders as one of the leading causes of global morbidity. Mental health problems represent five of the ten leading causes of disability worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported in mid 2016 that ‘the global cost of mental illness is £651 billion per year’, stating that the equivalent of 50 million working years was being lost annually due to mental disorders. The financial global impact is clearly vast, but on a smaller scale, the social and psychological impacts of having a mental dis­order on yourself or your family are greater still. It is often difficult for the general public and clin­icians outside psychiatry to think of mental health dis­orders as ‘diseases’ because it is harder to pinpoint a specific pathological cause for them. When confronted with this view, it is helpful to consider that most of medicine was actually founded on this basis. For ex­ample, although medicine has been a profession for the past 2500 years, it was only in the late 1980s that Helicobacter pylori was linked to gastric/ duodenal ul­cers and gastric carcinoma, or more recently still that the BRCA genes were found to be a cause of breast cancer. Still much of clinical medicine treats a patient’s symptoms rather than objective abnormalities. The WHO has given the following definition of mental health:… Mental health is defined as a state of well- being in which every individual realizes his or her own po­tential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community.… This is a helpful definition, because it clearly defines a mental disorder as a condition that disrupts this state in any way, and sets clear goals of treatment for the clinician. It identifies the fact that a disruption of an individual’s mental health impacts negatively not only upon their enjoyment and ability to cope with life, but also upon that of the wider community.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document