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Inpatient Psychiatry

Brief admission by self-referral for individuals with self-harm and suicidal ideation: a qualitative study based on focus groups exploring relatives' experiences
Lindkvist RM, Eckerström J, Landgren K and Westling S
Brief Admission by self-referral (BA) is a standardized crisis-management intervention for individuals with self-harm and risk for suicide. This study explored relatives' experiences of BA. Relatives' perspectives may contribute to an increased understanding of the effects of BA given the relatives' role as support and informal caregivers as well as being co-sufferers.
Implementing Safewards on Children and Young People's Wards: A Process and Outcomes Evaluation
Simpson PhD Ba Hons Rmn A, Ali BSc MSc PGDip RA, Chadwick MSc M, Foye PhD U and Brennan Ba Rnld Rmn G
Safewards reduces conflict and containment on adult inpatient wards but there is limited research exploring the model in Children and Young People (CYP) mental health services. We investigated whether Safewards can be successfully implemented on twenty CYP wards across England. A process and outcomes evaluation was employed, utilizing the Integrated Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Sciences (i-PARiHS) framework. Existing knowledge and use of Safewards was recorded via a self-report benchmarking exercise, verified during visits. Implementation of the 10 Safewards components on each ward was recorded using the Safewards Organizational Fidelity measure. Data from 11 surveys and 17 interviews with ward staff and four interviews with project workers were subject to thematic analysis and mapped against the four i-PARiHS constructs. Twelve of the 20 wards implemented at least half of the Safewards interventions in 12 months, with two wards delivering all 10 interventions. Facilitators and barriers are described. Results demonstrated Safewards is acceptable to a range of CYP services. Whilst implementation was hindered by difficulties outlined, wards with capacity were able and willing to implement the interventions. Results support the commissioning of a study to evaluate the implementation and outcomes of Safewards in CYP units.
Atrial fibrillation inpatient management patterns and clinical outcomes during the conflict in Syria: An observational cohort study
Antoun I, Aljabal M, Alkhayer A, Mahfoud Y, Alkhayer A, Simon P, Kotb A, Barker J, Mavilakandy A, Naseer MU, Somani R, Ng GA and Zakkar M
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia worldwide. However, there is no data on AF inpatient management strategies and clinical outcomes in Syria.
Adolescent psychiatric inpatients' perceptions of treatment and seclusion
Yurtbasi MK, Gordon M, Fisher L, Haslam R, Prakash C, Blatchford B, Pavlou C, Darmanin D, Verstandig S, Blake A, Cornell W, Cameron L and Melvin G
: A great deal of attention is being directed at the use of seclusion in adolescent inpatient psychiatric units due to its forceful nature and negative impact on inpatients and staff. This mixed methods study aimed to explore and compare the level of satisfaction with the services received and perspectives on seclusion in secluded and non-secluded adolescent inpatients.: This study included 188 participants, across three adolescent inpatient psychiatric units in Australia; 17% reported having experienced seclusion. A mixed methods approach was employed. Participants completed the Consumer Satisfaction Questionnaire-8 and Perceptions of Treatment and Seclusion Questionnaire shortly before or at discharge. Qualitative data was analysed using thematic analysis.: Secluded participants were more likely to report issues with broader care experiences on the Consumer Satisfaction Questionnaire-8. Secluded individuals reported ongoing negative effects from seclusion but were more likely than non-secluded participants to believe seclusion is necessary. Qualitative analyses showed that both secluded and non-secluded individuals considered seclusion to be traumatic, many did not agree with its use.: Communication between inpatients and staff regarding seclusion needs to be improved and there needs to be ongoing support in relation to seclusion during and after discharge. Many adolescent inpatients acknowledge the necessity of seclusion whilst advocating for reduced seclusion.
Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of Olanzapine: Effects of Clinical Factors on Plasma Concentrations in Psychiatric Patients
Ansermot N, Vathanarasa H, Ranjbar S, Gholam M, Crettol S, Vandenberghe F, Gamma F, Plessen KJ, von Gunten A, Conus P and Eap CB
Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is strongly recommended for olanzapine due to its high pharmacokinetic variability. This study aimed to investigate the impact of various clinical factors on olanzapine plasma concentrations in patients with psychiatric disorders.
Real-world effectiveness of antidepressants, antipsychotics and their combinations in the maintenance treatment of psychotic depression. Evidence from within-subject analyses of two nationwide cohorts
Taipale H, Lieslehto J, Lähteenvuo M, Hamina A, Tanskanen A, Mittendorfer-Rutz E, Paljärvi T, Solmi M, Cipriani A, Correll CU and Tiihonen J
Psychotic depression (PD) is a severe mental disorder leading to functional disability and high risk of suicide, but very little is known about the comparative effectiveness of medications used in its maintenance treatment. The objective of this study was to investigate the comparative effectiveness of specific antipsychotics and antidepressants, and their combinations, on the risk of psychiatric hospitalization among persons with PD in routine care. Persons aged 16-65 years with a first-time diagnosis of PD were identified from Finnish (years 2000-2018) and Swedish (years 2006-2021) nationwide registers of inpatient care, specialized outpatient care, sickness absence, and disability pension. The main exposures were specific antipsychotics and antidepressants, and the main outcome measure was psychiatric hospitalization as a marker of severe relapse. The risk of hospitalization associated with periods of use vs. non-use of medications (expressed as adjusted hazard ratio, aHR) was assessed by a within-individual design, using each individual as his/her own control, and analyzed with stratified Cox models. The two national cohorts were first analyzed separately, and then combined using a fixed-effect meta-analysis. The Finnish cohort included 19,330 persons (mean age: 39.8±14.7 years; 57.9% women) and the Swedish cohort 13,684 persons (mean age: 41.3±14.0 years; 53.5% women). Individual antidepressants associated with a decreased risk of relapse vs. non-use of antidepressants were bupropion (aHR=0.73, 95% CI: 0.63-0.85), vortioxetine (aHR=0.78, 95% CI: 0.63-0.96) and venlafaxine (aHR=0.92, 95% CI: 0.86-0.98). Any long-acting injectable antipsychotic (LAI) (aHR=0.60, 95% CI: 0.45-0.80) and clozapine (aHR=0.72, 95% CI: 0.57-0.91) were associated with a decreased risk of relapse vs. non-use of antipsychotics. Among monotherapies, only vortioxetine (aHR=0.67, 95% CI: 0.47-0.95) and bupropion (aHR=0.71, 95% CI: 0.56-0.89) were associated with a significantly decreased risk of relapse vs. non-use of both antidepressants and antipsychotics. In an exploratory analysis of antidepressant-antipsychotic combinations, a decreased relapse risk was found for amitriptyline-olanzapine (aHR=0.45, 95% CI: 0.28-0.71), sertraline-quetiapine (aHR=0.79, 95% CI: 0.67-0.93) and venlafaxine-quetiapine (aHR=0.82, 95% CI: 0.73-0.91) vs. non-use of antidepressants and antipsychotics. Benzodiazepines and related drugs (aHR=1.29, 95% CI: 1.24-1.34) and mirtazapine (aHR=1.17, 95% CI: 1.07-1.29) were associated with an increased risk of relapse. These data indicate that, in the maintenance treatment of PD, bupropion, vortioxetine, venlafaxine, any LAI, clozapine, and only few specific antidepressant-antipsychotic combinations are associated with a decreased risk of relapse. These findings challenge the current recommendation by treatment guidelines to combine an antipsychotic with an antidepressant (without further specification) as standard treatment in PD.
Health care resource utilization and costs associated with psychiatric comorbidities in adult patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Schein J, Cloutier M, Gauthier-Loiselle M, Bungay R, Chen K, Chan D and Childress A
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a heterogeneous condition with extensive psychiatric comorbidities. ADHD has been associated with substantial clinical and economic burden; however, little is known about the incremental burden specifically attributable to psychiatric comorbidities of ADHD in adults.
Childhood adversity and mental health admission patterns prior to young person suicide (CHASE): a case-control 36 year linked hospital data study, Scotland UK 1981-2017
Dougall N, Savinc J, Maxwell M, Karatzias T, O'Connor RC, Williams B, John A, Cheyne H, Fyvie C, Bisson JI, Hibberd C, Abbott-Smith S, Nolan L and Murray J
Childhood adversity is associated with increased later mental health problems and suicidal behaviour. Opportunities for earlier healthcare identification and intervention are needed.
A comparison of patient ratings and staff ratings of disability using the World Health Organisation Disability Assessment Schedule in individuals with psychotic spectrum disorders who are forensic psychiatric inpatients
Källman MV, Hedlund-Lindberg M, Kristiansson M and Johansson AGM
Psychosocial rehabilitation in forensic psychiatric services requires sound measurement of patient and staff perceptions of psychosocial function. The recommended World Health Organisation Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS), designed for this, has not been examined with offender patients.
Predicting patients with dementia most at risk of needing psychiatric in-patient or enhanced community care using routinely collected clinical data: retrospective multi-site cohort study
London SR, Chen S, Sidhom E, Lewis JR, Wolverson E, Cardinal RN, Roalf D, Mueller C and Underwood BR
Dementia is a common and progressive condition whose prevalence is growing worldwide. It is challenging for healthcare systems to provide continuity in clinical services for all patients from diagnosis to death.
The Interpersonal Hypersensitivity Formulation of Good Psychiatric Management as a Psychoeducational Intervention for Borderline Personality Disorder
Greiner C, Charbon P, De Néris M, El Rassi L, Prada P and Choi-Kain L
Interpersonal hypersensitivity (IHS) is a core organizing concept of Good Psychiatric Management, a generalist treatment for borderline personality disorder (BPD) that relies on basic tools most clinicians already employ yet is informed by an organized and evidence-based framework, developed for dissemination in various mental health care settings. We work in an inpatient psychiatric unit that specializes in the management of suicidal crises at the University Hospitals of Geneva, Switzerland. Because we see numerous patients with previously undiagnosed BPD during their first hospitalization, we have developed techniques and instruments to promote efficient and easy-to-implement psychoeducation. In this article, we propose a practical and user-friendly measure of IHS that is well-suited for use by multidisciplinary inpatient staff or outpatient nursing-based staff, the IHS Ruler, which is based on a visual analog scale. It is a pragmatic tool for preliminary psychoeducation for patients with BPD and their caregivers. Its ease of use and structured way of presenting the inner experience of these patients in relation to their current interpersonal environment allows caregivers to establish a framework for internal reflection and sharing, discuss the causes of current transactions, and illuminate larger patterns in the causes of the patient's crises. Ultimately, this process can help patients and the clinical staff supporting them anticipate future problems.
Atypical Antipsychotic Prescribing in Australian Children and Adolescents: A Survey of Medical Practitioners
Rao P, Wilson H, Mahfouda S, Wong JWY, Morandini HAE and Zepf FD
Prescriptions for atypical antipsychotics in children and adolescents are increasing globally. However, a precise understanding of the clinical variables and evidence that prescribers consider before using these agents is lacking. While empirical literature on the long-term safety and efficacy of these medications is available, the literature concerning their use in these younger age groups is relatively sparse. In this study, we examined the current prescribing patterns of medical professionals employed by a public health service in Australia.
Psychogenic Hyperphagia: Excessive Eating as Stereotypy in a Patient with Catatonia
Garman JC, Mahgoub Y and Pathare A
Catatonia is a complex syndrome with unique cognitive, psychomotor, and mood features. Mannerisms and stereotypies are catatonic signs that have been extensively observed and described in the literature, mostly in the context of movements or motor acts. Stereotypies are commonly described as repetitive psychomotor or verbal acts with the abnormality not inherent in the act but in its frequency. Mannerisms, like stereotypies, are repetitive psychomotor or verbal acts, but they are fundamentally odd in nature. Recently, several reports have described these phenomena in the context of complex behaviors, such as eating and drinking. Identification and appreciation of personal and cultural norms, in addition to a careful analysis of behavioral processes and actions, are important tools for clinicians to identify these potentially elusive and often missed patterns of behavior in patients with catatonia. We present the case of a 30-year-old male with a psychiatric history of treatment-resistant, recurrent major depressive disorder with psychotic features who presented to the inpatient psychiatric unit with signs of catatonia, including repeated, purposeless eating. The patient's chart was reviewed, and a literature review was conducted using PubMed with the keywords catatonia, stereotypies, mannerisms, and hyperphagia. The patient, who was diagnosed with catatonia and expressed hyperphagia as a stereotypy, responded to lorazepam. This case shows that hyperphagia may present as a stereotypy in patients with catatonia.
Temporal trends in inpatient care use for adult mental disorders in Czechia: a nationwide register-based study from 1994 to 2015
Potočár L, Winkler P, Mohr P and Formánek T
To describe temporal trends in inpatient care use for adult mental disorders in Czechia from 1994 until 2015.
Management of Rumination and Obsessions in Primary Care
Ghaznavi S, Schiewe C and Stern TA
The Psychiatric Consultation Service at Massachusetts General Hospital sees medical and surgical inpatients with comorbid psychiatric symptoms and conditions. During their twice-weekly rounds, Dr Stern and other members of the Consultation Service discuss diagnosis and management of hospitalized patients with complex medical or surgical problems who also demonstrate psychiatric symptoms or conditions. These discussions have given rise to rounds reports that will prove useful for clinicians practicing at the interface of medicine and psychiatry. .
Medical Uses and Adverse Effects of Psilocybin
Ghaznavi S, Bernardez LM and Stern TA
The Psychiatric Consultation Service at Massachusetts General Hospital sees medical and surgical inpatients with comorbid psychiatric symptoms and conditions. During their twice-weekly rounds, Dr Stern and other members of the Consultation Service discuss diagnosis and management of hospitalized patients with complex medical or surgical problems who also demonstrate psychiatric symptoms or conditions. These discussions have given rise to rounds repors that will prove useful for clinicians practicing at the interface of medicine and psychiatry. .
Exploring the use of body worn cameras in acute mental health wards: a mixed-method evaluation of a pilot intervention
Foye U, Wilson K, Jepps J, Blease J, Thomas E, McAnuff L, McKenzie S, Barrett K, Underwood L, Brennan G and Simpson A
Body worn cameras (BWC) are mobile audio and video capture devices that can be secured to clothing allowing the wearer to record some of what they see and hear. This technology is being introduced in a range of healthcare settings as part of larger violence reduction strategies aimed at reducing incidents of aggression and violence on inpatient wards, however limited evidence exists to understand if this technology achieves such goals.
Microelimination of Hepatitis C in patients with substance use and dual disorders - a Portuguese study
Faria I, Facão R, Murta F, Carvalho R, Silva C, Murta I and Valente C
Chronic hepatitis C is a serious condition with relevant public health implications. In Portugal, the prevalence of detectable HCV antibodies is about 0,54%, with higher values in risk groups. Compared to the general population, the prevalence of HCV infection is higher in individuals with psychiatric disorders. There are no studies reporting the prevalence of HCV antibodies in Portuguese psychiatric patients, or in patients with substance use disorders.We carried an observational, prospective study during a period of one year, for patients followed at the Dual Pathology Outpatient and Inpatient Unity of the Coimbra Hospital and University Center, and patients were tested for HCV antibodies. Of 149 patients, 17.4% had positive HCV antibodies and 7.38% had detectable HCV RNA. Patients with confirmed CHC were mostly male inpatients, aged 50 to 59 years, and reported unprotected sex with more than one concurrent partner in the previous six months; their main psychiatric diagnosis was "Disorders due to use of multiple specified psychoactive substances, including medications".This study reports a very high prevalence of positive HCV antibodies and confirmed CHC in patients followed in the Dual Pathology Outpatient and Inpatient Unity. This prevalence is higher than in general Portuguese population.
Navigating Community-Based Psychiatry Care of Pediatric Patients in Low-Resource Settings: A Case Report
Regian N, Mittal A, Chammany M, Rai HP and Rommen M
This case report examines the experience of a nine-year-old male with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who was admitted to his rural community emergency department (ED) for the treatment of aggressive behaviors, agitation, and violence. Despite a high prevalence of such behaviors within the autistic pediatric population, multiple inpatient facilities that offer pediatric psychiatric services refused to transfer his care. Many other commonly used resources and treatment modalities were also not available, resulting in a nine-day ED boarding experience with minimal symptomatic improvement. Pharmacotherapy was utilized, but nationally recommended guidelines were not appropriately followed. Although this case is one of many pediatric patients who received inadequate psychiatric care from their local ED, it is significant in identifying specific areas of improvement within Northeast Louisiana psychiatric healthcare. This case report of a nine-year-old male with autism underlines the hardships faced by patients and their families due to the gaps in our current healthcare infrastructure and emphasizes the importance of protocols and resources for patient populations with higher-than-average wellness needs.
Clustering care pathways of people with alcohol dependence using a data linkage of routine data in Bremen, Germany
Möckl J, Manthey J, Murawski M, Lindemann C, Schulte B, Reimer J, Pogarell O and Kraus L
Although many individuals with alcohol dependence (AD) are recognized in the German healthcare system, only a few utilize addiction-specific treatment services. Those who enter treatment are not well characterized regarding their prospective pathways through the highly fragmented German healthcare system. This paper aims to (1) identify typical care pathways of patients with AD and their adherence to treatment guidelines and (2) explore the characteristics of these patients using routine data from different healthcare sectors.
Correction: Assessing the clinical and costeffectiveness of inpatient mental health rehabilitation services provided by the NHS and independent sector (ACER): protocol
Killaspy H, Dalton-Locke C, Clarke CS, Leavey G, Igoumenou A, Arbuthnott M, Barrett K and Omar R
Diagnosing and Treating Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated With Streptococcal Infections
O'Dor SL, Kuhn AJ, Williams KA, Guerette EB and Stern TA
The Psychiatric Consultation Service at Massachusetts General Hospital sees medical and surgical inpatients with comorbid psychiatric symptoms and conditions. During their twice weekly rounds, Dr Stern and other members of the Consultation Service discuss diagnosis and management of hospitalized patients with complex medical or surgical problems who also demonstrate psychiatric symptoms or conditions. These discussions have given rise to rounds reports that will prove useful for clinicians practicing at the interface of medicine and psychiatry. .
Adolescent and Adult Transitions From Major Depressive Disorder to Bipolar Disorder
Desai Boström AE, Cars T, Hellner C and Lundberg J
Bipolar disorder (BD) often first appears in adolescence after onset of major depressive disorder (MDD), but diagnosis and treatment are commonly delayed. This delay is a concern because untreated BD is associated with adverse long-term outcomes, a more recurrent disease course and difficult-to-treat illness, and suicide attempts and deaths.
Strategies for Cutting Down and Stopping Alcohol Use
Matta SE, Terechin O, Podesta A, Lento R and Stern TA
The Psychiatric Consultation Service at Massachusetts General Hospital sees medical and surgical inpatients with comorbid psychiatric symptoms and conditions. During their twice-weekly rounds, Dr Stern and other members of the Consultation Service discuss the diagnosis and management of hospitalized patients with complex medical or surgical problems who also demonstrate psychiatric symptoms or conditions. These discussions have given rise to rounds reports that will prove useful for clinicians practicing at the interface of medicine and psychiatry. .
Need for education of psychiatric evaluation of offenders with mental disorders: A questionnaire survey for Japanese designated psychiatrists
Shiina A, Niitsu T, Iyo M and Fujii C
The management of offenders with mental disorders has been a significant concern in forensic psychiatry. In Japan, the introduction of the Medical Treatment and Supervision Act in 2005 addressed the issue. However, numerous psychiatric patients at risk of violence still find themselves subject to the administrative involuntary hospitalization (AIH) scheme, which lacks clarity and updated standards.
Treatment adherence rates across different psychiatric disorders and settings: findings from a large patient cohort
Girone N, Cocchi M, Achilli F, Grechi E, Vicentini C, Benatti B, Vismara M, Priori A and Dell'Osso B
Approximately 50% of patients with psychiatric disorders do not fully adhere to the prescribed psychopharmacological therapy, significantly impacting the progression of the disorder and the patient's quality of life. The present study aimed to assess potential differences in terms of rates and clinical features of treatment adherence in a large cohort of psychiatric patients with different diagnoses attending various psychiatric services. The study included 307 psychiatric patients diagnosed with a primary major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, schizophrenic spectrum disorder, or personality disorder. Patient's adherence to treatment was evaluated using the Clinician Rating Scale, with a cutoff of at least five defining adherence subgroups. One-third of the sample reported poor medication adherence. A lower rate of adherence emerged among patients with schizophrenic spectrum disorder and bipolar disorder. Subjects with poor adherence were more frequently inpatients and showed higher current substance use, a greater number of previous hospitalizations, and more severe scores at psychopathological assessment compared with patients with positive adherence. Poor adherence was associated with symptom severity and increased rates of relapses and rehospitalizations. In addition, substance use appears to be an unfavorable transdiagnostic factor for treatment adherence.
Workplace Violence Against Nurses in Psychiatric Hospitals in Oman: A cross-sectional multi-centre study
Al-Kalbani M, Al-Mahrouqi T, Al-Shamli S, Murthi S, Al-Balushi N and Al-Sinawi H
This study aimed to assess the prevalence of workplace violence (WPV) against nurses in Oman's psychiatric hospitals and explore associated factors.
The association between maximal muscle strength, disease severity and psychopharmacotherapy among young to middle-aged inpatients with affective disorders - a prospective pilot study
Ramming H, Theuerkauf L, Hoos O, Lichter K and Kittel-Schneider S
Motor alterations and lowered physical activity are common in affective disorders. Previous research has indicated a link between depressive symptoms and declining muscle strength primarily focusing on the elderly but not younger individuals. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between mood and muscle strength in a sample of N = 73 young to middle-aged hospitalized patients (18-49 years, mean age 30.7 years) diagnosed with major depressive, bipolar and schizoaffective disorder, with a focus on moderating effects of psychopharmacotherapy. The study was carried out as a prospective observational study at a German psychiatric university hospital between September 2021 and March 2022.
Brain alterations in Cocaine Use Disorder: Does the route of use matter and does it relate to the treatment outcome?
Poireau M, Segobin S, Maillard A, Clergue-Duval V, Icick R, Azuar J, Volle E, Delmaire C, Bloch V, Pitel AL and Vorspan F
Cocaine Use Disorder (CUD) is an important health issue, associated with structural brain abnormalities. However, the impact of the route of administration and their predictive value for relapse remain unknown.
Aripiprazole as protector against COVID-19 mortality
Loucera-Muñecas C, Canal-Rivero M, Ruiz-Veguilla M, Carmona R, Bostelmann G, Garrido-Torres N, Dopazo J and Crespo-Facorro B
The relation of antipsychotics with severe Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19) outcomes is a matter of debate since the beginning of the pandemic. To date, controversial results have been published on this issue. We aimed to prove whether antipsychotics might exert adverse or protective effects against fatal outcomes derived from COVID-19. A population-based retrospective cohort study (January 2020 to November 2020) comprising inpatients (15,968 patients) who were at least 18 years old and had a laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 infection. Two sub-cohorts were delineated, comprising a total of 2536 inpatients: individuals who either had no prescription medication or were prescribed an antipsychotic within the 15 days preceding hospitalization. We conducted survival and odds ratio analyses to assess the association between antipsychotic use and mortality, reporting both unadjusted and covariate-adjusted results. We computed the average treatment effects, using the untreated group as the reference, and the average treatment effect on the treated, focusing solely on the antipsychotic-treated population. Among the eight antipsychotics found to be in use, only aripiprazole showed a significant decrease in the risk of death from COVID-19 [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 0.86; 95% CI, 0.79-0.93, multiple-testing adjusted p-value < 0.05]. Importantly, these findings were consistent for both covariate-adjusted and unadjusted analyses. Aripiprazole has been shown to have a differentiated beneficial effect in protecting against fatal clinical outcome in COVID-19 infected individuals. We speculate that the differential effect of aripiprazole on controlling immunological pathways and inducible inflammatory enzymes, that are critical in COVID19 illness, may be associated with our findings herein.
The contribution of alexithymia, childhood maltreatment, impulsivity, C-reactive protein, lipid profile, and thyroid hormones to aggression and psychological distress (depression and anxiety) in schizophrenia
Khosravani V, Sharifibastan F, Aghaeimazraji M, Berk M and Samimi Ardestani SM
There are individual effects of alexithymia, childhood maltreatment, impulsivity, and some biological markers on aggression and psychological distress in schizophrenia. However, the combined effects of these psychological and biological markers have not yet been fully studied. This study therefore aimed to investigate the influence of these psychological and biological markers on aggression and psychological distress (e.g., depression and anxiety) in inpatients with schizophrenia (n = 355). Participants completed self-report and clinician-rated scales, and blood samples were collected. There were no significant differences between patients with and without alexithymia regarding biological markers. Patients with childhood maltreatment exhibited higher levels of free triiodothyronine (FT3) and C-reactive protein (CRP), as well as lower total cholesterol (TC) levels, compared to non-traumatized individuals. Aggression was positively predicted by psychological distress, alexithymia, childhood maltreatment, impulsivity, CRP, and FT3, and negatively by TC and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Negative symptoms, childhood maltreatment, alexithymia, aggression, and CRP positively, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol negatively emerged as predictors of psychological distress. The study highlights the connections between childhood maltreatment, alexithymia, impulsivity, and potentially related biological dysregulation in explaining aggression and negative mood states as a bio-psychological model of aggression and mood in schizophrenia.
Examination of clinical variables affecting resurgence: A reanalysis of 46 applications
Laureano B, Ringdahl J and Falligant JM
Despite the efficacy of behavioral interventions, resurgence of challenging behavior (e.g., aggression, self-injury) following successful treatment can still occur. Applied work has focused on identifying treatment-related variables thought to affect the occurrence and magnitude of resurgence. The current study describes the relation between several variables (i.e., phase duration, response rates in baseline and treatment, obtained rates of reinforcement, downshift in reinforcement step size) and resurgence in a retrospective consecutive controlled case series of 46 treatment applications for challenging behavior conducted in an inpatient setting. Only the downshift in reinforcement (e.g., schedule-thinning) step size was correlated with the magnitude of resurgence. These results are consistent with recent findings suggesting that treatment duration and other factors have inconsistent effects on resurgence of challenging behavior.
Incidence of Traumatic Brain Injury in a Longitudinal Cohort of Older Adults
Kornblith E, Diaz-Ramirez LG, Yaffe K, Boscardin WJ and Gardner RC
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs at the highest rate in older adulthood and increases risk for cognitive impairment and dementia.
Linkage of routinely collected NHS data to evaluate liaison mental health services: challenges and lessons learned
Guthrie E, House A, Smith C, Relton S, Romeu D, Saraiva S, Trigwell P, West R, Shuweihdi F, Crawford M, Fossey M, Hewison J, Hulme C and Tubeuf S
Liaison mental health services provide mental health care to patients in acute hospital settings. Evaluation of liaison services is challenging due to their heterogeneous organisation and delivery, high case throughput and varied patient case mix. We aimed to link routinely collected National Health Service data from secondary care settings, chosen for their service characteristics, to data from primary care to evaluate hospital-based liaison mental health services in England.
A pilot rating system to evaluate the quality of goal attainment scales used as outcome measures in rehabilitation
Pradeau C, Estival S, Postal V, Laurier V, Maugard C, Isner-Horobeti ME, Mourre F and Krasny-Pacini A
Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS) is a method for writing person-centred approach evaluation scales that can be used as an outcome measure in clinical or research settings in rehabilitation. To be used in a research setting, it requires a high methodological quality approach. The aim of this study was to explore the feasibility and reliability of the GAS quality rating system, to ensure that GAS scales used as outcome measures are valid and reliable. Secondary objectives were: (1) to compare goal attainment scores' reliability according to how many GAS levels are described in the scale; and (2) to explore if GAS scorings are influenced by who scores goal attainment. The GAS scales analysed here were set collaboratively by 57 cognitively impaired adults clients and their occupational therapist. Goals had to be achieved within an inpatient one-month stay, during which clients participated in an intervention aimed at improving planning skills in daily life. The GAS quality rating system proved to be feasible and reliable. Regarding GAS scores, interrater reliability was higher when only three of the five GAS levels were described, i.e., "three milestone GAS" (0.74-0.92), than when all five levels were described (0.5-0.88), especially when scored by the clients (0.5 -0.88).
Psychomotor symptoms, cognitive impairments and suicidal thoughts after COVID-19 infection: a case report and the possible allostatic mechanism
Lin Y, Lin C, Chang JH, Chiang DL, Lai F and Lin CJ
Although neuropsychiatric manifestations are common in survivors of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the pathophysiology is not yet elucidated. Here we describe the case of a geriatric inpatient who developed postCOVID depression with psychomotor retardation, anxiety, hopelessness, executive function problems, and suicidal ideations. The language problems and cognitive impairments coemerged with the motor problems. We propose a mechanism associated with problems in energy prediction and regulation in which the coronavirus infection, which causes neuroinflammation and viral activity in the nervous system, interferes with the reward pathway and sensory prediction process. Sigma-1 receptor agonists such as sertraline may regulate energy expenditure and, thus, be beneficial to the process. The treatment improvements in our patient included those in the autonomic nervous system, activity, and circadian rhythm.
Absence of Evidence for Sustained Effects of Daily Cannabidiol Administration on Anandamide Plasma Concentration in Individuals with Cocaine Use Disorder: Exploratory Findings from a Randomized Controlled Trial
Hebert FO, Mongeau-Pérusse V, Rizkallah E, Mahroug A, Bakouni H, Morissette F, Brissette S, Bruneau J, Dubreucq S and Jutras-Aswad D
Cannabidiol (CBD) has been proposed to have a therapeutic potential over a wide range of neuropsychiatric disorders, including substance use disorders. Pre-clinical evidence suggests that CBD can increase anandamide (AEA) plasma concentration, possibly mediating some of its therapeutic properties. Whether CBD exerts such an effect on AEA in individuals with cocaine use disorder (CUD) remains unknown. To explore the sustained effects of daily CBD administration on AEA plasma concentrations compared with placebo in CUD. We used data from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluating CBD's efficacy in CUD. Seventy-eight individuals were randomized to receive a daily oral dose of 800 mg CBD ( = 40) or a placebo ( = 38). Participants stayed in an inpatient detoxification setting for 10 days, after which they were followed in an outpatient setting for 12 weeks. AEA plasma concentration was measured at baseline and at 23-h post CBD ingestion on day 8 and week 4. A generalized estimating equation model was used to assess CBD's effects on AEA, and sensitivity analyses were computed using Bayesian linear regressions. Sixty-four participants were included in the analysis. Similar mean AEA plasma concentrations in both treatment groups ( = 0.357) were observed. At day 8, mean AEA plasma concentrations (± standard deviation) were 0.26 (± 0.07) ng/mL in the CBD group and 0.29 (± 0.08) ng/mL in the placebo group ( = 0.832; Bayes factor [BF] = 0.190). At week 4, they were 0.27 (± 0.09) ng/mL in the CBD group and 0.30 (± 0.09) ng/mL in the placebo group ( = 0.181; BF = 0.194). While not excluding any potential acute and short-term effect, daily CBD administration did not exert a sustained impact on AEA plasma concentrations in individuals with CUD compared with placebo. clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02559167).
Handling conflict situations in psychosis inpatient care: Nursing staff experiences of the Interactive Approach model
Arturén H, Zetherström J, Sjöström N, Abrams D and Johansson L
WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: In inpatient wards, there is a risk that conflicts occur when nursing staff interact with psychotic patients. The Interactive Approach (IA) model is an action-based model, used in psychiatric settings, to manage conflict situations. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: The IA model can be used to improve communication between nursing staff and patients in numerous critical situations. Using a structured risk scale to evaluate a conflict can be an effective way to guide action and sort out the different aspects of communication between nursing staff and psychotic patients. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: The clarity of an action-based model will help sort out which interventions are most likely to succeed in each conflict situation. The IA model highlights the importance of understanding and strengthening the patient's perspective, being flexible for each individual patient, and providing the patient with clear information about the situation. ABSTRACT: Introduction The Interactive Approach (IA) model is a structured management tool used to improve communication between caregivers and patients in psychiatric care settings. Aim/Question To examine the nursing staff's experiences of the IA model. How do they use the interventions in conflict situations with psychotic patients? Method A sample of nursing staff (n = 11) was recruited from three psychosis inpatient care units. Semi-structured questions covered staff experiences of working with the problem-solving interventions in the IA model. Transcribed data were analysed by qualitative content analysis. Results Three categories were defined: (1) 'To apply a flexible approach' describes how staff tried to adapt to each patient and situation; (2) 'Try to understand the person's inner world' describes the importance of active listening and exploring the patient's concerns; and (3) 'To communicate clearly' relates to experiences of clear communication and the setting up of boundaries. Discussion The risk scale and training in communication skills helped the interaction between staff and patients in conflict situations. Different interventions were used with a focus on maintaining patient alliance. Implications for Practice The findings highlight the importance of educational efforts and practical training, to prevent violence and the use of coercive measures.
Cardiorespiratory fitness, perceived fitness and autonomic function in in-patients with different depression severity compared with healthy controls
Kreppke JN, Cody R, Beck J, Brand S, Donath L, Eckert A, Imboden C, Hatzinger M, Holsboer-Trachsler E, Lang UE, Mans S, Mikoteit T, Oswald A, Rogausch A, Schweinfurth-Keck N, Zahner L, Gerber M and Faude O
Over 300 million individuals worldwide suffer from major depressive disorder (MDD). Individuals with MDD are less physically active than healthy people which results in lower cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and less favorable perceived fitness compared with healthy controls. Additionally, individuals with MDD may show autonomic system dysfunction. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the CRF, perceived fitness and autonomic function in in-patients with MDD of different severity compared with healthy controls. We used data from 212 in-patients (age: 40.7 ± 12.6 y, 53% female) with MDD and from 141 healthy controls (age: 36.7 ± 12.7 y, 58% female). We assessed CRF with the Åstrand-Rhyming test, self-reported perceived fitness and autonomic function by heart rate variability (HRV). In specific, we used resting heart rate, time- and frequency-based parameters for HRV. In-patients completed the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) to self-assess the subjectively rated severity of depression. Based on these scores, participants were grouped into mild, moderate and severe MDD. The main finding was an inverse association between depression severity and CRF as well as perceived fitness compared with healthy controls. Resting heart rate was elevated with increasing depression severity. The time-based but not the frequency-based autonomic function parameters showed an inverse association with depression severity. The pattern of results suggests that among in-patients with major depressive disorder, those with particularly high self-assessed severity scores show a lower CRF, less favorable perceived fitness and partial autonomic dysfunction compared to healthy controls. To counteract these conditions, physical activity interventions may be effective.
Contingency Management for Dually Diagnosed Inpatients with Psychosis
Docx L, Destoop M and Dom G
Contingency management (CM) is an evidence-based treatment method in substance abuse treatment. However, little is known about its efficacy in dually diagnosed patients with psychosis and in inpatient settings. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy of CM for dually diagnosed patients with psychosis in an inpatient setting. Furthermore, we investigate the effect of the nature of the reward used (cash vs. prize) on the efficacy of CM. We made use of an 8-week fish-bowl CM intervention by means of a within-subject reversal design with three treatment phases (baseline-intervention-follow-up). Sixty-seven patients were included in this study, of whom thirty-four completed the protocol. The results show no effect of CM on abstinence nor an interaction with clinical or demographic variables. Cash money is as effective as prizes. Future research should further investigate the effect of psychosis and treatment setting on the efficacy of CM, with special attention for Patient Report Experience and Outcome Measures (PREM/PROM).
Assessment of Decision-Making Capacity in Ninety-Seven Hospitalized Patients with Cancer: A Call for Standardization
McFarland D, Alici Y, Kostelecky NT and Voigt L
Hospitalized patients with cancer face pivotal decisions that will affect their cancer care trajectory and quality of life, but frequently lack Decision Making Capacity (DMC). Standardization is conspicuously missing for inpatient oncology teams and for Consultation-Liaison psychiatrists performing DMC assessments for patients with cancer. This study sought to characterize a single institutional experience of psychiatric consultations to assess DMC.
Association of Inpatient Occupational Therapy Utilization With Reduced Risk for Psychiatric Readmission Among Veterans
Kinney AR, Penzenik ME, Forster JE, O'Donnell F and Brenner LA
The authors sought to investigate whether utilization of inpatient occupational therapy (OT) was associated with reduced risk for 30-day psychiatric readmission in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA).
Exploring the interplay between core and mood symptoms in schizophrenia: A network analysis
Wang Y, Xu Y, Wu P, Zhou Y, Zhang H, Li Z and Tang Y
Schizophrenia is a complex neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by positive symptoms, negative symptoms, cognitive deficits, and co-occurring mood symptoms. Network analysis offers a novel approach to investigate the intricate relationships between these symptom dimensions, potentially informing personalized treatment strategies.
Excess mortality among people in homelessness with substance use disorders: a Swedish cohort study
Gaber SN, Franck J, Widing H, Hällgren J, Mattsson E and Westman J
People in homelessness have an increased risk of substance use disorders (SUDs) and poor health outcomes. This cohort study aimed to investigate the association between homelessness and mortality in people with SUDs, adjusting for age, sex, narcotic use, intravenous drug use and inpatient care for SUDs.
Factors contributing to readmission in patients with psychotic disorders, with a special reference to first follow-up visit in outpatient care
Suokas K, Lindgren M, Gissler M, Liukko E, Schildt L, Salokangas RKR, Rissanen P, Gauffin T, Näätänen P, Holm M and Suvisaari J
Timely outpatient follow-up and readmission after discharge are common quality indicators in psychiatric care, but their association varies in previous research. We aimed to examine whether the impact of outpatient follow-up and other factors on readmission risk evolves over time in people with non-affective psychotic disorder (NAP).
Editorial: Adolescent Eating Disorders Are Increasing and We Need to Do More
Kamody RC and Bloch MH
The negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on youth mental health have been significant. The impact of the pandemic on eating disorders has been particularly notable, given the numerous risk factors exacerbated during the pandemic, such as increased social isolation and body image concerns associated with amplified virtual and social media exposure. Although the rise of eating disorder presentations have been documented by increased pediatric hospital admissions at an earlier ages of onset, there has, until this time, not been a meta-analytical approach to understanding the full scope of this impact on health care use. In our ever-burdened pediatric mental health care systems, it is crucial for the field to understand how health care use for eating disorders has been affected. As such, we read with keen interest the article by Madigan et al. This meta-analysis fills a gap in the field, analyzing the health care visits of close to 150,000 children and adolescents across more than 300 sites. This study highlights an important theme that has been observed across our mental health systems: there has been a significant increase in severe eating disorder symptom expression since the start of the pandemic. This article provides the empirical evidence to support what has been anecdotally and qualitatively observed across sites-namely, an increased use of higher levels of care, such as emergency rooms and inpatient units, in addition to outpatient care. This increase in service use for eating disorders has been particularly sharp among girls, adolescents, and those presenting with restricting presentations such as anorexia nervosa..
Process and Impact of Development of an Adolescent Emergency Psychiatry Unit at a Large Urban Hospital
Claudius I, Tolles J, Fleischman R, Muller V, Padlipsky P, Kelly P and Saidinejad M
Boarding of adolescent patients with mental health concerns requiring ongoing observation and treatment is of increasing concern across US emergency departments. The objective was a proof of concept of developing an adolescent psychiatric emergency unit and assessment of the impact of this unit on lengths of stay (LOS).
Impact of a debrief tool in acute child and adolescent mental health inpatient units: a centre's experience
Shepherd WB, Patterson K, Blake J, Ward D, Clarke A, Diaz-Navarro C and Abdulsatar F
This manuscript presents the pioneering use of a post-event staff debriefing tool, TALK, in Acute Child and Adolescent Mental Health Units (CAMHU). While unsuccessful in reducing the rate and severity of patient behavioural events, our centre observed promising psychological benefits for CAMHU staff as a result of debriefing, with the tool promoting emotional resiliency and providing a platform for open conversations. Debriefing also served as a venue for patient concerns with care to be raised by staff, addressed and reflected in updated care plans. This initiative demonstrates the utility of debriefing to foster a culture of learning, improve staff wellness and enhance patient safety in CAMHU settings.
Sexually transmitted infections, sexual life and risk behaviours of people living with schizophrenia: systematic review and meta-analysis
Aymerich C, Pedruzo B, Salazar de Pablo G, Madaria L, Goena J, Sanchez-Gistau V, Fusar-Poli P, McGuire P, González-Torres MÁ and Catalan A
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), along with sexual health and behaviour, have received little attention in schizophrenia patients.
Enasidenib-induced hepatitis in an individual with Type II D2-hydroxyglutaric aciduria
Gold JI, Stefanatos AK, Fraser JL, Vanderver A and Cuddapah S
Type II D-2-Hydroxyglutaric aciduria (T2D2HGA) is caused by a gain-of-function pathogenic variant in Isocitrate Dehydrogenase 2 (IDH2). Patients with T2D2HGA commonly present with developmental delay, seizures, cardiomyopathy, and arrhythmias. The recently approved IDH2-inhibitor Enasidenib targets the p.Arg140Gln pathogenic variant and decreases production of D2HGA. We present a 7-year-old female with T2D2HGA due to the p.Arg140Gln variant. She was diagnosed at 3-years-old after presenting with global developmental delay, leukoencephalopathy, communicating hydrocephalus, seizures, and dilated cardiomyopathy. At age 3 years 11 months, 50 mg Enasidenib daily was initiated. Primary outcomes included seizure frequency, hospital admissions, development, and cardiac structure. Laboratories were monitored biweekly for common Enasidenib side effects. Our patient tolerated Enasidenib well. Urine 2-HGA decreased significantly from 244 mg/g creatinine to undetectable within 2 weeks of treatment. Inpatient admissions decreased from 8 during the 2 years preceding treatment to 1 during treatment. She has been seizure-free since Enasidenib initiation. Echocardiography showed improvement in dilated cardiomyopathy with normal left ventricular systolic function. Developmental assessment demonstrated improvements in gross motor, fine motor, language, and socialization domains. Treatment was complicated by mild elevations in alanine transaminase (118 IU/L, range 0-28) and creatine kinase (334 U/L, range 45-198) that resolved by decreasing Enasidenib dosing frequency to three times weekly. Enasidenib is a viable treatment for Type II D2HGA with benefits including developmental gains, fewer acute medical interventions, and cardiomyopathy improvement. While drug-induced hepatitis is a novel adverse effect of Enasidenib, it can be ameliorated by decreasing dose frequency.
Benefits and Process of Providing Peer Support for Pediatric Burn Survivors and Caregivers during Inpatient and Outpatient Phases of Recovery
Rosenberg M, Rodriguez R, Grant S, Miguel AS, Lee JO and Rosenberg L
The World Health Organization reveals that pediatric burns represent a large portion of burns globally (61). Increases in survival rates have guided clinical and research focus on physical, psychological, and social outcomes. Research on other childhood illnesses has shown the efficacy of social support throughout recovery. In the pediatric burn literature, studies have shown the efficacy of burn camps for promoting positive interactions among survivors, learning coping skills, and facilitating socialization and reintegration. However, few studies have focused on the benefits of peer support for pediatric burn survivors and their caregivers in the inpatient and outpatient phases of recovery. This descriptive paper identifies options for building resilience for pediatric burn survivors through peer support in the inpatient and outpatient phases of recovery. The authors discuss options for providing peer support during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic on the pediatric intensive care unit, general pediatric floor, and outpatient setting.
Tracking the 3-year trajectory of referrals to an early psychosis intervention service
Pitigala N, Zeng I, Narayanan N, Cullum S and Ng L
To review the baseline and clinical characteristics of patients referred to a New Zealand Early Psychosis Intervention (EPI) service across a 4-year timeframe.
Patient and Caregiver Satisfaction With the Brain Injury Rehabilitation: Improving the Transition Experience (BRITE) Intervention
Moore M, Kempthorne L, Fann JR, Shulein O, Dams-O'Connor K, Kajankova M, Conrick KM, Seeliger J and Hoffman JM
To ascertain patient and caregiver satisfaction with an individualized case management intervention to improve transition from inpatient rehabilitation care to the community after traumatic brain injury (TBI).
High-Dose Buprenorphine Initiation: A Scoping Review
Wong S, Fabiano N, Webber D and Kleinman RA
The aim of the study is to review and synthesize the literature on high-dose buprenorphine initiation (>12-mg total dose on day of initiation).
Mind it! A mindfulness-based group psychotherapy for substance use disorders in adolescent inpatients
Legenbauer T, Baldus C, Jörke C, Kaffke L, Pepic A, Daubmann A, Zapf A, Holtmann M, Arnaud N, Thomasius R and
Cannabis use disorder (CUD) is the most frequent reason for psychiatric inpatient substance use disorder (SUD) treatment among 15-19-year-olds in Germany. Despite effective treatment programs, relapse rates remain high. Thus, existing multi-component programs (TAU) need to be enhanced with SUD-specific elements. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBI) seem promising as they can positively influence SUD-related behaviors (e. g. craving). Given limited research in adolescents, this randomized controlled trial investigated the extent to which MBI-based group therapy (Mind it!) as an add-on treatment to TAU led to fewer cannabis use days after 6 months in 84 adolescent inpatients with CUD. Additionally, craving, severity of CUD, and changes in mindfulness were monitored (pre-, post-, and follow-up (FU) assessments). The results revealed a significant reduction in cannabis use days in both groups at 6-month FU (d = - 0.72 and = - 0.75). Although minor additional benefits of Mind it! were evident post-treatment, specifically reduction of craving and SUD severity, by the 6-month mark, TAU exhibited a more substantial decrease in SUD severity (d = 0.78), and reward craving (d = 0.28) compared to Mind it!. Regarding self-regulation skills (mindfulness), Mind it! demonstrated superiority over TAU after 6-month FU (d = 0.27). Therapists judged the MBI as feasible. (Serious) adverse events were unrelated to Mind it!. There was a systematic dropout among Mind it! participants. Primarily, the results emphasize the effectiveness of TAU in reducing cannabis use. MBI also seem feasible for youth, but results remain inconsistent and unstable over time. Importantly, enhanced adherence to reduce dropouts is needed.Trial registration: German Clinical Trials Register, DRKS00014041. Registered on 17 April 2018.
Inter-rater agreement between WHO- Uppsala Monitoring Centre system and Naranjo algorithm for causality assessment of adverse drug reactions
More SA, Atal S and Mishra PS
Determining the causality of Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) is essential for management and prevention of future occurrences. The WHO-Uppsala Monitoring Centre (UMC) system is recommended under the Pharmacovigilance Program of India whereas Naranjo's algorithm is commonly utilized by clinicians, but their agreement remains a subject of investigation. This study aims to compare the inter-rater agreement between these two scales for causality assessment of ADRs. In this cross-sectional study, two groups of pharmacovigilance experts were given a set of total 399 anonymized individual case safety reports, collected over six months. The raters were blinded to each other's assessments and applied the WHO-UMC system and Naranjo algorithm to each case independently. Inter-rater agreement was then evaluated utilizing Cohen's kappa. The suspected ADRs were also comprehensively analysed on parameters like age, sex, route of administration, speciality, organ system affected, most common drug categories and individual drugs, outcome of ADRs. Analysis of 399 suspected ADRs revealed that mean age of patients was 36.8 ± 18.0 years, females were more frequently affected, highest proportion of reports were from psychiatry inpatients, seen with antipsychotic drugs, involved the central nervous system, with oral administration, and 91% resolved. On causality assessment by the WHO-UMC system, 53.3% were "Certain" whereas Naranjo's algorithm categorized 96.74% of ADRs as "Probable". Cohen's kappa showed a "Minimal" agreement (0.22) between WHO-UMC and Naranjo system of causality assessment. The considerable lack of agreement between the two commonly employed systems of causality assessment of ADRs warrants further investigation into specific factors influencing the disagreement to improve the accuracy of causality assessments.
Variation in care for inpatients with avoidant restrictive food intake disorder leads to development of a novel inpatient clinical pathway to standardize care
Bern EM, Milliren CE, Tsang KK, Mancini LA, Carmody JK, Gearhart MG, Eldredge O, Samsel C, Crowley M and Richmond TK
There is limited evidence to guide management of patients with avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) admitted for medical stabilization. We describe variations in inpatient care which led to the development of a multidisciplinary inpatient clinical pathway (ICP) to provide standardized management and examine differences after the ICP was implemented.
Psychometric Assessment of an Item Bank for Adaptive Testing on Patient-Reported Experience of Care Environment for Severe Mental Illness: Validation Study
Fernandes S, Brousse Y, Zendjidjian X, Cano D, Riedberger J, Llorca PM, Samalin L, Dassa D, Trichard C, Laprevote V, Sauvaget A, Abbar M, Misdrahi D, Berna F, Lancon C, Coulon N, El-Hage W, Rozier PE, Benoit M, Giordana B, Caqueo-Urízar A, Yon DK, Tran B, Auquier P, Fond G and Boyer L
The care environment significantly influences the experiences of patients with severe mental illness and the quality of their care. While a welcoming and stimulating environment enhances patient satisfaction and health outcomes, psychiatric facilities often prioritize staff workflow over patient needs. Addressing these challenges is crucial to improving patient experiences and outcomes in mental health care.
Predictors of valproic acid steady-state serum levels in adult and pediatric psychiatric inpatients: a comparative analysis
Avrahami M, Liwinski T, Eckstein Z, Peskin M, Perlman P, Sarlon J, Lang UE, Amital D and Weizman A
Valproic acid (VPA) is commonly used as a second-line mood stabilizer or augmentative agent in severe mental illnesses. However, population pharmacokinetic studies specific to psychiatric populations are limited, and clinical predictors for the precision application of VPA remain undefined.
Impact of previous treatment history and B-cell depletion treatment duration on infection risk in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: a nationwide cohort study
Virtanen S, Piehl F and Frisell T
B-cell depletion displays striking effectiveness in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), but is also associated with increased infection risk. To what degree previous treatment history, disease-modifying therapy (DMT) switching pattern and time on treatment modulate this risk is unknown. The objective here was to evaluate previous DMT use and treatment duration as predictors of infection risk with B-cell depletion.
Extreme behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia: a case study
Mulchandani M and Conrad A
The seven tiered behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) model of service delivery has been used by inpatient units. The classification of each tier is broadly defined and not always agreed upon by clinicians. The case study uses novel approach by combining the BPSD classification criteria with clinical presentation to identify the clinical characteristics of the case and match these characteristics against the BPSD classification. This process was enhanced by using case specific measures such as the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) and Cohen Mansfield Agitation Inventory (CMAI) scales and key clinical data.
The impact of early intervention psychosis services on hospitalisation experiences: a qualitative study with young people and their carers
Powell T, Glozier N, Conn K, Einboden R, Buus N, Caldwell P and Milton A
While a core aim of early intervention psychosis services (EIPS) is to prevent hospitalisation, many with a first episode of psychosis (FEP) will require inpatient care. We explored young people's (YP) and their carers' hospitalisation experiences prior to and during EIPS engagement and how factors across these services influenced these experiences.
Traumatic Brain Injuries: Manifestations, Evaluation, Management, and Outcomes
Matta SE, LaCroix C, Walterfang M, Tanev KS and Stern TA
The Psychiatric Consultation Service at Massachusetts General Hospital sees medical and surgical inpatients with comorbid psychiatric symptoms and conditions. During their twice-weekly rounds, Dr Stern and other members of the Consultation Service discuss diagnosis and management of hospitalized patients with complex medical or surgical problems who also demonstrate psychiatric symptoms or conditions. These discussions have given rise to rounds reports that will prove useful for clinicians practicing at the interface of medicine and psychiatry. .
Association Between Clozapine Exposure and Risk of Hematologic Malignancies in Veterans With Schizophrenia
Brainerd DR, Alexander B, Tague MJ and Lund BC
The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between clozapine use and hematologic malignancies, using national administrative data from the United States Veterans Health Administration (VHA). This case-control study of veterans with schizophrenia matched cases with incident hematologic malignancy to 10 controls without hematologic malignancy by gender, age, and time since first schizophrenia diagnosis from October 1999, the beginning of VHA data archives, to June 2022. Schizophrenia diagnoses were identified using , code 295.x and codes F20.x and F25.x from inpatient hospitalization and outpatient encounter data. Additional inclusion criteria were age 18-85 years, no prior history of malignancy, and at least 1 year of antipsychotic exposure. Clozapine exposure was assessed using 3 metrics: any exposure, years of exposure, and cumulative defined daily doses (DDD). Conditional multivariable logistic regression was used to adjust for nonmatched confounding variables. A total of 2,306 veterans with schizophrenia were identified with an incident diagnosis of hematologic malignancy and matched to 23,043 controls. Any prior clozapine exposure was more commonly observed among cases (5.3%) than controls (4.1%) and was significantly different after adjustment (odds ratio [OR], 1.31; 95% CI, 1.08-1.60). Risk was dose-dependent, where cumulative clozapine exposures from 3,000 to 4,999 DDD (OR, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.13-2.79) and ≥5,000 DDD (OR, 1.81; 95% CI, 1.24-2.64) were significantly associated with malignancy risk. Similarly, clozapine exposure of 5 or more years was associated with malignancy risk (OR, 1.88; 95% CI, 1.43-2.47). Consistent with prior report, this study observed an increased risk of hematologic malignancy associated with clozapine exposure. These findings suggest patients receiving clozapine use, particularly those with long-term use, should be closely monitored for hematologic malignancy.
Suicidal behavior and all-cause mortality in depressed older adults aged 75+ treated with electroconvulsive therapy: A Swedish register-based comparison study
Hedna K, Jonson M, Sigström R, Levinsson A, Nordenskjöld A and Waern M
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is effective in treating late-life depression. There is limited research on suicidal behavior and all-cause mortality in the oldest old after ECT.
Referral pathways to early intervention services for psychosis and their influence on perceptions of care: An interpretive phenomenological analysis
Senger B, MacDonald Q, Pencer A, Crocker CE, Hughes J and Tibbo PG
Most young adults experiencing psychosis enter early intervention services (EIS) via inpatient and emergency departments. These experiences are suggested to negatively impact their views of treatment and engagement in EIS. However, limited research has examined the impact of young adults' prior help-seeking experiences on these outcomes. The present study aimed to explore how young adults engaged in EIS have experienced initial help-seeking and make sense of these experiences in the context of their current treatment.
Risk and protective factors in risk assessment: Predicting inpatient aggression in adult males detained in a forensic mental health setting
Ireland JL, Levtova Y, Abi Semaan CM, Steene LMB, Henrich S, Gaylor L, Driemel L, Volz S, Homann J, Dickopf M, Greenwood L and Chu S
Structured clinical risk assessments represent a preferred means of assessing levels of aggression risk at different times and in different individuals. Increasing attention has been given to capturing protective factors, with sound risk assessment critical to high-secure forensic mental health care. The aim was to assess the predictive value of the HCR-20 for aggression risk and the long-term care pilot version of the SAPROF (the SAPROF-LC-pilot) in a high-secure forensic mental health inpatient population and to determine the incremental value of protective over risk factors. Participants were adult males detained in a high secure forensic mental health service, with a primary diagnosis of schizophrenia and/or personality disorder. The focus was on examining hospital based aggression (self- and other-directed) at two time points; up to 6 months (T1) and between 7 and 12 months (T2). The HCR-20 and SAPROF-LC-pilot demonstrated good predictive validity but with variability across subscales and aggression types/periods. Historical factors of the HCR-20 and External factors of the SAPROF-LC-pilot failed to predict, aside from a medium effect at T1 for verbal aggression and self-harm, for Historical factors. There was evidence for protective factors adding to prediction over risk factors alone, with the integration of protective and risk factors into a risk judgement particularly helpful in improving prediction accuracy. Protective factors contributed to risk estimates and particularly if integrated with risk factors. Combining risk and protective factors has clear predictive advantages, ensuring that protective factors are not supplementary but important to the aggression assessment process.
The Mental Health Toll of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Adolescents Receiving Inpatient Psychiatric Treatment
Tebbett-Mock AA, Saito E, Tang SX, McGee M and Van Meter A
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the prevalence of depression and anxiety among children and adolescents significantly increased, along with the number of visits to emergency departments due to suicidality and/or suicide attempts. Relatedly, health care workers experienced significant burnout and symptoms of anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder during this time. However, the corresponding impact on psychiatric inpatient treatment has not yet been researched. We hypothesized that during the pandemic, adolescents hospitalized in an acute care psychiatric inpatient unit had increased incidents of suicide attempts and nonsuicidal self-injurious behaviors and of aggressive behaviors toward others, resulting in greater use of constant observation and restraints. This study was a retrospective chart review based on electronic medical record data examining use of restraints and constant observation one year before the pandemic (March 2019 to February 2020) and 1 year following the onset of the pandemic (March 2020 to February 2021) in an acute-care adolescent (12 to 17 years old) psychiatric inpatient unit. There were 571 admissions during the year before the pandemic and 500 admissions during the pandemic. The number of patients who were restrained ( = 7.86, = 0.005), number of patients who were placed on constant observation ( = 13.41, ), and number of constant observation orders per patient ( = 91.90, ) were all significantly greater during the pandemic. Psychiatrically hospitalized adolescents during the pandemic received more intensive interventions such as restraints and constant observation. Severe patient psychopathology and staff shortages, as well as limitations of and decreases to the dialectical behavior therapy program, may have been the contributing factor.
Parent SMART: Effects of residential treatment and an adjunctive parenting intervention on behavioral health services utilization
Becker SJ, Janssen T, Shiller H, DiBartolo E, Fan Y, Souza T, Kelly LM and Helseth SA
Scant research has examined the impact of residential treatment on adolescent behavioral healthcare utilization post-discharge, even though behavioral healthcare utilization is major driver of healthcare costs. In the primary analyses of a pilot randomized trial, Parent SMART - a technology-assisted intervention for parents of adolescents in residential treatment - was found to improve parental monitoring and parent-adolescent communication, reduce adolescent drinking, and reduce adolescent school-related problems, relative to residential treatment as usual (TAU). The goal of this secondary analysis of the pilot randomized trial was to assess the effects of residential treatment and the adjunctive Parent SMART intervention on both the amount and type of subsequent behavioral healthcare utilization.
A hierarchical analysis of associated factors to lifetime suicide attempts in alcohol use disorder
Moçambique M, Benzano D, von Diemen L, Kessler FHP, Schuch JB and Pechansky F
Substance use is strongly associated with suicide attempts throughout life. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of suicide attempts (SA) and associated factors in life in patients with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD).
Predictors of abstinence maintenance after cocaine inpatient detoxification: A prospective study
Poireau M, Clergue-Duval V, Maillard A, Icick R, Azuar J, Smith P, Faurent M, Volle E, Delmaire C, Cabé J, Bloch V and Vorspan F
Cocaine is a highly addictive substance, and with no approved medication for cocaine use disorder (CUD), leading to a heavy burden. Despite validated psychosocial treatments, relapse rates after detoxification are very high in CUD. Few consistent factors can predict abstinence after detoxification. Our study, therefore, aimed at identifying factors predicting abstinence among CUD patients after inpatient detoxification.
Ask-Tell-Ask with Bidirectional Feedback Improves Feedback Culture
Dayaa JA, Howard M, Li W and Doctor D
The authors sought to assess whether an Ask-Tell-Ask feedback model augmented with bidirectional feedback improves perception of feedback.
Comparison of 8-vs-12 weeks, adapted dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) for borderline personality disorder in routine psychiatric inpatient treatment-A naturalistic study
Kujovic M, Benz D, Riesbeck M, Mollamehmetoglu D, Becker-Sadzio J, Margittai Z, Bahr C and Meisenzahl E
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is widely acknowledged as an effective treatment for individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD). However, the optimal treatment duration within DBT remains a topic of investigation. This retrospective, naturalistic non-randomized study aimed to compare the efficacy of 8 week and 12 week DBT interventions with equivalent content, focusing on the change of BPD-specific symptomatology as the primary outcome and depressive symptoms as the secondary outcome. Overall, 175 patients who participated in DBT and received either 8 week or 12 week intervention were included in the analysis. Routine inpatient treatment was adapted from standard DBT with the modules: skill training, interpersonal skills, dealing with feelings, and mindfulness. Measurements were taken at baseline, mid-point, and endpoint. The borderline symptom list-23 (BSL-23) was used for the assessment of borderline-specific symptoms, while the Beck depression inventory-II (BDI-II) was used for the assessment of depressive symptoms. Statistical analysis was conducted using linear mixed models. Effect sizes were calculated for both measures. The results of the analysis indicated an improvement in both groups over time. Effect sizes were d = 1.29 for BSL-23 and d = 1.79 for BDI-II in the 8 week group, and d = 1.16 for BSL-23 and d = 1.58 for BDI-II in the 12 week group. However, there were no differences in the change of BPD-specific symptoms or the severity of depressive symptoms between the 8 week and 12 week treatment duration groups. Based on these findings, shorter treatment durations, like 8 weeks, could be a viable alternative, offering comparable therapeutic benefits, potential cost reduction, and improved accessibility. However, further research is needed to explore factors influencing treatment outcomes and evaluate the long-term effects of different treatment durations in DBT for BPD.Trial registration: drks.de (DRKS00030939) registered 19/12/2022.
Exacerbation of central serous chorioretinopathy during trauma-confronting psychotherapy- a case report
Schäflein E, Mardin C, Morawa E, Rudolf S, Erim Y and Rhein C
Psychotherapy for post-traumatic stress disorder, in particular trauma-confronting psychotherapy, can be associated with increased stress. However, research on the somatic impact and psychosomatic interactions of these psychological stress reactions is lacking. We report on a 43-year old man whose central serous chorioretinopathy exacerbated upon trauma-confronting psychotherapy.
Sex and Age Characteristics in Acute or Chronic Myocarditis A Descriptive, Multicenter Cohort Study
Thevathasan T, Kenny MA, Gaul AL, Paul J, Krause FJ, Lech S, Stadler G, Meyer A, Schreiber F, Fairweather D, Cooper LT, Tschöpe C, Landmesser U, Skurk C, Balzer F and Heidecker B
Understanding the clinical features of myocarditis in various age groups is required to identify age-specific disease patterns.
The Impact of the Global Pandemic on Veterans with Serious Mental Illness (SMI): Healthcare Utilization and Mortality
Soreca I, Boudreaux-Kelly M, Seo YJ and Haas G
Individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) experience barriers to accessing and engaging with healthcare, which may have been exacerbated during the emergence of the global pandemic and the rapid shift to telemedicine platforms, substantially decreasing healthcare utilization for non-COVID-19 disorders. Important repercussions on morbidity and mortality may be seen in the months and years to come, which may disproportionately affect high-risk populations, such as patients with SMI, with reduced access to technology platforms. In this study, we explored the impact of the pandemic on healthcare utilization and all-cause mortality rate in SMI compared to non-SMI individuals for the months of March-September 2020 and the same two quarters in 2019.
Adverse Childhood Experiences, Coping and Resilience in Persons with Alcohol Use Disorder and Their Non-drinking Siblings in High-density Families: A Case-control Study
Sreenivasulu M , Prathyusha V, Ezhumalai S, Narayanan G and Murthy P
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) increase the odds of alcohol use disorder (AUD).
Diagnostic Transitions from Primary Psychiatric Disorders to Underlying Medical Conditions: A 5-Year Retrospective Survey from a University Hospital Sample
Menkü BE, Akın S, Tamdemir SE, Genis B, Altıparmak T and Cosar B
Undiagnosed underlying medical conditions can cause many patients to be followed, for years, by a diagnosis of a primary psychiatric disorder and to receive inappropriate treatment. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of patients initially diagnosed with a primary psychiatric disorder but whose symptoms were later attributed to medical conditions. These patients' initial and final diagnoses were also examined.
Can the DEX/CRH test or markers of oxidative stress distinguish work-related stress from major depressive disorder and normal controls?
Rotvig DH, Jorgensen A, Jensen JH, Hansen AR, Eller NH, Jonsson SH, Knorr U, Klose MC, Feldt-Rasmussen U, Menke A, Poulsen HE, Bauer JØ and Jørgensen MB
Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA)-axis hyperactivity measured by the combined dexamethasone-CRH test (DEX-CRH test) has been found in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), whereas hypoactivity has been found in patients with work-related stress. We aimed to investigate the DEX-CRH test as a biomarker to distinguish between MDD and work-related stress (exhaustion disorder - ED). We hypothesized that there would be lower cortisol and ACTH response in participants with ED compared to MDD and healthy controls (HC). Also, we explored if the cortisol response of those patients interacted with robust markers of oxidative stress. Thirty inpatients with MDD and 23 outpatients with ED were recruited. Plasma cortisol and ACTH were sampled during a DEX-CRH test. The main outcome measure, area under the curve (AUC) for cortisol and ACTH, was compa-red between MDD vs. ED participants and a historical HC group. Secondary markers of oxidative stress urinary 8-oxodG and 8-oxoGuo; quality of sleep and psychometrics were obtained. Cortisol concentrations were higher in MDD and ED participants compared to HC, and no differences in AUC cortisol and ACTH were found between ED vs. MDD. Compared to ED, MDD participants had higher stress symptom severity and a lower sense of well-being. No differences in oxidative stress markers or quality of sleep between the groups were found. The result indicates that the patients with ED, like patients with MDD, are non-suppressors in DEX-CRH test and not hypocortisolemic as suggested.
Why Do Adolescents Relapse? A Multicenter, Cross-sectional Study
Kardaş Ö, Şimşek M and Ögel K
Adolescents use drugs once, then use them regularly, then start and stop many times. In addiction treatment, relapse is a major barrier to recovery. Relapse is more common among adolescents and is a major problem. Thus, this study aimed to identify the factors impacting the duration of relapse in adolescents.
Comparison of Attitude and Insight Toward Illness Between in Patients with Bipolar I Disorder Manic Episode and Major Depressive Disorder
Chang MJ and Huang SS
Studies comparing insight toward illness in patients with bipolar I disorder manic episode and in patients with major depressive disorder are scarce. The aim of this study was to investigate the attitudes and insight of patients with bipolar I disorder in manic episode and in patients with major depressive disorder.
Patient-centered inpatient psychiatry is associated with outcomes, ownership, and national quality measures
Shields MC, Hollander MAG, Busch AB, Kantawala Z and Rosenthal MB
Following discharge from inpatient psychiatry, patients experience elevated suicide risk, unplanned readmission, and lack of outpatient follow-up visits. These negative outcomes might relate to patient-centered care (PCC) experiences while hospitalized. We surveyed 739 former patients of inpatient psychiatric settings to understand the relationship between PCC and changes in patients' trust, willingness to engage in care, and self-reported 30-day follow-up visits. We also linked PCC measures to facility-level quality measures in the Inpatient Psychiatric Facility Quality Reporting program. Relative to patients discharged from facilities in the top quartile of PCC, those discharged from facilities in the bottom quartile were more likely to experience reduced trust (predicted probability [PP] = 0.77 vs 0.46; < .001), reduced willingness to go to the hospital voluntarily (PP = 0.99 vs 0.01; < .001), and a lower likelihood of a 30-day follow-up (PP = 0.71 vs 0.92; < .001). PCC was lower among patients discharged from for-profits, was positively associated with facility-level quality measures of 7- and 30-day follow-up and medication continuation, and was inversely associated with restraint use. Findings underscore the need to introduce systematic measurement and improvement of PCC in this setting.
The Development of Psychosis in Patients with Substance Use Disorder and Its Association with Cavum Septum Pellucidum and Adhesio Interthalamica
Ergül C, Aydın C, Shukurov B, Şalçini C, Tabak NA and Dilbaz N
It is known that there is a relationship between psychotic disorders and the presence of cerebral midline defects, such as the cavum septum pellucidum and the absence of adhesio interthalamica. This study aims to investigate whether these defects in people with alcohol/substance use disorders are associated with the occurrence and persistence of psychotic symptoms.
The Association Between Clozapine Plasma Concentration, CYP2D6 (*10, *2) Polymorphisms and Risk of Adverse Reactions
Qu K, Zhou Q, Zhu H, Zhou Z, Shen Y, Tian L and Su X
The aim of this article was to study the relationships between the risk of adverse reactions, plasma concentration, and cytochrome P450 2D6 rs1065852 (*10) and rs16947 (*2) polymorphisms for clozapine.
Characterizing the clinical and sociodemographic profiles of hospitalized adolescents with autism spectrum disorder
Avrahami M, Ben-Dor DH, Ratzon R, Weizman A and Perlman Danieli P
The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is increasing worldwide. Youngsters with ASD demonstrate higher rates of intellectual disabilities (IDs), comorbid psychopathology and psychiatric hospitalizations, compared to children in the general population. This study characterizes the demographics and clinical parameters of adolescent psychiatric inpatients with ASD compared to inpatients without ASD, all hospitalized during the study period. Additionally, within the ASD group, those with ID were compared to those without. The rate of males among participants with ASD was significantly higher than among those without ASD, and the duration of hospitalization was longer. In contrast, the rate of cigarette smoking, major depressive disorder and suicidal thoughts among those with ASD was lower. One-third of those with ASD had moderate to severe ID, about 10% had comorbid epilepsy, and about half of them demonstrated aggressive behavior. Most ASD patients showed significant improvement upon discharge, although the extent of improvement was more prominent among ASD patients with no ID. Our findings, consistent with previous research, indicate that hospitalization is beneficial to youths with ASD, both those with and those without ID. Further studies that include long-term follow-up are needed.
Impulsivity and reward and punishment sensitivity among patients admitted to a specialized inpatient eating disorder treatment program
Martinelli MK, Schreyer CC, Vanzhula IA and Guarda AS
Eating disorders (EDs) are conceptualized as disorders of under- and over-control, with impulsivity reflecting under-control. Extant research indicates that impulsivity and related factors such as reward sensitivity and punishment sensitivity may serve as trait-level transdiagnostic risk and/or maintenance factors in EDs. Findings on impulsivity and reward and punishment sensitivity by diagnosis are mixed and research on the relationship between these factors and ED symptoms, hospital course, and treatment outcomes is limited.
Updates in the treatment of eating disorders in 2023: a year in review in
Gorder J, Gonzales DT and Murray SB
Empirical evidence is unequivocal in illustrating that the majority of patients with eating disorders will not fully recover during treatment. To that end, the need for optimized treatment approaches and improved patient outcomes cannot be overstated. While empirical efforts are underway to optimize outcomes, this article reviews treatment-related research findings published in on during 2023. Importantly, this review encapsulates research addressing (i) between-session patient behaviors, (ii) the integration of technology into treatment approaches, (iii) methods to augment emotional regulation in the context of eating disorder treatment, (iv) methods to measure progress, and potentially risk markers for patient dropout, during treatment, (v) optimizing treatment approaches for inpatient settings, and (vi) augmenting family therapy-based approaches. Incorporating novel technological advances may be critical in enhancing the scalability of eating disorder treatments, since treatment uptake remains an ongoing challenge for the field. Moreover, expanding the scope of non-outpatient eating disorder treatment settings, while ensuring fidelity to theoretical models developed in outpatient settings, is critical as treatment is effectively administer across the spectrum of levels of patient care.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the work of clinical psychologists in Austria: results of a mixed-methods study
Santillan-Ramos P, Humer E, Schaffler Y, Pieh C, Probst T, Felnhofer A, Kothgassner O, Netzer I and Jesser A
Clinical psychologists in Austria shouldered a large part of the massive increase in demand for mental health services caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to find out how the pandemic affected their work and to gather information on how best to support the profession in the event of a crisis.
Factors associated with long hospitalisation for psychotic disorder patients in an acute ward: Tertiary care hospital
Paliweni-Zwane TI, Modisane LN and Grobler GP
The average length of stay is often used to indicate health system efficiency; shorter stays are associated with reduced costs. In South Africa, mental healthcare expenditure is spent on inpatient care.
Comparing the medication costs of treating patients with schizophrenia who use cannabis with those who do not
Nowbath N, Abdelatif N and Lippi G
Cannabis use is more prevalent among people with schizophrenia than in the general population. This usage detrimentally impacts disease prognosis, contributing to escalated admissions, heightened severity of psychotic symptoms, and reduced medication response. The recent decriminalisation of cannabis in South Africa may lead to an upsurge in usage, consequently intensifying the strain on mental healthcare services.
Schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder: Length of stay and associated factors
Goga LY and Marais BS
Patients with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder often require longer admissions.
Behavioral activation for depression in groups embedded in psychosomatic rehabilitation inpatient treatment: a quasi-randomized controlled study
Melicherova U, Schott T, Köllner V and Hoyer J
Behavioral activation (BA) and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) have shown to be efficacious treatment methods for depression. Previous studies focused mostly on the outpatient treatment either in group or individual setting. The present study aimed at comparing the efficacy of group treatment BA . CBT, when embedded in inpatient psychosomatic rehabilitation treatment.
Suicide risk in patients with a current depressive episode during the COVID-19 pandemic
Zinchuk M, Kustov G, Beghi M, Bryzgalova Y, Sviatskaia E, Popova S, Voinova N, Terentieva M, Yakovlev A and Guekht A
The prevalence of major depressive disorder (MDD) increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data on suicidality in these patients during the pandemic period remain scarce. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence and variables associated with serious suicide risk in Russian inpatients with MDD during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Characterizing medical patients with delirium: A cohort study comparing ICD-10 codes and a validated chart review method
Sheehan KA, Shin S, Hall E, Mak DYF, Lapointe-Shaw L, Tang T, Marwaha S, Gandell D, Rawal S, Inouye S, Verma AA and Razak F
Delirium is a major cause of preventable mortality and morbidity in hospitalized adults, but accurately determining rates of delirium remains a challenge.
Inpatient Psychiatric Care in the United States: Former Patients' Perspectives on Opportunities for Quality Improvement
Shields MC and Davis KA
Patient-centered care is a salient value expressed by stakeholders, but a commitment to implementing patient-centered care environments lags in the context of inpatient psychiatry. The current study aimed to describe patients' suggestions for improving the quality of inpatient psychiatry. We fielded a national survey online in 2021, in which we asked participants to report their recommendations for care improvement through a free-response box. We used an inductive qualitative approach to synthesize responses into themes. Most responses described negative experiences, with suggested improvements implied as the inverse or absence of the respondent's negative experience. Among 510 participants, we identified 10 themes: personalized care, empathetic connection, communication, whole health approach, humane care, physical safety, respecting patients' rights and autonomy, structural environment, equitable treatment, and continuity of care and systems. To implement the value of patient-centered care, we suggest that those in positions of power prioritize improvement initiatives around these aspects of care that patients find most in need of improvement.
Prevalence, demographics and clinical characteristics of Internet addiction among Chinese adolescents with schizophrenia
Zhong Y, Li Y, Hu A and Zhang XY
Several studies have reported that Internet addiction (IA) is more prevalent in the psychiatric disorder population. However, the prevalence of IA and its relationship with clinical variables among Chinese adolescents with schizophrenia is unclear. This study sought to investigate the prevalence of IA and its clinical correlates in Chinese adolescents with schizophrenia, which has not yet been reported.
Adult psychiatric inpatient admissions and length of stay before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in a large urban hospital setting in Vancouver, British Columbia
Russolillo A, Carter M, Guan M, Singh P, Kealy D and Raudzus J
During the COVID-19 pandemic individuals with mental illnesses faced challenges accessing psychiatric care. Our study aimed to describe patient characteristics and compare admissions and length of stay (LOS) for psychiatric-related hospitalizations before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The efficacy of transcranial direct current stimulation in the treatment of anorexia nervosa: a randomized double-blind clinical trial
Rząd Z, Rog J, Kajka N, Szewczyk P, Krukow P and Karakuła-Juchnowicz H
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a life-threatening disease with a low effectiveness of treatment. The high relapse and mortality rate indicate new treatment approaches are needed. Here, we represent the protocol for randomized clinical trial (RCT) of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) efficiency in the AN treatment. The main purpose of the 3-week RCT is to determine the effect of tDCS on the mental state and advances in nutritional rehabilitation in patients with AN.
Epidemiology of physical activity and sedentary behavior levels among patients entering treatment for substance use disorder in the United States: a descriptive study
Churchill SL, Lansing JE, Brellenthin AG and Meyer JD
Little is known about physical activity behaviors among people with SUD. This study aimed to (a) describe self-reported moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary (SED) behaviors of adults with SUD initiating treatment (b), determine the potential contributions of drug of choice (DOC) on these behaviors, and (c) determine the potential contributions of level of care and demographic variables on these behaviors.
Psychotherapy on an Acute Psychiatric Ward: Preliminary Findings From a Controlled Study
Cohen-Chazani Y, Igra L, Hamm JA, Leonhardt BL, Klion R, Cheli S and Hasson-Ohayon I
This study investigated the efficacy of psychotherapy during hospitalization on an acute psychiatric ward. A controlled trial was conducted to assess the effects of Metacognitive Reflection and Insight Therapy (MERIT) upon metacognition and psychiatric symptoms. Data from 40 inpatient women were analysed. Findings included significant interaction effects between group (intervention or control group) and time (preintervention and postintervention) in regard to the metacognitive abilities and general psychiatric symptoms. Participating in MERIT seems to improve one's ability to use reflective knowledge to cope with psychological challenges and to improve symptomatology level.
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