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Engel FN, Balaban ÖD, Caglar N. Letter to the Editor: Declaration of a Case of Mutism Who Started to Speak After 16 Years With Electroconvulsive Therapy. J ECT 2024; 40:e16-e17. [PMID: 38595208 DOI: 10.1097/yct.0000000000001013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Feride Nurseli Engel
- Department of Psychiatry, Bakirkoy Prof Dr Mazhar Osman Research and Training Hospital for Psychiatry, Neurology, and Neurosurgery, Istanbul, Turkey
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Chakrabarti S. Clozapine resistant schizophrenia: Newer avenues of management. World J Psychiatry 2021; 11:429-448. [PMID: 34513606 PMCID: PMC8394694 DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v11.i8.429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
About 40%-70% of the patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia have a poor response to adequate treatment with clozapine. The impact of clozapine-resistant schizophrenia (CRS) is even greater than that of treatment resistance in terms of severe and persistent symptoms, relapses and hospitalizations, poorer quality of life, and healthcare costs. Such serious consequences often compel clinicians to try different augmentation strategies to enhance the inadequate clozapine response in CRS. Unfortunately, a large body of evidence has shown that antipsychotics, antidepressants, mood stabilizers, electroconvulsive therapy, and cognitive-behavioural therapy are mostly ineffective in augmenting clozapine response. When beneficial effects of augmentation have been found, they are usually small and of doubtful clinical significance or based on low-quality evidence. Therefore, newer treatment approaches that go beyond the evidence are needed. The options proposed include developing a clinical consensus about the augmentation strategies that are most likely to be effective and using them sequentially in patients with CRS. Secondly, newer approaches such as augmentation with long-acting antipsychotic injections or multi-component psychosocial interventions could be considered. Lastly, perhaps the most effective way to deal with CRS would be to optimize clozapine treatment, which might prevent clozapine resistance from developing. Personalized dosing, adequate treatment durations, management of side effects and non-adherence, collaboration with patients and caregivers, and addressing clinician barriers to clozapine use are the principal ways of ensuring optimal clozapine treatment. At present, these three options could the best way to manage CRS until research provides more firm directions about the effective options for augmenting clozapine response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subho Chakrabarti
- Department of Psychiatry, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India
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Usta Saglam NG, Aksoy Poyraz C, Yalcin M, Balcioglu I. ECT augmentation of antipsychotics in severely ill schizophrenia: a naturalistic, observational study. Int J Psychiatry Clin Pract 2020; 24:392-397. [PMID: 32538214 DOI: 10.1080/13651501.2020.1777313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES There is positive evidence to support the role of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in the treatment of schizophrenia; however, it is unclear to what extent this growing evidence reflects the actual situation in clinical practice. The aim of this study was to explore the efficacy of ECT augmentation to antipsychotics in individuals with schizophrenia in a naturalistic-observational environment. METHODS Eighty-one patients diagnosed with schizophrenia, hospitalised due to acute psychotic exacerbation were included in the study. We compared changes in Positive and Negative Symptom Rating Scale (PANSS) scores between patients treated only with APs and those in the ECT augmentation group. RESULTS A statistically significant decrease in symptom severity was observed in all PANSS subscales in both groups. In the ECT group, 95% of the patients (n = 39) responded to treatment compared to 75% of the non-ECT group (n = 30) (χ2=6.496, df = 1, p = 0.011). We found that combining ECT with AP significantly increased treatment response, which was defined as at least 25% PANSS symptom reduction, in patients with acute exacerbation of schizophrenia, compared to AP alone. CONCLUSIONS Augmentation of ECT seems to increase responsiveness during acute treatment of severely ill schizophrenia patients. The mean percentage reduction in PANSS scores by 25% following antipsychotic treatment can help identify patients that will benefit from ECT after psychotic relapse in future. Key points There is positive evidence to support the role of ECT in the treatment of schizophrenia; however, it remains unclear to what extent this growing evidence reflects the actual situation in clinical practice. Augmentation of ECT seems to increase responsiveness during acute treatment of severely ill schizophrenia patients. The addition of ECT to antipsychotic treatment may only be beneficial in patients with antipsychotic responses below 50%. The mean percentage reduction in PANSS scores by 25% following antipsychotic treatment can help identify patients that will benefit from ECT after psychotic relapses in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazife Gamze Usta Saglam
- Erenkoy Training and Research Hospital for Psychiatry and Neurological Diseases, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Cana Aksoy Poyraz
- Psychiatry Department, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Murat Yalcin
- Erenkoy Training and Research Hospital for Psychiatry and Neurological Diseases, Istanbul, Turkey
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Janjua AU, Dhingra AL, Greenberg R, McDonald WM. The Efficacy and Safety of Concomitant Psychotropic Medication and Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT). CNS Drugs 2020; 34:509-520. [PMID: 32342484 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-020-00729-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an effective treatment for severe psychiatric disorders. Patients referred to ECT are often taking multiple medications, many of which can potentially affect the safety and efficacy of their course of ECT. This review evaluates the impact of a variety of psychotropic medications often used in conjunction with ECT and examines strategies to optimize their management. The review encompasses mood stabilizers, antidepressants, benzodiazepines, antiepileptics, antipsychotics, and other commonly used psychotropics.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Umair Janjua
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, 12 Executive Park Drive, NE, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA.
| | - Amitha L Dhingra
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, 12 Executive Park Drive, NE, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
| | | | - William M McDonald
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, 12 Executive Park Drive, NE, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
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ECT rekindles pharmacological response in schizophrenia. Eur Psychiatry 2020; 24:521-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpsy.2009.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2008] [Revised: 04/14/2009] [Accepted: 04/15/2009] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractObjectiveThe aim of our naturalistic-observational study was to determine the efficacy and utility of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in clinical population of individuals with schizophrenia where pharmacological response was suboptimal.MethodsThe cohort comprised 27 patients suffering from schizophrenia with refractoriness to antipsychotic agents and with severe, disabling symptoms. They only interventional assessing tool was clinical global impression (CGI-S) performed at the baseline and at the end of the treatment.ResultsThe administration of ECT resulted in overall clinical improvement reflected in CGI scales and descriptions in clinical notes. On 12 months follow-up period, 10 patients (37.1%) maintained improvement and were able to continue with pharmacological therapy only, suggesting its rekindling effect, especially with Clozapine. Conversely, 17 patients (62.9%) deteriorated and required an additional course of ECT to maintain improvement. In some cases, maintenance ECT treatment was required. The group who engaged in self-harming behaviour at baseline demonstrated they were more likely to relapse into psychosis at the end of the first course of ECT, their self-harming behaviour abated, especially when maintenance ECT was undertaken.ConclusionsAlthough limited by lack of control group, small sample size, heterogeneous symptom profiles and various concurrent neuroleptic agents, the ECT proved as valuable and safe augmentative procedure when unsatisfactory response to pharmacological interventions had been demonstrated prior to interventions. This effect was evident despite the chronicity of the illness.
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Min B, Kim M, Lee J, Byun JI, Chu K, Jung KY, Lee SK, Kwon JS. Prediction of individual responses to electroconvulsive therapy in patients with schizophrenia: Machine learning analysis of resting-state electroencephalography. Schizophr Res 2020; 216:147-153. [PMID: 31883932 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2019.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has strong efficacy in patients with treatment refractory schizophrenia. However, access to ECT has been limited by high costs, professional labor, treatment duration, and significant adverse effects. To provide support for the decision to perform ECT, we aimed to predict individual responses to ECT among patients with schizophrenia using machine learning analysis of resting-state electroencephalography (EEG). METHODS Forty-seven patients diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder with EEG recordings before the course of ECT were treated at Seoul National University Hospital. Among these patients, 29 were responders who showed scores of 3 or less on the Clinical Global Impression Severity scale after the course of ECT. Transfer entropy (TE), which represents information flow, was extracted from baseline EEG data and used as a feature. Feature selection was performed with four methods, including Random Subset Feature Selection (RSFS). The random forest classifier was used to predict individual ECT responses. RESULTS The averaged TE, especially in frontal regions, was higher in ECT responders than in nonresponders. A predictive model using the RSFS method classified ECT responders and nonresponders with 85.3% balanced accuracy, 85.2% accuracy, 88.7% sensitivity, and 81.8% specificity. The positive predictive value was 82.6%, and the negative predictive value was 88.2%. CONCLUSIONS The results of the current study suggest that higher effective connectivity in frontal areas may be associated with a favorable ECT response. Furthermore, personalized decisions to perform ECT in clinical practice could be augmented by resting-state EEG biomarkers of the ECT response in schizophrenia patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beomjun Min
- Department of Public Health Medical Services, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Minah Kim
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Junhee Lee
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Ick Byun
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory for Neurotherapeutics, Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Center for Medical Innovations, Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Neurology, Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Program in Neuroscience, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kon Chu
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory for Neurotherapeutics, Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Center for Medical Innovations, Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Program in Neuroscience, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki-Young Jung
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory for Neurotherapeutics, Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Center for Medical Innovations, Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Program in Neuroscience, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Kun Lee
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory for Neurotherapeutics, Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Center for Medical Innovations, Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Program in Neuroscience, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun Soo Kwon
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Seoul National University College of Natural Sciences, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Xi YB, Cui LB, Gong J, Fu YF, Wu XS, Guo F, Yang X, Li C, Wang XR, Li P, Qin W, Yin H. Neuroanatomical Features That Predict Response to Electroconvulsive Therapy Combined With Antipsychotics in Schizophrenia: A Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study Using Radiomics Strategy. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:456. [PMID: 32528327 PMCID: PMC7253706 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Neuroimaging-based brain signatures may be informative in identifying patients with psychosis who will respond to antipsychotics. However, signatures that inform the electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) health care professional about the response likelihood remain unclear in psychosis with radiomics strategy. This study investigated whether brain structure-based signature in the prediction of ECT response in a sample of schizophrenia patients using radiomics approach. METHODS This high-resolution structural magnetic resonance imaging study included 57 patients at baseline. After ECT combined with antipsychotics, 28 and 29 patients were classified as responders and non-responders. Features of gray matter were extracted and compared. The logistic regression model/support vector machine (LRM/SVM) analysis was used to explore the predictive performance. RESULTS The regularized multivariate LRM accurately discriminated responders from non-responders, with an accuracy of 90.91%. The structural features were further confirmed in the validating data set, resulting in an accuracy of 87.59%. The accuracy of the SVM in the training set was 90.91%, and the accuracy in the validation set was 91.78%. CONCLUSION Our results support the possible use of structural brain feature-based radiomics as a potential tool for predicting ECT response in patients with schizophrenia undergoing antipsychotics, paving the way for utilization of markers in psychosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Bin Xi
- Department of Radiology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Long-Biao Cui
- Department of Clinical Psychology, School of Medical Psychology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jie Gong
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yu-Fei Fu
- Department of Radiology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,Department of Clinical Psychology, School of Medical Psychology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xu-Sha Wu
- Department of Radiology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,Department of Clinical Psychology, School of Medical Psychology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Fan Guo
- Department of Radiology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xuejuan Yang
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an, China
| | - Chen Li
- Department of Radiology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xing-Rui Wang
- Department of Radiology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ping Li
- Department of Radiology, Xi'an Mental Health Center, Xi'an, China
| | - Wei Qin
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an, China
| | - Hong Yin
- Department of Radiology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
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Nucifora FC, Woznica E, Lee BJ, Cascella N, Sawa A. Treatment resistant schizophrenia: Clinical, biological, and therapeutic perspectives. Neurobiol Dis 2019; 131:104257. [PMID: 30170114 PMCID: PMC6395548 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2018.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2018] [Revised: 08/07/2018] [Accepted: 08/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Treatment resistant schizophrenia (TRS) refers to the significant proportion of schizophrenia patients who continue to have symptoms and poor outcomes despite treatment. While many definitions of TRS include failure of two different antipsychotics as a minimum criterion, the wide variability in inclusion criteria has challenged the consistency and reproducibility of results from studies of TRS. We begin by reviewing the clinical, neuroimaging, and neurobiological characteristics of TRS. We further review the current treatment strategies available, addressing clozapine, the first-line pharmacological agent for TRS, as well as pharmacological and non-pharmacological augmentation of clozapine including medication combinations, electroconvulsive therapy, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, deep brain stimulation, and psychotherapies. We conclude by highlighting the most recent consensus for defining TRS proposed by the Treatment Response and Resistance in Psychosis Working Group, and provide our overview of future perspectives and directions that could help advance the field of TRS research, including the concept of TRS as a potential subtype of schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederick C Nucifora
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins Hospital, 600 N. Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
| | - Edgar Woznica
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins Hospital, 600 N. Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Brian J Lee
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins Hospital, 600 N. Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Nicola Cascella
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins Hospital, 600 N. Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Akira Sawa
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins Hospital, 600 N. Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
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9
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Appiani FJ, Castro GS. Catatonia is not schizophrenia and it is treatable. Schizophr Res 2018; 200:112-116. [PMID: 28610803 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2017.05.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2017] [Revised: 05/20/2017] [Accepted: 05/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Catatonia is a cluster of motor features that appears in many recognized psychiatric illnesses, that according to the DSM-5 it is not linked as a subtype to schizophrenia anymore. The classic signs are mutism, a rigid posture, fixed staring, stereotypic movements, and stupor, which are all part of a broad psychopathology that may be found in affective, thought, neurological, toxic, metabolic and immunological disorders. Despite the many etiologies, catatonia may be a life-threatening condition with a specific treatment. Benzodiazepines are the first line therapeutic option for catatonia, being lorazepam the first-choice drug. Eighty percent of the patients are relieved by the use of barbiturates or benzodiazepines, while in those who fail, an improvement is achieved by electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). With more than 60years of use in catatonic patients, ECT has proven to be an effective and safe tool for the treatment of this frequent and sometimes forgotten syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco J Appiani
- Program of Pharmacology, Direction of Teaching and Research, Hospital de Clínicas José de San Martín, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Gonzalo S Castro
- Fellowship in abnormal movements, Program of Abnormal Movements and Parkinson disease, Neurology Division, Hospital de Clínicas José de San Martín, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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ECT augmentation of clozapine for clozapine-resistant schizophrenia: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Psychiatr Res 2018; 105:23-32. [PMID: 30144667 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2018.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Revised: 07/05/2018] [Accepted: 08/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS) is common and debilitating. A subgroup of patients even has clozapine-resistant schizophrenia (CRS). We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) augmentation of clozapine for CRS. Systematic literature search of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting on ECT augmentation of clozapine in CRS. Co-primary outcomes included symptomatic improvement at post-ECT assessment and study endpoint. Eighteen RCTs (n = 1769) with 20 active treatment arms were identified and meta-analyzed. Adjunctive ECT was superior to clozapine regarding symptomatic improvement at post-ECT assessment (Standardized Mean Difference (SMD) = -0.88, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): -1.33 to -0.44; I2 = 86%, P = 0.0001) and endpoint assessment (SMD: -1.44, 95%CI: -2.05 to -0.84; I2 = 95%, P < 0.00001), separating as early as week 1-2 (SMD = -0.54, 95%CI: -0.88 to -0.20; I2 = 77%, P = 0.002). Adjunctive ECT was also superior regarding study-defined response at post-ECT assessment (53.6% vs. 25.4%, Risk Ratio (RR) = 1.94, 95%CI: 1.59-2.36; I2 = 0%, P < 0.00001, number-needed-to-treat (NNT) = 3, 95%CI: 3-5) and endpoint assessment (67.7% vs. 41.4%, RR = 1.66, 95%CI: 1.38-1.99; I2 = 47%, P < 0.00001, NNT = 4, 95%CI: 3-8), and remission at post-ECT assessment (13.3% vs. 3.7%, RR = 3.28, 95%CI: 1.80-5.99; I2 = 0%, P = 0.0001, NNT = 13, 95%CI: 6-100) and endpoint assessment (23.6% vs. 13.3%, RR = 1.80, 95%CI: 1.39 to 2.35; I2 = 5%, P < 0.0001, NNT = 14, 95%CI: 6-50). Patient-reported memory impairment (24.2% vs. 0%; RR = 16.10 (95%CI: 4.53-57.26); I2 = 0%, P < 0.0001, number-needed-to-harm (NNH) = 4, 95%CI: 2-14) and headache (14.5% vs 1.6%; RR = 4.03 (95%CI: 1.54-10.56); I2 = 0%, P = 0.005, NNH = 8, 95%CI: 4-50) occurred more frequently with adjunctive ECT. No significant group differences were found regarding discontinuation and other adverse effects. Despite increased frequency of self-reported memory impairment and headache, ECT augmentation of clozapine is a highly effective and relatively safe treatment for CRS. REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42018089959.
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Kim JH, Youn T, Choi JG, Jeong SH, Jung HY, Kim YS, Chung IW. Combination of Electroconvulsive Therapy and Clozapine in Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia. Psychiatry Investig 2018; 15:829-835. [PMID: 30086612 PMCID: PMC6111217 DOI: 10.30773/pi.2018.05.15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness and tolerability of the combination of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in patients with clozapine-treated schizophrenia. METHODS Patients with clozapine-treated schizophrenia during five years of pre-determined period were recruited from Electronic Medical Record. Clinical effects of acute ECT on psychotic symptoms were investigated. We also tried to identify predictive variables requiring maintenance treatment of ECT. RESULTS Fourteen patients received ECT and clozapine and sixteen were treated with clozapine alone. In the ECT group, which could be refined as clozapine-resistance, PANSS total score was significantly reduced by 19.0±9.9 points, corresponding to a reduction rate of 18.5±8.3%. The clinical remission defined as 20% PANSS reduction criteria was achieved at 42.9%. The subscale factors were significantly reduced, among which the negative symptom was the least. There was no difference in demographic and clinical information between patients receiving and not receiving maintenance ECT, and not all patients seemed to need maintenance ECT if clozapine is continued. CONCLUSION Combination of ECT and clozapine in patients with clozapine-resistant schizophrenia resulted in a rapid and substantial reduction of psychotic symptoms. Further studies are needed to improve the effectiveness and tolerability of ECT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung Hyun Kim
- Department of Psychiatry & Electroconvulsive Therapy Center, Dongguk University International Hospital, Goyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Tak Youn
- Department of Psychiatry & Electroconvulsive Therapy Center, Dongguk University International Hospital, Goyang, Republic of Korea.,Institute of Clinical Psychopharmacology, Dongguk University College of Medicine, Goyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun Gwon Choi
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Dongguk University International Hospital, Goyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Hoon Jeong
- Department of Psychiatry, Eulji University Hospital, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee Yeon Jung
- Department of Psychiatry, SMG-SNU Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science and Institute of Human Behavioral Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Sik Kim
- Department of Psychiatry & Electroconvulsive Therapy Center, Dongguk University International Hospital, Goyang, Republic of Korea.,Institute of Clinical Psychopharmacology, Dongguk University College of Medicine, Goyang, Republic of Korea
| | - In Won Chung
- Department of Psychiatry & Electroconvulsive Therapy Center, Dongguk University International Hospital, Goyang, Republic of Korea.,Institute of Clinical Psychopharmacology, Dongguk University College of Medicine, Goyang, Republic of Korea
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Remission in schizophrenia after a course of electroconvulsive therapy and pharmacotherapy. MIDDLE EAST CURRENT PSYCHIATRY 2018. [DOI: 10.1097/01.xme.0000524389.63634.cc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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13
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Response after Infection-Associated Rise in Clozapine Levels in Treatment-Resistant Schizoaffective Disorder. Case Rep Psychiatry 2018; 2018:3174368. [PMID: 29623228 PMCID: PMC5829329 DOI: 10.1155/2018/3174368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2017] [Revised: 01/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The clinical management of patients with treatment-resistant psychotic disorders is still challenging despite years of extensive research. If first-line antipsychotic treatment proves ineffective, clozapine is considered golden standard. Herein, we report on a patient with schizoaffective disorder that initially showed no response to treatment with clozapine and ECT and therefore reached a therapeutic dead end. After an unintentional exposure to supratherapeutic clozapine levels, related to a pneumonia, a significant and persistent reduction of psychotic symptoms occurred. The report suggests a careful reevaluation of the clozapine dose in cases of treatment-resistant psychotic disorders with failed trials of clozapine. Further increase of dose may prove efficacious, although side effects should be closely monitored. Research to determine the upper threshold of clozapine for antipsychotic efficacy is warranted.
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Soroka E, Lesiczka IU, Tracz M, Bereza B, Olajossy M. Treatment-refractory and super refractory schizophrenia - a case study. CURRENT PROBLEMS OF PSYCHIATRY 2017. [DOI: 10.1515/cpp-2017-0022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Refractoriness affects about 25% of patients treated with antipsychotics, and it is a very big challenge for clinicians. The most commonly accepted definition of refractoriness is: lack of satisfactory clinical response to treatment with at least two antipsychotic drugs, from different groups, carried out at therapeutic doses and for a sufficiently long period.
Aim : The aim of the study is to analyze the case of a patient diagnosed with schizophrenia.
Methods: Analysis of medical records, available literature from recent years on treatment-refractory and super-refractory schizophrenia.
Results: A 53-year-old patient, a bachelor, suffering from paranoid schizophrenia with an extremely severe, non-remission course with drug resistance features. The patient's father and sister also suffer from severe paranoid schizophrenia. The patient became ill at the age of 22. Despite the high doses of clozapine, in a sufficiently long period of time, the patient maintained positive and negative symptoms, cognitive deficits and behavioral disorders. The patient was 14 times psychiatrically hospitalized, twice treated with electro-convulsive therapy, which did not bring results despite the combination of electroconvulsive therapywith psycho pharmacotherapy. In addition, the patient was addicted to benzodiazepines, administered during anxiety and anxiety attacks by the mother, during the described hospitalization, gradually discontinued. Patient after several attempts of committing suicide, with a tendency to self-destructive behavior. The illustrated case meets the criteria of super-refractory schizophrenia (SRS).
Conclusions: 1. The category of refractory schizophrenia encountered in the literature is not a separate diagnostic category - it does not exist in classification systems, therefore we consider the phenomenon / symptom of drug resistance - variously defined. 2. Social relations have a big impact on the functioning of the patient as well as the course of the disease and prognosis (the role of the family). 3. There are numerous methods for the potentiating of clozapine treatment, of which combining clozapine with EC therapy is effective and safe. The strategy for combining clozapine with EC is effective, but not in all patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewelina Soroka
- II Department of Psychiatry and Psychiatric Rehabilitation , Medical University of Lublin
| | - Inga-Ujma Lesiczka
- II Department of Psychiatry and Psychiatric Rehabilitation , Medical University of Lublin
| | - Magdalena Tracz
- II Department of Psychiatry and Psychiatric Rehabilitation , Medical University of Lublin
| | - Bernarda Bereza
- Department of Clinical Psychology , Catholic University of Lublin
| | - Marcin Olajossy
- II Department of Psychiatry and Psychiatric Rehabilitation , Medical University of Lublin
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Ahmed S, Khan AM, Mekala HM, Venigalla H, Ahmed R, Etman A, Esang M, Qureshi M. Combined use of electroconvulsive therapy and antipsychotics (both clozapine and non-clozapine) in treatment resistant schizophrenia: A comparative meta-analysis. Heliyon 2017; 3:e00429. [PMID: 29264404 PMCID: PMC5727374 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2017.e00429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2017] [Revised: 09/02/2017] [Accepted: 10/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim To assess the relative efficacies of clozapine plus Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) compared against non-clozapine typical and atypical antipsychotics plus ECT for the treatment of “Treatment Resistant Schizophrenia” (TRS). Primarily to assess if clozapine delivers a significant improvement over other antipsychotics when combined with ECT. Design Major electronic databases were searched between 1990 and March 2017 for trials measuring the effects of either clozapine augmented ECT, other antipsychotic-augmented ECT, or both. After the systematic review of the data, a random-effects meta-analysis was conducted measuring the relative effect sizes of the different treatment regimens. Subjects 1179 patients in 23 studies reporting the usage of ECT augmentation with antipsychotics. A total of 95 patients were tested with clozapine, and ECT (9 studies) and 1084 patients were tested with non-clozapine antipsychotics (14 studies) such as flupenthixol, chlorpromazine, risperidone, sulpiride, olanzapine, and loxapine with concurrent ECT treatment considered for systematic review. Of these, 13 studies reported pre and post-treatment scores were included in the meta-analysis. Main outcome measures The main outcome measure was the presence and degree of both positive and negative psychotic symptoms, as measured by either of two standardized clinician administered tests, the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), and the Positive and Negative Symptom Scale (PANSS). Results The comparison of the different antipsychotics established the supremacy of ECT-augmented clozapine treatment against other typical and atypical antipsychotics. The Forest Plot revealed that the overall standard mean difference was 0.891 for non-clozapine studies and 1.504 for clozapine studies, at a 95% interval. Furthermore, the heterogeneity plots showed that while clozapine studies showed no significant heterogeneity, non-clozapine studies showed an I2 statistic value at 42.19%, suggesting moderate heterogeneity. Lastly, publication bias showed asymmetrical plots and significant values of Kendal's tau and Egger's rank test. Conclusion ECT augmentation technique was found to be effective in the reduction of psychometric scale scores, and the resulting improvement was significant. Clozapine maintained its stance as the most effective treatment for Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia, followed by flupenthixol.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Rizwan Ahmed
- Liaquat College of Medicine and Dentistry, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Amira Etman
- Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Menoufia, Egypt
| | | | - Mustafa Qureshi
- Texas Tech University Health Science- Permian Basin, Texas, USA
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16
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Melzer-Ribeiro DL, Rigonatti SP, Kayo M, Avrichir BS, Ribeiro RB, Santos BD, Fortes M, Elkis H. Efficacy of electroconvulsive therapy augmentation for partial response to clozapine: a pilot randomized ECT – sham controlled trial. ARCH CLIN PSYCHIAT 2017. [DOI: 10.1590/0101-60830000000116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
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Effectiveness of electroconvulsive therapy in patients with treatment resistant schizophrenia: A retrospective study. Psychiatry Res 2017; 249:349-353. [PMID: 28152470 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2017.01.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2016] [Revised: 11/05/2016] [Accepted: 01/17/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) among patients with treatment resistant schizophrenia (TRS). Records of patients who had received ECT were reviewed to identify patients with TRS who were administered ECT in combination with clozapine. Socio-demographic, clinical data and ECT details were extracted. The most common diagnosis was of paranoid schizophrenia (49%) followed by undifferentiated schizophrenia (36%). A-fifth (22%) of the patients were judged to have poor response to clozapine. The mean number of ECTs given were 13.97 (SD-7.67) and mean clozapine dose was 287.5mgs/day (SD-100.1). About two-thirds (63%) of the patients showed >30% reduction in scores on different symptom-rating scales with combined use of clozapine and ECT. Among clozapine non-responders, approximately 69% responded to the combination. Post-ECT rise in blood pressure was the most common side effect (16.9%) followed by prolonged seizures (7%). Long-term follow-up data was available for 47 out of the 59 patients. More than two-third (N=34; 72%) followed-up for an average of 30 months (SD 32.3; range: 1-120), maintained well with continued clozapine treatment. To conclude, results of this study further endorse the effectiveness, safety and long-term benefits of the clozapine-ECT combination in TRS and clozapine-refractory schizophrenia.
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19
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Kim HS, Kim SH, Lee NY, Youn T, Lee JH, Chung S, Kim YS, Chung IW. Effectiveness of Electroconvulsive Therapy Augmentation on Clozapine-Resistant Schizophrenia. Psychiatry Investig 2017; 14:58-62. [PMID: 28096876 PMCID: PMC5240461 DOI: 10.4306/pi.2017.14.1.58] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2015] [Revised: 03/31/2016] [Accepted: 04/11/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This retrospective case series study of the effectiveness of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) augmentation on clozapine-resistant schizophrenia was conducted by EMR review. METHODS Clozapine-resistance was defined as persistent psychotic symptoms despite at least 12 weeks of clozapine administration with blood levels over 350 ng/mL in order to rule out pseudo-resistance. Seven in-patients who were taking clozapine and treated with ECT were selected. We analyzed the psychopathology and subscales changed by ECT. RESULTS The average number of ECT sessions was 13.4 (±4.6). Total Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) score was significantly reduced by 17.9 (±12.8) points (p=0.0384) on average, which represented a reduction of 25.5% (±14.3). 71.4% (5/7) of patients were identified as clinical remission, with at least a 20% reduction in PANSS score. PANSS reduction was associated with number of ECT sessions, stimulus level in the final session, and blood clozapine levels before ECT. However, the negative subscale on the PANSS were not reduced by ECT in any patient. We did not observe any persistent adverse cognitive effects. CONCLUSION This study supports that ECT augmentation on clozapine-resistant schizophrenia reveals clinically effective and safe. Further research should be done involving a larger number of patients to investigate the effectiveness of clozapine/ECT combination therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye Sung Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Dongguk University International Hospital, Goyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Se Hyun Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Dongguk University International Hospital, Goyang, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Clinical Psychopharmacology, Dongguk University College of Medicine, Goyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Nam Young Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Dongguk University International Hospital, Goyang, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Clinical Psychopharmacology, Dongguk University College of Medicine, Goyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Tak Youn
- Department of Psychiatry, Dongguk University International Hospital, Goyang, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Clinical Psychopharmacology, Dongguk University College of Medicine, Goyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeoung Hyuk Lee
- Department of Anesthesia & Pain Medicine, Dongguk University International Hospital, Goyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Seunghyun Chung
- Department of Anesthesia & Pain Medicine, Dongguk University International Hospital, Goyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Sik Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Dongguk University International Hospital, Goyang, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Clinical Psychopharmacology, Dongguk University College of Medicine, Goyang, Republic of Korea
| | - In Won Chung
- Department of Psychiatry, Dongguk University International Hospital, Goyang, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Clinical Psychopharmacology, Dongguk University College of Medicine, Goyang, Republic of Korea
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20
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Yang Y, Cheng X, Xu Q, Li R, Liu Z, Wang L, Zhang Y, Ren G, Liu J. The maintenance of modified electroconvulsive therapy combined with risperidone is better than risperidone alone in preventing relapse of schizophrenia and improving cognitive function. ARQUIVOS DE NEURO-PSIQUIATRIA 2016; 74:823-828. [PMID: 27759808 DOI: 10.1590/0004-282x20160130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2016] [Accepted: 06/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the effect of maintenance modified electroconvulsive therapy (MECT) on schizophrenic patients. Methods From June 2012 to June 2014, 62 patients with schizophrenia, who had recovered from a successful course of acute MECT, were recruited. Thirty-one patients received maintenance MECT and risperidone, as the experimental group. Another 31 patients were enrolled in the control group, and received risperidone only. The effects on cognitive functions, clinical symptoms and relapse rate were determined. Results Patients in the experimental group had a lower relapse rate and longer relapse-free survival time than the controls. Relative to the baseline evaluation, patients showed statistically significant improvement in verbal memory and visual memory. At the final assessment, the scores of verbal and visual memory were remarkably lower in the experimental group than the controls but there was no significant difference in other tests. Conclusion Maintenance MECT plus medication is superior to medication alone in preventing relapse and improving cognitive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Yang
- Shandong University, China; Shandong Mental Health Center, China
| | | | | | - Renjun Li
- Shandong Mental Health Center, China
| | | | | | - Yanqing Zhang
- Qilu Children’s Hospital of Shandong University, China
| | | | - Jintong Liu
- Shandong University, China; Shandong Mental Health Center, China
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21
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Arumugham SS, Thirthalli J, Andrade C. Efficacy and safety of combining clozapine with electrical or magnetic brain stimulation in treatment-refractory schizophrenia. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2016; 9:1245-52. [PMID: 27322602 DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2016.1200971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shyam Sundar Arumugham
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Jagadisha Thirthalli
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Chittaranjan Andrade
- Department of Psychopharmacology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, India
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22
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Lally J, Tully J, Robertson D, Stubbs B, Gaughran F, MacCabe JH. Augmentation of clozapine with electroconvulsive therapy in treatment resistant schizophrenia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Schizophr Res 2016; 171:215-24. [PMID: 26827129 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2016.01.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2015] [Revised: 12/18/2015] [Accepted: 01/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The primary aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the proportion of patients with Treatment Resistant Schizophrenia (TRS) that respond to ECT augmentation of clozapine (C+ECT). We searched major electronic databases from 1980 to July 2015. We conducted a random effects meta-analysis reporting the proportion of responders to C+ECT in RCTs and open-label trials. Five clinical trials met our eligibility criteria, allowing us to pool data from 71 people with TRS who underwent C+ ECT across 4 open label trials (n=32) and 1 RCT (n=39). The overall pooled proportion of response to C+ECT was 54%, (95% CI: 21.8-83.6%) with some heterogeneity evident (I(2)=69%). With data from retrospective chart reviews, case series and case reports, 192 people treated with C+ECT were included. All studies together demonstrated an overall response to C+ECT of 66% (95% CI: 57.5-74.3%) (83 out of 126 patients responded to C+ECT). The mean number of ECT treatments used to augment clozapine was 11.3. 32% of cases (20 out of 62 patients) with follow up data (range of follow up: 3-468weeks) relapsed following cessation of ECT. Adverse events were reported in 14% of identified cases (24 out of 166 patients). There is a paucity of controlled studies in the literature, with only one single blinded randomised controlled study located, and the predominance of open label trials used in the meta-analysis is a limitation. The data suggests that ECT may be an effective and safe clozapine augmentation strategy in TRS. A higher number of ECT treatments may be required than is standard for other clinical indications. Further research is needed before ECT can be included in standard TRS treatment algorithms.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Lally
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, London, United Kingdom; National Psychosis Service, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom.
| | - John Tully
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, United Kingdom
| | - Dene Robertson
- Clinical Academic Group with South London and Maudsley (SLaM) NHS Foundation Trust, United Kingdom; Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, United Kingdom
| | - Brendon Stubbs
- Health Service and Population Research Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, United Kingdom; Physiotherapy Department, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Fiona Gaughran
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, London, United Kingdom; National Psychosis Service, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom; Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Kings College London, United Kingdom
| | - James H MacCabe
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, London, United Kingdom; National Psychosis Service, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE This paper aims to review the available evidence for the use of clozapine and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in combination. METHODOLOGY Electronic searches were carried out to identify reports describing the combined use of clozapine and ECT. RESULTS Forty reports including 208 patients were identified. The majority of reports were in the form of case reports and case series, with few retrospective and open-label studies. The majority of patients were aged between 18 and 65 years and diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. Most of the patients refractory to clozapine were started on ECT as an augmentation therapy; however, in some reports, both ECT and clozapine were started concurrently, and in few cases clozapine was started after ECT. In terms of effectiveness, 37.5-100% patients improved in short-term, and sustained long-term improvement (3 weeks to 24 months) was described in few studies. In terms of the side-effect profile, five patients each had delirium and tachycardia and only four patients were described to have prolonged seizures. Overall, the combination was considered effective and safe. CONCLUSION There is evidence for the effectiveness and safety of the clozapine-ECT combination and it should be used in patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia who do not respond to clozapine.
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24
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Kerner N, Prudic J. Current electroconvulsive therapy practice and research in the geriatric population. NEUROPSYCHIATRY 2014; 4:33-54. [PMID: 24778709 PMCID: PMC4000084 DOI: 10.2217/npy.14.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is utilized worldwide for various severe and treatment-resistant psychiatric disorders. Research studies have shown that ECT is the most effective and rapid treatment available for elderly patients with depression, bipolar disorder and psychosis. For patients who suffer from intractable catatonia and neuroleptic malignant syndrome, ECT can be life saving. For elderly patients who cannot tolerate or respond poorly to medications and who are at a high risk for drug-induced toxicity or toxic drug interactions, ECT is the safest treatment option. Organic causes are frequently associated with late-life onset of neuropsychiatric conditions, such as parkinsonism, dementia and stroke. ECT has proven to be efficacious even when these conditions are present. During the next decade, research studies should focus on the use of ECT as a synergistic therapy, to enhance other biological and psychological treatments, and prevent symptom relapse and recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy Kerner
- Electroconvulsive Therapy Service & the Division of Geriatric Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute, & the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Columbia University, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Joan Prudic
- Electroconvulsive Therapy Service & the Division of Geriatric Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute, & the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Columbia University, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10032, USA
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25
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Rado JT, Hernandez EI. Therapeutic Neuromodulation for Treatment of Schizophrenia. SCHIZOPHRENIA 2014:139-160. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-0656-7_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2025]
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Indications for electroconvulsive treatment in schizophrenia: a systematic review. Schizophr Res 2013; 146:1-9. [PMID: 23499244 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2013.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2012] [Revised: 01/18/2013] [Accepted: 02/05/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a medical treatment that is most effective for mood disorders (Bipolar Disorder and Major Depression). It has also been shown to be an effective treatment for schizophrenia accompanied by catatonia, extreme depression, mania and other affective components. ECT is currently under-used in many psychiatric settings due to its stigmatized perception by patients and mental health professionals. However, many unanswered questions remain regarding its role in the management of patients with schizophrenia. AIM Evaluate the main indications of ECT in subjects suffering from schizophrenia. OBJECTIVES Investigate the efficacy and the main indications of ECT in the treatment of schizophrenic patients, evaluate its effects in the short-term and the long-term, compare ECT treatment with pharmacotherapy, and assess the effects of treatment with ECT. METHODS A systematic review of the literature was conducted on the use of ECT for schizophrenia. Thirty one articles from peer-reviewed journals were identified, and the most relevant articles were selected for this review. RESULTS The most common indication for using ECT for schizophrenia patients was to augment pharmacotherapy, while the most common accompanying symptoms were, in order, catatonia, aggression and suicide. Catatonic patients responded significantly better to ECT than patients with any other subtype of schizophrenia. The combination of ECT with pharmacotherapy can be useful for drug-resistant patients. The use of an ECT-risperidone combination or ECT-clozapine combination in patients non-responsive to prior pharmacotherapy was found to be most effective. CONCLUSIONS This review indicates that ECT, combined with pharmacotherapy, may be a viable option for a selected group of patients with schizophrenia. In particular, the use of ECT is recommended for drug-resistant patients, for schizophrenic patients with catatonia, aggression or suicidal behavior, and when rapid global improvement and reduction of acute symptomatology are required.
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Lerner V, Miodownik C. Clozapine Combinations in Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia Patients. POLYPHARMACY IN PSYCHIATRY PRACTICE, VOLUME II 2013:109-143. [DOI: 10.1007/978-94-007-5799-8_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2025]
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Electroconvulsive therapy and clozapine in adolescents with schizophrenia spectrum disorders: is it a safe and effective combination? J Clin Psychopharmacol 2012; 32:756-66. [PMID: 23131877 DOI: 10.1097/jcp.0b013e318270e2c7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the combination of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and clozapine compared to ECT with other antipsychotics or benzodiazepines in a sample of adolescents diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. METHODS Data regarding 28 adolescent subjects aged 13 to 18 with diagnoses of schizophrenia spectrum disorders according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision and treated with ECT were retrospectively collected. Twelve subjects were also treated with clozapine and 16 with other antipsychotics or benzodiazepines during ECT course and follow-up. Electroconvulsive therapy parameters and adverse effects were assessed using a systematic protocol. Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale and Clinical Global Impression scores before ECT and after acute ECT, and rate of rehospitalization during 1-year follow-up were used to assess effectiveness. Response was defined as a 20% decrease in Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale scores. RESULTS No differences were observed in the mean charge needed to induce seizure and electroencephalographic duration, but there was a slight difference in the current used. The nonclozapine group showed greater restlessness and agitation, although no differences were found in other adverse effects. The percentage of responders was similar: 66.7% in the clozapine group and 68.8% in the nonclozapine group. However, the rate of rehospitalization was lower in the patients treated with clozapine during 1-year follow-up (7.1%) compared to that of the nonclozapine group (58.3%) (P = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS The main findings of this study were that combining ECT with clozapine, compared to ECT with other antipsychotics or benzodiazepines, was safe and that both treatments were equally effective. Charges needed to induce seizure were similar in both groups. Patients treated with clozapine during 1-year follow-up had a lower rate of rehospitalization.
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Abstract
Between one-third and one-half of the individuals who meet diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia remain actively ill despite optimal pharmacological treatment. These individuals tend to progressively deteriorate in terms of social and vocational functioning despite major public and private investments in their rehabilitation. For patients who do not respond to the first prescribed antipsychotic drug, current clinical practice is to switch to a second and a third drug, and eventually to clozapine, the only antipsychotic drug proven to be effective in treatment-refractory schizophrenia (TRS). Occasionally, two antipsychotics are given concomitantly or psychotropic drugs are added to antipsychotic drugs; however, very few empirical data exist to support this practice. Although there are many exceptions, patients who do not benefit from the first prescribed drug will not benefit from any pharmacological intervention. Therefore, efforts are under way to determine the reason for lack of response to available treatments and devise novel, more effective treatments. To be successful these efforts must result in a more specific definition of TRS, as well as in a better understanding of the illness pathophysiology and the mechanism of action of the drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asaf Caspi
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Porcelli S, Balzarro B, Serretti A. Clozapine resistance: augmentation strategies. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2012; 22:165-82. [PMID: 21906915 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2011.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2011] [Revised: 08/12/2011] [Accepted: 08/13/2011] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clozapine (CLZ) is not effective in more than 50% of treatment-resistant schizophrenic patients. In these cases, several pharmacological strategies are used in clinical practice, with different levels of evidence for both safety and efficacy. OBJECTIVES In the present paper we critically reviewed literature data regarding the efficacy and safety of adjunctive agents in CLZ-resistant schizophrenics. The following classes of agents were considered: 1) antipsychotics, 2) antidepressants, 3) mood stabilizers, 4) other agents (e.g. fatty acid supplement and glutamatergic agents), 5) electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). For lamotrigine and risperidone sufficient data were available to perform a meta-analysis. METHODS A Medline literature search covering a 20-year period was performed. For the meta-analysis, data were entered and analyzed with the Cochrane Collaboration Review Manager Software (RevMan version 5). RESULTS 62 pertinent studies were identified, including 1556 schizophrenic or schizoaffective patients. Among treatments investigated, there is evidence for CLZ augmentation with 1) amisulpride and aripiprazole, 2) mirtazapine and 3) ethyl eicosapentaenoic acid (E-EPA). Although promising, ECT augmentation needs further validation. The meta-analyses did not support either the use of risperidone or lamotrigine as CLZ adjunct. CONCLUSION Overall, there is scarce evidence of efficacy and safety as regards adjunctive strategies for CLZ-resistant patients. However, several limitations do not allow to draw any definitive conclusion; among these we underline the small sample size of clinical trials, the variable definitions of CLZ resistance, the heterogeneity of outcome measures and methodological designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Porcelli
- Institute of Psychiatry, University of Bologna, Viale Carlo Pepoli 5, 40123 Bologna, Italy
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Grover S, Dutt A, Chakrabarty K, Kumar V. Treatment resistant non-catatonic mutism in schizophrenia responding to a combination of continuation electroconvulsive therapy and neuroleptics. Ind Psychiatry J 2012; 21:69-71. [PMID: 23766583 PMCID: PMC3678184 DOI: 10.4103/0972-6748.110957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-catatonic mutism in schizophrenia has been described less frequently in literature. We describe the case of a young male who presented with non-catatonic mutism, secondary to first rank symptoms, which was refractory to adequate antipsychotic trials (quetiapine, risperidone, aripiprazole, ziprasidone, and trifluperazine) and responded to a combination of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and neuroleptics partially. However, when the ECT was continued in the continuation phase, the patient started speaking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep Grover
- Department of Psychiatry, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
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Barnes TRE. Evidence-based guidelines for the pharmacological treatment of schizophrenia: recommendations from the British Association for Psychopharmacology. J Psychopharmacol 2011; 25:567-620. [PMID: 21292923 DOI: 10.1177/0269881110391123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 239] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
These guidelines from the British Association for Psychopharmacology address the scope and targets of pharmacological treatment for schizophrenia. A consensus meeting, involving experts in schizophrenia and its treatment, reviewed key areas and considered the strength of evidence and clinical implications. The guidelines were drawn up after extensive feedback from the participants and interested parties, and cover the pharmacological management and treatment of schizophrenia across the various stages of the illness, including first-episode, relapse prevention, and illness that has proved refractory to standard treatment. The practice recommendations presented are based on the available evidence to date, and seek to clarify which interventions are of proven benefit. It is hoped that the recommendations will help to inform clinical decision making for practitioners, and perhaps also serve as a source of information for patients and carers. They are accompanied by a more detailed qualitative review of the available evidence. The strength of supporting evidence for each recommendation is rated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas R E Barnes
- Centre for Mental Health, Imperial College, Charing Cross Campus, London, UK.
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Manjunatha N, Ram Kumar GS, Vidyendaran R, Muralidharan K, John JP. Delayed onset, protracted delirium and aspiration pneumonitis associated with a combination of clozapine and electroconvulsive therapy. Indian J Psychol Med 2011; 33:80-2. [PMID: 22021960 PMCID: PMC3195162 DOI: 10.4103/0253-7176.85402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Few studies reported the efficacy and safety in combination of clozapine and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in schizophrenia; systematic studies are lacking. Side effects like seizure, and confusional state are reported. Authors report two cases of delayed onset/protracted delirium with ECT and clozapine in schizophrenia, one of whom developed aspiration pneumonitis possibly due to clozapine hyper-salivation. Delirium improved with stopping of ECT and clozapine. Clozapine monotherapy restarted to previous dosages in both cases without recurrence of delirium. Authors recommend for careful monitoring for delirium in ECT augmentation on high dose clozapine. Unilateral ECT may be preferred for augmenting clozapine.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Manjunatha
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, Karnataka, India
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Sanz-Fuentenebro FJ, Vidal Navarro I, Ballesteros Sanz D, Verdura Vizcaíno E. Eficacia y riesgos de la combinación de psicofármacos con el tratamiento electroconvulsivo. REVISTA DE PSIQUIATRIA Y SALUD MENTAL 2011; 4:42-52. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rpsm.2010.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2010] [Revised: 11/21/2010] [Accepted: 12/13/2010] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Adjunctive psychotropic medications during electroconvulsive therapy in the treatment of depression, mania, and schizophrenia. J ECT 2010; 26:196-201. [PMID: 20805728 PMCID: PMC2952444 DOI: 10.1097/yct.0b013e3181eee13f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Current guidelines regarding concomitant antidepressants during electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) are inconsistent. Although the American Psychiatric Association Task Force on ECT discouraged combination antidepressant treatment, owing to the minimal evidence for enhanced efficacy and concern about increased adverse effects, combination treatment is recommended and considered routine for many practitioners in the United States and other parts of the world. Considering the increasing levels of treatment resistance among patients referred for ECT and the high relapse rate after acute ECT, the role of concomitant antidepressant pharmacotherapy during ECT should be reevaluated. More research, however, is needed to explore the impact of administering specific antidepressants during acute and maintenance ECT (M-ECT), on antidepressant efficacy and cognitive adverse effects. This will require appropriately controlled studies of ECT medication combinations that include attention to a range of cognitive function measures and clinical response. In addition, the role of combination ECT and psychotropic medication in the treatment of mania and schizophrenia continues to receive attention, particularly in those patients who have shown inadequate responses to psychotropic medication alone. Although there is insufficient evidence to support the routine addition of antipsychotic medications to ECT during the treatment of acute mania, the literature suggests that it is unnecessary to discontinue antipsychotic medication when ECT is added to the treatment of a manic patient that has been unresponsive to pharmacological treatment. Despite the lack of well-controlled studies, the existing literature suggests that combination ECT and antipsychotic treatment is a useful option for patients with schizophrenia who are unresponsive to pharmacological interventions alone, and its adverse effect profile does not seem different from that seen with ECT alone.
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Matheson SL, Green MJ, Loo C, Carr VJ. Quality assessment and comparison of evidence for electroconvulsive therapy and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for schizophrenia: a systematic meta-review. Schizophr Res 2010; 118:201-10. [PMID: 20117918 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2010.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2009] [Revised: 01/11/2010] [Accepted: 01/13/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Randomized studies directly comparing the effects of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for depression generally favour ECT. ECT and rTMS have also been investigated for chronic symptoms of schizophrenia although there are no direct comparisons available. AIMS We sought to determine the relative benefits and adverse outcomes of ECT and rTMS by comparing effect sizes reported in systematic reviews and to quality assess this evidence using GRADE and QUOROM guidelines. METHOD Included are systematic reviews with meta-analysis published since 2000, reporting results for people with a diagnosis of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, schizophreniform disorder or first episode schizophrenia. Medline, Embase, CINAHL, Current Contents, PsycINFO and the Cochrane library were searched and hand searching was conducted. Data extraction and quality assessment were completed by two independent reviewers. RESULTS Fifty-three of 58 reviews were excluded as they did not meet inclusion criteria. The remaining five have a low probability of reporting bias and show that high quality evidence suggests a short-term, medium to large treatment effect of rTMS for auditory hallucinations (d=0.88) but not other symptoms, for people treated with concurrent antipsychotics. For ECT, high quality evidence suggests a short-term small, significant effect for improvement in global symptoms, for people with or without concurrent antipsychotics (RR=0.76). There is no evidence for longer-term therapeutic or adverse effects of either treatment. CONCLUSIONS It is worthwhile considering rTMS in cases where auditory hallucinations have not responded to antipsychotic medications and ECT where overall symptoms have not responded to antipsychotic medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- S L Matheson
- Schizophrenia Research Institute, 405 Liverpool St, Darlinghurst, NSW 2031, Australia.
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Schmitz-Hübsch T, Schlaepfer TE, Westheide J, von Falkenhausen M, Cooper-Mahkorn D, Maier W, Kühn KU. Clozapine: acquittal of the usual suspect. World J Biol Psychiatry 2010; 10:981-4. [PMID: 19711227 DOI: 10.1080/15622970903186229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
This report concerns the case of a 29-year-old male patient suffering from severe psychotic illness who had been satisfactorily treated with clozapine for 4 months. Clozapine had also been successfully administered during a psychotic episode 5 years previously. Though symptoms of psychosis were successfully controlled following the most recent psychotic episode, a medical consultation assessed that exacerbation of pancreatitis warranted discontinuation of the current antipsychotic treatment regime. Following a series of unsuccessful courses of neuroleptic medication, a magnetic resonance cholangiopancreaticography (MRCP) revealed marked cholecystolithiasis suggesting a biliary pancreatitis. Clozapine treatment was readministered following cholecystectomy. After 4 weeks of antipsychotic treatment the patient was discharged from hospital on clozapine monotherapy.
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Abstract
We report here the case of a 19-year-old man with paranoid schizophrenia who responded only partially to treatment with daily doses of clozapine, 1800 mg; aripiprazole, 20 mg; and clonazepam, 6 mg. We reduced the clozapine to 1600 to 1700 mg, maintaining therapeutic serum levels, and added a course of electroconvulsive therapy that included 24 treatments. Therapeutic results were minimal. However, adverse effects were limited to mild cognitive disturbances. Our experience adds to other reports suggesting that clozapine and electroconvulsive therapy can be combined without causing excessive adverse effects.
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Abstract
This article summarizes the current knowledge base on the diagnosis and management of treatment resistant schizophrenia. While the prevalence of treatment resistant schizophrenia is definition dependent, estimates have ranged from 30% to up to 60%. This article first looks into the various diagnostic criteria of treatment resistant schizophrenia. Then the literature is reviewed about the pharmacotherapeutics of its management. Clozapine emerges to be the gold standard. In addition risperidone and high dose olanzapine also emerge as clinically useful options. Other emerging adjunctive treatment options are equally addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- R K Solanki
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychiatry Center, SMS Medical College, Jaipur, India
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Antidepressant electroconvulsive therapy: mechanism of action, recent advances and limitations. Exp Neurol 2009; 219:20-6. [PMID: 19426729 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2009.04.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2009] [Revised: 04/23/2009] [Accepted: 04/28/2009] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
A considerable number of depressive patients do not respond to or remit during pharmacotherapeutical or psychotherapeutical interventions resulting in an increasing interest in non-pharmacological strategies to treat affective disorders. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) dates back to the beginning of modern biologic psychiatry and ongoing research has successfully improved efficacy in addition to safety while reducing side effects. Double-blind, randomized, controlled trials have shown powerful interactions between electrode placement (right unilateral, bifrontal, bitemporal) and dosage (relative to seizure threshold) in the efficacy and side effects of ECT. This review aims to summarize current research data on the mechanism of action, efficacy, and recent advances in ECT technique.
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Gazdag G, Mann SC, Ungvari GS, Caroff SN. Clinical evidence for the efficacy of electroconvulsive therapy in the treatment of catatonia and psychoses. ELECTROCONVULSIVE AND NEUROMODULATION THERAPIES 2009:124-148. [DOI: 10.1017/cbo9780511576393.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2025]
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Masoudzadeh A, Khalilian AR. Comparative study of clozapine, electroshock and the combination of ECT with clozapine in treatment-resistant schizophrenic patients. Pak J Biol Sci 2009; 10:4287-90. [PMID: 19086588 DOI: 10.3923/pjbs.2007.4287.4290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to compare the results of treatment with clozapine alone, Electroshock (ECT) alone and the combination of clozapine with ECT in treatment-resistant schizophrenic patients. Eighteen treatment-resistant schizophrenic patients were assigned to three equal groups: one group was given clozapine; one group was treated with ECT and one group was treated with the combination of clozapine and ECT. The treatment response was evaluated using the PANSS criteria and the data were analyzed with ANOVA. Combination therapy was superior to single modality therapy. The reduction of PANSS scores was 46% in the clozapine group, 40% in the ECT groups and 71% in the combination group, the difference between the combination group and the other groups was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Patients had a quick response to combination treatment, which resulted in a higher cure rate of positive and negative symptoms and improved the patients general performance. There were no significant adverse effects with combination treatment. Combination treatment with clozapine and ECT was safe and effective in treatment-resistant schizophrenic patients. It should be considered for the treatment of treatment-resistant schizophrenic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Masoudzadeh
- Department of Psychiatry, Research Center of Psychiatric and Behavior Science, Sari, Iran
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to review the prevalence of polypharmacy with second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) in clinical practice, pharmacological reasons for such practice, and the evidence for and against such polypharmacy. METHODS Clinical trial reports, case reports, and reviews were identified by a PubMed literature search from 1966 through October 2006, with retrieved publications queried for additional references. We excluded reports on augmentation with non-antipsychotic medications and polypharmacy involving combinations of SGAs and first-generation (conventional) antipsychotics (FGAs) or combinations of two FGAs. We identified 75 reports concerning SGA polypharmacy, from which we extracted data on study design, sample size, medications, rating scales, outcome, and conclusions. Data from randomized controlled trials and larger case series are presented in detail and case reports are briefly discussed. CONCLUSIONS Polypharmacy with SGAs is not uncommon, with prevalence varying widely (3.9% to 50%) depending on setting and patient population, despite limited support from blinded, randomized, controlled trials or case reports that employed an A-B-A (monotherapy-combination therapy-monotherapy) design and adequate dosing and duration of treatment. Rather than prohibiting or discouraging co-prescription of SGAs, needs of patients and clinicians should be addressed through evidence-based algorithms. Based on unmet clinical needs and modest evidence from case reports, combinations of two SGAs may merit future investigation in efficacy trials involving patients with schizophrenia who have treatment-resistant illness (including partial response) or who are responsive to treatment but develop intolerable adverse effects. Other areas that may merit future research are efficacy of SGA polypharmacy for schizophrenia accompanied by comorbid conditions (eg, anxiety, suicidal or self-injurious behavior, aggression) and for reducing length of stay in acute care settings.
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Lévy-Rueff M, Jurgens A, Lôo H, Olié JP, Amado I. Place de l’électroconvulsivothérapie de maintenance dans le traitement des schizophrénies résistantes. Encephale 2008; 34:526-33. [DOI: 10.1016/j.encep.2007.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2007] [Accepted: 08/31/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Clozapine in medication- and electroconvulsive therapy-resistant, depressed inpatients: a case series. J Clin Psychopharmacol 2007; 27:715-7. [PMID: 18004147 DOI: 10.1097/jcp.0b013e31815a57ef] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Altamura AC, Bobo WV, Meltzer HY. Factors affecting outcome in schizophrenia and their relevance for psychopharmacological treatment. Int Clin Psychopharmacol 2007; 22:249-67. [PMID: 17690594 DOI: 10.1097/yic.0b013e3280de2c7f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
A major focus of current treatment research in schizophrenia is the determinants of long-term outcome, including functional outcome and general medical well being, rather than just specific domains of psychopathology such as positive and negative symptoms, mood symptoms, and cognitive impairment. This focus does not negate the importance of the latter issues but sees them as factors contributing to long-term outcome to variable extents. A long-term treatment focus facilitates a more clinically relevant assessment of benefits versus risks of available treatments. For instance, atypical antipsychotic drugs as a group have clear advantages for several important domains of efficacy that may influence long-term outcome, but are also more expensive over the long term. Use of some agents may also result in deleterious physical health consequences as well as large additional costs over the long term owing to metabolic adverse effects. The present paper focuses on several key issues in schizophrenia which are important determinants of long-term outcome in schizophrenia, or influence choice of antipsychotic drugs, or both, including: (i) duration of untreated psychosis; (ii) impact of relapse on long-term outcome; (iii) limited efficacy for specific domains of psychopathology of current treatments; (iv) mortality owing to suicide; and (v) mortality owing to other causes (e.g. cardiovascular disease).
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Affiliation(s)
- A Carlo Altamura
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Milan, Hospital Luigi Sacco, Via G.B. Grassi 74, 20157 Milan, Italy.
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Nothdurfter C, Eser D, Schüle C, Zwanzger P, Marcuse A, Noack I, Möller HJ, Rupprecht R, Baghai TC. The influence of concomitant neuroleptic medication on safety, tolerability and clinical effectiveness of electroconvulsive therapy. World J Biol Psychiatry 2006; 7:162-70. [PMID: 16861142 DOI: 10.1080/15622970500395280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is still considered to be the most efficacious treatment option in major depressive disorder and treatment-resistant schizophrenia. Unfortunately, in some cases patients do not respond sufficiently to conventional unilateral ECT, or even to bilateral or high dose ECT. In these cases, concomitant pharmacotherapy can be a useful augmentation strategy to improve clinical effectiveness. Interestingly, there is not much data about ECT and concomitant neuroleptic medication. METHOD We evaluated 5482 treatments in 455 patients in our retrospective study to see whether there might be differences between combination therapies (ECT and concomitant neuroleptic medication) and ECT monotherapy. We focused on clinical effectiveness and tolerability; furthermore we investigated treatment modalities and ictal neurophysiological parameters that might influence the treatment. RESULTS A total of 18.2% of all treatments were done with no psychotropic medication, 2.8% with a neuroleptic monotherapy. Seizure duration according to EEG derivations turned out to be significantly longer in patients treated with neuroleptics of lower antipsychotic potency, whereas seizure duration in EMG was shorter in treatments done with atypical substances. Postictal suppression was highest in treatments done with atypical neuroleptics, whereas the same group was lowest regarding convulsion energy and convulsion concordance indices. The best therapeutic effectiveness was seen in treatments done with atypical substances. Adverse effects were not influenced significantly by concomitant neuroleptic medication. CONCLUSION Our study suggests that there might be a clinical benefit by combining ECT treatment with neuroleptic medication; especially atypical substances seem to enhance improvement. The tolerability of ECT treatment was not influenced by concomitant neuroleptic medication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Nothdurfter
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
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Tranulis C, Mouaffak F, Chouchana L, Stip E, Gourevitch R, Poirier MF, Olié JP, Lôo H, Gourion D. Somatic augmentation strategies in clozapine resistance--what facts? Clin Neuropharmacol 2006; 29:34-44. [PMID: 16518133 DOI: 10.1097/00002826-200601000-00010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polypharmacy without evidence-based support is sometimes needed for patients treated with 40% to 70% clozapine who are clozapine nonresponders. Several somatic augmentation strategies are proposed in the scientific literature, with different levels of evidence for safety and efficacy. OBJECTIVES The purpose of the present study is to review the available literature on the efficacy and safety of clozapine augmentation with somatic agents other than antipsychotics. The following classes of agents are considered: (1) mood stabilizers, (2) antidepressants, (3) electroconvulsive therapy and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, (4) glutamatergic agents, (5)fatty acids supplements, and (6) benzodiazepines. RESULTS Case controls and small-size clinical trials largely dominate the literature, limiting the power to draw conclusions concerning safety issues and the meaning of negative studies. Moreover, variable definitions of clozapine resistance, heterogeneous outcome measures, and short duration of treatment trials are additional limitations. CONCLUSION Generally, adjunctive strategies for clozapine-resistant patients remain based on scarce evidence of efficacy and significant safety concerns. Low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, fatty acids supplements, and mirtazapine showed good tolerability and some efficacy, but the results need replication.
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Havaki-Kontaxaki BJ, Ferentinos PP, Kontaxakis VP, Paplos KG, Soldatos CR. Concurrent administration of clozapine and electroconvulsive therapy in clozapine-resistant schizophrenia. Clin Neuropharmacol 2006; 29:52-6. [PMID: 16518135 DOI: 10.1097/00002826-200601000-00012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this article is to critically review all published studies regarding the efficacy and safety of the concurrent administration of clozapine (CLZ) and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in CLZ-resistant schizophrenic or schizoaffective patients. METHOD A MEDLINE search from January 1980 to July 2005 was conducted. RESULTS One open-label trial and 6 case studies were located, comprising 21 schizophrenic and 1 schizo affective patients (12 men and 10 women) with a mean age of 41.9 years. The duration and dosage of CLZ monotherapy before ECT were reported at least 12 weeks and 300 mg/d, respectively, in 10 patients (45.4%). Plasma CLZ levels before ECT were assessed in 12 patients (54.5%), in which only 7 (31.8%) were reported to be higher than 350 ng/mL. The CLZ dosage during ECT ranged from 200 to 900 mg/d (mean, 518.2 +/- 203.3 mg/d). The number of ECT sessions ranged from 2 to 20 (mean, 11.5 +/- 5.4). Application of electrodes was unilateral in 7 patients, bilateral in 10 patients, and mixed in 2 patients. Sixteen patients (72.7%) showed marked improvement whereas 6 patients (27.3%) had moderate, minimal, or no improvement. No predictors of outcome could be isolated. Side effects reported by 5 patients (22.7%) were nausea, tachycardia, hypertension, memory problems, and confusion. Ten patients (45.4%) relapsed during follow-up. Substantial improvement persisted beyond 4 months in only 5 patients (22.7%). CONCLUSION Preliminary evidence exists for the safety and short-term efficacy of the concurrent administration of CLZ and ECT in CLZ-resistant schizophrenic or schizoaffective patients.
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Falkai P, Wobrock T, Lieberman J, Glenthoj B, Gattaz WF, Möller HJ. World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry (WFSBP) guidelines for biological treatment of schizophrenia, Part 1: acute treatment of schizophrenia. World J Biol Psychiatry 2005; 6:132-91. [PMID: 16173147 DOI: 10.1080/15622970510030090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 199] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
These guide lines for the biological treatment of schizophrenia were developed by an international Task Force of the World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry (WFSBO). The goal during the development of these guidelines was to review systematically all available evidence pertaining to the treatment of schizophrenia, and to reach a consensus on a series of practice recommendations that are clinically and scientifically meaningful based on the available evidence. These guidelines are intended for use by all physicians seeing and treating people with schizophrenia. The data used for developing these guidelines have been extracted primarily from various national treatment guidelines and panels for schizophrenia, as well as from meta-analyses, reviews and randomised clinical trials on the efficacy of pharmacological and other biological treatment interventions identified by a search of the MEDLINE database and Cochrane Library. The identified literature was evaluated with respect to the strength of evidence for its efficacy and then categorised into four levels of evidence (A-D). This first part of the guidelines covers disease definition, classification, epidemiology and course of schizophrenia, as well as the management of the acute phase treatment. These guidelines are primarily concerned with the biological treatment (including antipsychotic medication, other pharmacological treatment options, electroconvulsive therapy, adjunctive and novel therapeutic strategies) of adults suffering from schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Falkai
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Saarland, Homburg/Saar, Germany
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