Psychotropic Medicines Research Articles

The WHO Model List of Essential Medicines for Children needs its own identity: the case of psychotropic medicines.

The WHO Model List of Essential Medicines for Children needs its own identity: the case of psychotropic medicines.

Pharmacist-led medicines optimisation service in an inpatient mental health setting.

Medicines optimisation ensures that people get the best possible outcomes from their medicines. As those with severe mental illness (SMI) are frequently prescribed psychotropic medicines with potentially significant side-effects, poor adherence to treatment and physical morbidity are common. This results in suboptimal symptom control, physical health problems and negative health outcomes. The specialist mental health pharmacist (SMHP) is best placed to provide leadership for medicines optimisation in the inpatient mental health setting. By adopting a patient-centred approach to providing information, improving adherence, screening, initiating and maintaining medicines, and supporting self-advocacy, the SMHP can ensure the patients' experience of taking medicines is optimised. As there is currently limited understanding of what a baseline clinical pharmacy service in a mental health setting looks like, we aim to outline a framework for pharmacist-led medicines optimisation for those with SMI. This framework is suitable to be scaled and adapted to other settings.

Substances Detected During Coroner Postmortem Toxicology Analyses in Poisoning- and Nonpoisoning-Related Suicides.

Determining the association between drug use and suicide is complicated but can help to inform targeted suicide prevention strategies. To examine the substances prevalent in poisoning- and nonpoisoning-related suicides in Australia. This was a multiple-year, cross-sectional study of suicides from July 2013 to October 2019 in Australia with toxicology data available in a national coronial database. The cause of death was classified as poisoning related if any type of poisoning was determined by the coroner to contribute to the cause of death. Prevalence ratios (PRs) were calculated to compare substance detection in poisoning- vs nonpoisoning-related suicides. Data were analyzed from October 2021 to April 2023. All substances detected in decedents at the time of death according to toxicology reports were recorded. The most common individual substances and substance classes were identified. From these, blood concentrations of substances of interest were analyzed, and the most commonly occurring combinations of substance classes were listed. Toxicology was performed on 13 664 suicide decedents (median [IQR] age, 44 [31-57] years; 10 350 male [76%]). From these, 3397 (25%) were poisoning-related suicides (median [IQR] age, 50 [38-63] years; 2124 male [63%]). The remainder were classified as nonpoisoning-related suicides (median [IQR] age, 42 [29-55] years; 8226 male [80%]). PRs for common medicine classes being detected in poisoning-related suicides compared with nonpoisoning-related suicides were as follows: antidepressants (PR, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.54-1.73), benzodiazepines (PR, 2.01; 95% CI, 1.90-2.13), nonopioid analgesics/anti-inflammatory drugs (PR, 1.88; 95% CI, 1.78-2.00), and opioids (PR, 2.72; 95% CI, 2.58-2.87). Alcohol (as ethanol ≥0.03 g/100 mL) was almost equally prevalent in poisoning- and nonpoisoning-related deaths (PR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.01-1.14), whereas amphetamines (PR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.61-0.77) and cannabinoids (PR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.60-0.74) were detected more often in nonpoisoning-related suicides. Combinations of multiple sedative agents in poisoning-related suicides were common. Both poisoning- and nonpoisoning-related suicide deaths featured a high prevalence of psychotropic medicines or potential intoxication, which suggests the association of suicide with poor mental health and substance misuse. Findings suggest that substances with a high involvement in poisoning-related suicides should be prescribed cautiously, including antidepressants that are toxic in overdose, sedatives, opioids, and potentially lethal combinations.

Severe or chronic disease in childhood predicts suicidality and links to anxiety in young adulthood

Purpose Suicide prevention needs measures, and further understanding of the role of adverse childhood experiences may elucidate the suicide process and ease the identification of suicide risk. Materials and methods A random sample of adults, aged 18–28 years and representative of the general population living in Finland, participated in a nationwide health examination survey. Of them (n = 793) we analyzed whether severe or chronic disease in childhood before the age of 16 years contributed to suicidality (suicidal ideation and/or suicide attempts), and whether severe or chronic disease in childhood was associated with mental disorders, current psychological distress, current usage of prescription medicines, or current work capacity. Results Having severe or chronic disease in childhood contributed independently to suicidality, with the odds ratio of 5.41 (95% confidence interval of 2.98–9.82, p < .001), but the significance of this association was lost after controlling for mental disorders. Having severe or chronic disease during childhood, as compared not having such condition, was associated with having more frequently anxiety (p < .001), greater psychological distress (p < .001), more frequently usage of psychotropic medicines (p < .001), and poorer work capacity (p < .001). Conclusion Having severe or chronic disease in childhood not only increased the odds for suicidality, but also associated with anxiety, current psychological distress, current usage of psychotropic medication, and current work capacity in young adulthood.

Access to essential psychotropic medicines in Addis Ababa: A cross-sectional study.

Mental disorders are becoming a growing public health problem worldwide, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Regular and adequate supplies of appropriate, safe, and affordable medications are required to provide quality mental health services. However, significant proportions of the population with severe mental disorders are not getting access to treatment. Among others, the availability and affordability of psychotropic medicines are significant barriers for many patients in meeting their medication needs. This study aimed to assess the availability, prices, and affordability of essential psychotropic medicines in the private and public health sectors of Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study design was used in 60 retail medicine outlets from the public and private sectors. Stratified random and quota sampling were applied to select the retail outlets. Data was entered and analyzed using the preprogrammed WHO/HAI workbook and SPSS V.25. The mean availability of Lower Priced Generic (LPG) psychotropic medicines was 24.33% in Addis Ababa (28.7% in the public sector and 19.80% in the private sector). The Patient prices for the LPG ranged from 0.52-6.43 MPRs in public and 1.08-24.28 MPRs in private sectors. Standard treatment costs varied from 0.1-7.8 days' wages in public and 0.8-25 days' wages in private sectors for the lowest-paid government worker to purchase a month's supply. Essential psychotropic medicines were poorly available, with high prices and low affordability in Addis Ababa. An efficient supply across all levels of care and financial protection for essential medicines should be in place to ensure access.

Psychotropic and other medicine use at time of death by suicide: a population-level analysis of linked dispensing and forensic toxicology data.

To determine the numbers and types of medicines dispensed around the time of death to people who die by suicide; to compare the medicines recently dispensed and those recorded in post mortem toxicology reports. Analysis of linked National Coronial Information System (NCIS) and Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) data from the Australian Suicide Prevention using Health Linked Data (ASHLi) study, a population-based case series study of closed coronial cases for deaths of people in Australia aged ten years or more during 1 July 2013 - 10 October 2019 deemed by coroners to be the result of intentional self-harm. Proportions of people to whom medicines were dispensed around the time of death, by medicine group, class, and specific medicine; comparison of medicines recently dispensed and those detected by post mortem toxicology. Toxicology reports were available for 13 541 of 14 206 people who died by suicide (95.3%; 10 246 men, 75.7%); poisoning with medicines contributed to 1163 deaths (8.6%). At least one PBS-subsidised medicine had been dispensed around the time of death to 7998 people (59.1%). For three medicine classes, the proportions of people in whom the medicines were detected post mortem and their death was deemed medicine-related were larger for those without records of recent dispensing than for people for whom they had been dispensed around the time of death: antidepressants (17.7% v 12.0%), anxiolytics (16.3% v 14.8%), and sedatives/hypnotics (24.3% v 16.5%). At least one recently dispensed medicine not detected post mortem was identified for 6208 people (45.8%). A considerable proportion of people who died by suicide were not taking psychotropic medicines recently dispensed to them, suggesting non-adherence to pharmacotherapy, and a smaller than expected proportion were using antidepressants. Conversely, medicines that had not recently been dispensed were detected post mortem in many people for whom poisoning with medicines was a contributing factor, suggesting medicine stockpiling.

Prevalence and determinants of psychotropic medication use in Poland.

The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of psychotropic medication use among adult population in Poland in past 12 months, and to analyse the relationship between psychotropic medication use and sociodemographic factors as well as mental health disorders experienced by respondents. Composite International Diagnostic Instrument (WHO CIDI 3.0) was used in Polish survey of general population aged 18-64. Respondents were randomly selected from the population register. Ten thousand interviews were completed with a response rate of 50,4%. In the general population, psychotropic medicines were used by almost 5% of the respondents in the past 12 months. These medicines were used more often by women, respondents from the oldest age group, with low level of education, retirees, unemployed, singles and residents of small and large cities. Among those experiencing mental health problems in the past 12 months, psychotropic medications were taken by up to 17% of the respondents. Pharmacological treatment was most often endorsed by over 40% of persons with symptoms of major depression and any mood disorders, while approximately 25% of respondents with major depression confirmed antidepressant use. Gender differences were small and mostly insignificant. The results indicate the need to improve access to mental health treatment and to educate better general practitioners (GPs) for appropriate diagnosing and treatment of mental health disorders.

Early prediction of mental health problems following military deployment: Integrating pre- and post-deployment factors in neural network models

Military personnel deployed to war zones are at increased risk of mental health problems such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or depression. Early pre- or post-deployment identification of those at highest risk of such problems is crucial to target intervention to those in need. However, sufficiently accurate models predicting objectively assessed mental health outcomes have not been put forward. In a sample consisting of all Danish military personnel who deployed to war zones for the first (N = 27,594), second (N = 11,083) and third (N = 5,161) time between 1992 and 2013, we apply neural networks to predict psychiatric diagnoses or use of psychotropic medicine in the years following deployment. Models are based on pre-deployment registry data alone or on pre-deployment registry data in combination with post-deployment questionnaire data on deployment experiences or early post-deployment reactions. Further, we identified the most central predictors of importance for the first, second, and third deployment. Models based on pre-deployment registry data alone had lower accuracy (AUCs ranging from 0.61 (third deployment) to 0.67 (first deployment)) than models including pre- and post-deployment data (AUCs ranging from 0.70 (third deployment) to 0.74 (first deployment)). Age at deployment, deployment year and previous physical trauma were important across deployments. Post-deployment predictors varied across deployments but included deployment exposures as well as early post-deployment symptoms. The results suggest that neural network models combining pre- and early post-deployment data can be utilized for screening tools that identify individuals at risk of severe mental health problems in the years following military deployment.

Availability, Price and Affordability of Psychotropic Medicines in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Access to affordable, quality-assured essential medicines is crucial to reduce the burden of disease. However, one third of the world's population lacks regular access to essential medicines. The purpose of this study was to assess the availability, price, and affordability of medicines for mental disorders in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was done in selected pharmacies after modification of a WHO/HAI methodology developed questionnaire. Data on the availability and price of 28 lowest priced generics and originator brand essential psychotropic medicines were collected from seven public sectors, five private sectors, and seven other sectors (five Kenema Public Community Pharmacies and two Red Cross Pharmacies) in Addis Ababa between May 9 and May 31, 2022. The data were analyzed using the developed WHO/HAI workbook part I Excel sheet. Descriptive results were reported in text and table format. The overall availability of lowest-priced generics medication was 41.69%. The availability of lowest-priced generics and originator brand medication was 54.68% and 1.7% in the public pharmacies; 24.14% and 0.0% in private pharmacies; 43% and 0.0% in Red Cross Pharmacies; and 42% and 3.2% in Kenema Public Community Pharmacies. The median price ratio in the public, private, Red Cross, and Kenema Public Community pharmacies was 1.26, 3.72, 1.65, and 1.59, respectively. Most of the medications were unaffordable. A patient could be required to pay up to 73 days wages to purchase a standard treatment for 1 month. The availability of psychotropic medicines was lower than the WHO target for non-communicable diseases and most of the available medicines were unaffordable.

Cohort profile: POPPY II – a population-based cohort examining the patterns and outcomes of prescription opioid use in New South Wales, Australia

PurposeThe POPPY II cohort is an Australian state-based cohort linking data for a population of individuals prescribed opioid medicines, constructed to allow a robust examination of the long-term patterns and...

When Do Patients with Breast Cancer Seek Help from Psycho-oncology Services? A 3-Year Retrospective Study from India

Abstract Introduction Breast cancer is the most frequent cancer among women. In the last few decades, the outcome of breast cancer has improved significantly in terms of survivorship and quality of life. However, it is crucial that alongside managing the disease, breast cancer services address and manage associated or co-occurring psychiatric illnesses such as acute stress reactions, procedural anxieties, adjustment issues, depression, and fear of recurrence, which leads to an overall better experience of the patient. Objective There is a paucity of data on the patterns of psychiatric morbidity in patients with breast cancer who access psycho-oncology services in a naturalistic setup outside research studies from India. The current study focused on exploring this alongside reporting the common treatment methods adopted for this group of patients. Materials and Methods Real-life data from electronic patient records were retrospectively reviewed for all patients with breast cancer accessing integrated psycho-oncology services in a tertiary care hospital in India over three 3 years (2018–2020). The various psychiatric morbidities were reported, along with associated cancer demographic data, disease characteristics, and treatment details. Results Of all the breast cancer patients (n = 338) in the calendar years 2018 to 2020 reviewed by psycho-oncology services, the most common psychiatric diagnosis was depressive illness (n = 100, 29.6%), followed by adjustment disorders (n = 68, 20.1%) and anxiety (n = 66, 19.5%). There was a significant minority with serious enduring mental illnesses such as schizophrenia (n = 11, 3.3%) and bipolar disorders (n = 14, 4.1%). On the other hand, 14.2% (n = 48) of the patients with breast cancer who attended Psycho-oncology outpatient department did not have any psychiatric syndrome. Around 16.3% of patients could be managed without a prescription for any medications and almost half of the patients needed only one psychotropic medicine. Psychological interventions were used for 45.6% of patients. Conclusion Integrated psycho-oncology services in a cancer hospital catering to patients with breast cancer help in psychiatric assessment, diagnosis, and addressing the mental health needs of patients. The treatment offered needs to be nuanced and individualized and may require a combination of psychotropic medications and psychological techniques.

Структура и динамика острых отравлений в г. Рязани в 2016–2021 гг.

Summary. Investigation purposes – to analyze a structure of acute poisonings in the city of Ryazan in 2016-2021; to identify a summary dynamic of poisonings and poisonings classified according to separated toxicants, as well as sex characteristics. Materials and methods of the investigation. Investigation materials – maps of ambulance crew calls in the city of Ryazan in 2016-2021. Investigation results and their analysis. An analysis of statistic data collected in 2016-2021 showed a derision of ambulance calls for victims with acute poisonings. In Ryazan, as well as in Russia at all, alcohol poisonings and toxic spirits poisonings prevailed. On the second position there were medicines poisonings, on the third there were different fumes, chlorine vapors, carbon dioxide methane and others vapors. Among medicines poisonings a psychotropic, anticonvulsant, sedative and hypnotic medicines poisonings prevailed. Among the patients males prevailed primary because of alcohol and toxic spirts poisonings as well as drugs and psychodysleptics poisonings. In 2016-2021 proportion of lethal outcomes caused by acute poisonings was 0,1% in pre-hospital period and didn’t have tendency to increase. Patients were hospitalized to medical treatment organizations in 57,5% of cases. Data on the spread and dynamic of acute poisonings allow to determine linkers for organization measures in a context of urgent medical treatment provision in pre-hospital period.

Deprescribing psychotropic medicines for behaviours that challenge in people with intellectual disabilities: a systematic review

BackgroundClear evidence of overprescribing of psychotropic medicines to manage behaviours that challenges in people with intellectual disabilities has led to national programmes within the U.K. such as NHS England’s STOMP to address this. The focus of the intervention in our review was deprescribing of psychotropic medicines in children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Mental health symptomatology and quality of life were main outcomes.MethodsWe reviewed the evidence using databases Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, Web of Science, CINAHL and Open Grey with an initial cut-off date of 22nd August 2020 and an update on 14th March 2022. The first reviewer (DA) extracted data using a bespoke form and appraised study quality using CASP and Murad tools. The second reviewer (CS) independently assessed a random 20% of papers.ResultsDatabase searching identified 8675 records with 54 studies included in the final analysis.The narrative synthesis suggests that psychotropic medicines can sometimes be deprescribed. Positive and negative consequences were reported. Positive effects on behaviour, mental and physical health were associated with an interdisciplinary model.ConclusionsThis is the first systematic review of the effects of deprescribing psychotropic medicines in people with intellectual disabilities which is not limited to antipsychotics. Main risks of bias were underpowered studies, poor recruitment processes, not accounting for other concurrent interventions and short follow up periods. Further research is needed to understand how to address the negative effects of deprescribing interventions.Trial registrationThe protocol was registered with PROSPERO (registration number CRD42019158079)

Utilization of psychotropic medicines in Romania during 1998-2018.

Background: Mental disorders can have a significant impact on patients' life, including economic, social and individual consequences, and psychotropic medication is essential to treat these conditions. Psychotropic drug utilization studies contribute to a clearer picture of the management of these conditions. Data published from Romania on this topic is limited. The present study aims to characterize the utilization patterns of anxiolytics, antidepressants (ADs), and antipsychotics (APs) in Romania during 1998-2018. Methods: Drug utilization data were provided by Management Center for Documentation, Information and Marketing (CEGEDIM) Romania and quantitative data for each psychotropic medicine were converted to total defined daily doses (DDDs) and to DDD/1000inhabitants/day (DDD/TID). The total use of medicines in DDD/TID was computed in order to obtain the drug utilization 90% (DU90%) segment. Results: An increasing trend in total utilization of psychotropic medicines in Romania started in 2004. Anxiolytics use was predominant until 2013 and the yearly anxiolytic use over the entire study period remained between 10 and 15DDD/TID. Diazepam lost popularity over time in detriment of the utilization of other anxiolytic benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam and lorazepam. ADs utilization markedly increased during the study period (the average annual growth rate was 13.66% starting 1999). Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) became present on the 2008 DU90% and was the dominant class of ADs, with sertraline being the most prescribed, followed by escitalopram and paroxetine. APs utilization showed an increasing trend from 2003 until 2018. Atypical APs became present on the 2008 DU90%, while typical APs were no longer included in the 2018 DU90%. Among atypical APs, olanzapine was the main agent prescribed, and starting 2010 was followed by quetiapine and risperidone. The uptake of APs long-acting formulations became more evident during the last analyzed years (2015-2018). Conclusion: We observed an increasing utilization of APs and a more prominent increase in ADs utilization in Romania during 1998-2018. The anxiolytic prescribing remained nearly stable during this time. Further research can bring more information on the various factors influencing psychotropic utilization in Romania.

Evaluation of the effect of managing oxycodone/acetaminophen as a psychotropic medicine: An interrupted time-series study.

Background: Oxycodone/acetaminophen has been reported for misuse for many times in China. To cope with that, Chinese national authorities jointly issued a policy, requiring that oxycodone/acetaminophen should be managed as a psychotropic medicine starting 1 September 2019. This paper aimed to evaluate the effect of this policy in medical institutions. Methods: We used interrupted time-series analysis to examine the immediate level and slope changes in the mean number of tablets prescribed, proportion of oxycodone/acetaminophen prescription exceeding 30 pills, days supplied per prescription and the proportion of days supplied exceeding 10days with prescription data from 5 tertiary hospitals in Xi'an city between 1 January 2018 and 30 June 2021 (42months). We divided the prescriptions into two groups, one for long-term drug users, and the other for short-term drug users. Results: In total, 12,491 prescriptions were included in the final study, with 8,941 and 3,550 prescriptions for the short-term and long-term drug users, respectively. Significant differences in the proportion of prescriptions issued by various departments, were observed between pre- and post-implementation of the policy for both short-term and long-term drug users (p < 0.001). For short-term drug users, the policy implementation was only associated with an immediate level decrease in proportion of prescriptions exceeding 30 tablets (-4.09%, p < 0.001). For long-term drug users, after the policy, the mean number of tablets prescribed and the mean proportion of prescriptions exceeding 30 tablets experienced a level decrease of 22.96 tablets (p < 0.001) and a level decrease of 41.13% (p < 0.001), respectively; the mean number of days supplied showed a significant level decrease (6.88days per prescription) and slope increase (0.19days per month), and the mean proportion of days supplied exceeding 10days showed a significant level decrease (-10.51% per prescription) and a slope increase (0.27% per month). Conclusion: Implementation of stricter management for oxycodone/acetaminophen achieved its goal of reducing the risk of misuse in short-term drug users. For those long-term drug users, policy needed to be strengthened as the prescription exceeding 10days was still at a high level after the intervention. Policies targeting patients with different drug demands are needed. Many other strategies can be implemented, including establishing specific guidelines/principles and conducting training programs.

Stopping inappropriate medication of children with intellectual disability, autism or both: the STOMP–STAMP initiative

SUMMARYChildren with intellectual disability are often prescribed psychotropic medication to manage behaviours that challenge. Unfortunately, many receive medication with potentially serious long-term side-effects that has been prescribed inappropriately or for longer than is necessary. NHS England launched STOMP (stopping the over-medication of people with intellectual disability, autism or both with psychotropic medicines) in 2016 to reduce the inappropriate prescribing in adults. This was broadened to include children in 2018 by the addition of STAMP (supporting treatment and appropriate medication in paediatrics). In this article we review the rationale for STOMP–STAMP, highlight the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ position statement on STOMP–STAMP and give clinical advice for psychiatrists who treat children with intellectual disability, autism and/or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Importantly, it is essential to consider that ADHD may have been missed and that by diagnosing and treating it, the need for inappropriate antipsychotic medication may be reduced.

Assessment of the psychotropic medicines availability in the Kyrgyz Republic

Assessment of the psychotropic medicines availability in the Kyrgyz Republic

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on lifestyle and mental state in patients with schizophrenia: A retrospective study.

The corona virus disease 2019 pandemic's movement restrictions have an effect on people's lifestyles and mental health, and the most susceptible, such as persons with schizophrenia, are more subject to external influences. To analyze the lifestyle, anxiety, depression and stress status of inpatients with schizophrenia during corona virus disease 2019. A total of 205 patients with stable schizophrenia who were hospitalized during the epidemic period were selected. The general epidemiological information was recorded, and the depression screening scale (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-7, and the perceived stress scale were used to determine the mental status and stress level of the included patients. Restricted physical activity and perceptual bias might result in decreased food intake, higher body mass index, and increased psychotropic medicine dosages. According to Pearson correlation analysis, stress perception was positively connected with anxiety and depression scores. The anxiety score was positively associated with the depression score, indicating that stress influenced the patient's emotional alterations. During the pandemic, the lifestyle and psychological load of people with schizophrenia may be impacted. Medical personnel should be alert to changes in anxiety, depression, and stress in patients with schizophrenia and take appropriate action.

Effects of antipsychotic and anticholinergic medications on cognition in chronic patients with schizophrenia

BackgroundPatients with psychosis frequently use a variety of psychotropic medicines, many of which have anticholinergic effects that can impair cognition. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate whether there is an association between medications used for neuropsychological disorders/symptoms and cognition in patients with schizophrenia, focusing on their anticholinergic load and antipsychotic doses.Study designA cross-sectional study between July 2019 and Mars 2020 at the Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross-Lebanon enrolled 120 inpatients diagnosed with schizophrenia. The total anticholinergic burden was calculated based on the Anticholinergic Drug Scale (ADS), and the chlorpromazine equivalent dose was calculated using the Andreasen method to assess the relative antipsychotic dose. Also, the objective cognition was assessed using the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia (BACS) tool.Study results.A significantly higher BACS total score (r = -0.33, p < 0.001), higher verbal memory (r = -0.26, p = 0.004), higher working memory (r = -0.20, p = 0.03), higher motor speed (r = -0.36, p < 0.001), and higher attention and speed of information processing (r = -0.27, p = 0.003) were significantly associated with lower chlorpromazine equivalent dose. Higher ADS (Standardized Beta (SB) = -.22; p = .028), higher chlorpromazine equivalent dose (SB = -.30; p = .001), and taking mood stabilizer medications (SB = -.24; p = .004) were significantly associated with lower cognition.ConclusionThis study confirms that the cognitive functions of chronic patients with schizophrenia may be affected by medications and their anticholinergic burden. More studies are needed to explain the role of cholinergic neurotransmission and general neurochemical mechanisms in the cognitive impairment of patients with schizophrenia.

Study of Attitude toward Psychotropic Medications among the Undergraduate Medical Students

Abstract Background: Misconceptions about psychotropic medicines would compromise the treatment of medical students with psychiatric illnesses. Aims: This study aims to estimate attitude of medical students toward psychotropic medicines. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional and observational study carried out among the undergraduate medical students over the period of 5 months. Participants were informed before interactive session for the maximum attendance. Self-report attitude toward psychotropic medications questionnaire was used to measure the attitude of medical students toward psychotropic medicines. Descriptive statistics, Mann–Whitney U-test, and Pearson correlation test were used to find the variables association with the attitude toward psychotropic medications questionnaire. Results: A total of 500 participants completed the pro forma. The mean age of the participant was 20.34 ± 1.12. Out of them, 39.2% were male and 60.8% were female. Although many medical students believed psychotropic medicines would be a better treatment option and positive attitude toward taking prescribed dose of medication, they were ambivalent toward efficacy and tolerability of medications. Being male, from rural domicile, and living in a joint family significantly reported a negative attitude toward psychotropic medicines. Conclusions: Medical students significantly reported ambivalent attitude toward efficacy and tolerability of psychotropic medicines. Workshop on myths related to psychiatric illness and psychotropic medicines should be organized to correct their negative belief.