Use Of Antipsychotic Drugs Research Articles

Psychiatrists effect on positive symptom severity and daily functioning during pharmacotherapy for first-episode psychosis patients

Clinical outcomes after a first-episode of psychosis (FEP) are heterogeneous. Many patient-related factors such as gender and comorbidity have been studied to predict symptomatic outcomes. However, psychiatrist-related factors such as prescription behaviour and gender have received little attention. We assessed the relationship between patients’ psychiatrists, psychosis severity and daily functioning in 201 patients remitted from an FEP for a duration of one year, treated by 18 different psychiatrists. We controlled for baseline severity, dose and type of antipsychotic medication, frequency of visits, and patients’ education. Symptom severity, daily functioning, and antipsychotic drug use were assessed at baseline and at 3, 6, and, 12 months follow-up. We found that psychiatrists accounted for 9.1% of the explained variance in patients’ symptom severity and 10.1% of the explained variance in daily functioning.These effects persisted even when controlling for factors such as baseline severity and the prescribed dose. The effect of prescribed dose on symptom severity and daily functioning differed between psychiatrists. Treatment centre, session frequency, and medication nonadherence were not related to symptom severity. Our results emphasize the importance of individual psychiatrist factors in symptomatic outcomes after an FEP. Further identification of psychiatrist-related factors such as the quality of therapeutic alliances and shared decision-making, may optimize psychiatrists’ training with the goal of improving patient outcomes.

Real-World Assessment of Psychotropic and Antiepileptic Drug Use During Pregnancy in Belgium: Trends, Predictors, and Comparative Risk of Congenital Anomalies (2010-2016).

To analyze the prescription patterns and sociodemographic factors associated with the use of antipsychotic, antidepressant, and antiepileptic drugs during pregnancy in Belgium, and to investigate their potential association with congenital anomalies. Using a nationwide linked database, we identified antidepressants, antipsychotics, and antiepileptics via the Anatomical Therapeutic and Chemical Classification (ATC) codes. For each medication group, we calculated the overall prevalence and prevalence for the three most used medications at the fifth ATC level. Sociodemographic factors influencing medication use during pregnancy were analyzed, and potential associations with congenital anomalies were investigated through logistic regression models based on generalized estimating equations. Overall, 828 016 live births pregnancies associated with 611 094 mothers were identified. We found that the use of antidepressants, antipsychotics, and antiepileptics was decreasing with the arrival of pregnancy. Mothers with a less favorable sociodemographic status were more likely to be exposed to these medications. Antiepileptics used in the first trimester were associated with an increased risk of congenital anomalies (aOR = 1.65, 95% CI 1.11-2.45) compared with unexposed women. The three most used antiepileptics were lamotrigine, valproate, and levetiracetam, among them, we found an association with congenital anomalies only for valproate (aOR = 3.92, 95% CI 2.30-6.67). Psychotropic and antiepileptic drug use decreased during pregnancy. Pregnant women with a less favorable sociodemographic status were more likely to be exposed to psychotropics and antiepileptics during pregnancy. The elevated risk of congenital anomalies associated with antiepileptics use, particularly valproate, underscores the need for targeted interventions and increased awareness to improve maternal and fetal health outcomes.

TRATAMENTO FARMACOLÓGICO DA ESQUIZOFRENIA: PASSADO, PRESENTE E FUTURO

Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe psychiatric disorder characterised by the manifestation of positive and negative symptoms and/or cognitive dysfunction. Treatment typically includes psychotherapy, sociotherapy and pharmacological therapy, which consists of the use of typical and atypical antipsychotic drugs, as well as dopaminergic system stabilisers. Although they do not provide a cure, these treatments can reduce the intensity and frequency of symptoms, resulting in improved quality of life and a quicker reintegration into social life. Thus, the aim of the present study was to conduct a narrative literature review on the clinical evolution of antipsychotic use throughout history, as well as to discuss potential new drugs that are still in clinical research. Studies have shown that typical antipsychotics are effective in treating positive symptoms but have no impact on negative symptoms and can even exacerbate or provoke them. Additionally, they produce highly limiting side effects, such as movement disorders. Atypical antipsychotics, on the other hand, are capable of reducing both positive and negative symptoms, and they also present fewer side effects related to the extrapyramidal motor system. However, they tend to cause metabolic disturbances. Conversely, dopaminergic system stabilisers also treat both positive and negative symptoms, with side effects that are generally better tolerated, along with a lower propensity to cause weight gain and motor disturbances. It is worth noting that many patients are unable to tolerate the various adverse reactions of the available antipsychotics. Moreover, some patients are or become refractory to their therapeutic effects. Consequently, there is currently a focus on developing new agents that have different pharmacological targets. Some of these potential new drugs have shown efficacy in refractory patients, representing a potential paradigm shift in the treatment of the disorder.

Associations between specialized dementia care, COVID-19 and central nervous system medication use in assisted living: a population-based repeated cross-sectional study

BackgroundAssisted living (AL) is an increasingly common residential setting for persons with dementia; yet concerns exist about sub-optimal care of this population in AL given its lower levels of staffing and services. Our objectives were to (i) examine associations between AL setting (dementia care vs. other), COVID-19 pandemic waves, and prevalent antipsychotic, antidepressant, anti-dementia, benzodiazepine, and anticonvulsant drug use among residents with dementia/cognitive impairment, and (ii) explore associations between resident and home characteristics and prevalent medication use.MethodsWe conducted a population-based, repeated cross-sectional study using linked clinical and health administrative databases for all publicly funded AL homes in Alberta, Canada, examined between January 2018 - December 2021. The quarterly proportion of residents dispensed a study medication was examined for each setting and period (pandemic vs. comparable historical [2018/2019 combined]) focusing on four pandemic waves (March-May 2020, September 2020-February 2021, March-May 2021, September-December 2021). Log-binomial GEE models estimated prevalence ratios (PR) for period (pandemic vs. historical periods), setting (dementia care vs. other) and period-setting interactions, adjusting for resident (age, sex) and home (COVID-19 cases, health region, ownership) characteristics.ResultsOn March 1, 2020, there were 2,779 dementia care and 3,013 other AL residents (mean age 83, 69% female) with dementia/cognitive impairment. Antipsychotic use increased during waves 2–4 in both settings, but this was more pronounced in dementia care than other AL during waves 3 and 4 (e.g., adjusted [adj]PR 1.20, 95% CI 1.14–1.27 vs. adjPR 1.09, 95% CI 1.02–1.17, interaction p = 0.023, wave 3). Both settings showed a statistically significant but modest increase in antidepressant use and decrease in benzodiazepine use. For dementia care AL residents only, there was a statistically significant increase in gabapentinoid use during several waves (e.g., adjPR 1.32, 95% CI 1.10–1.59, wave 3). Other than a modest decrease in prevalent anti-dementia drug use for both settings in wave 2, no other significant pandemic effects were observed.ConclusionsThe persistence of the pandemic-associated increase in antipsychotic and antidepressant use in AL residents coupled with a greater increase in antipsychotic and gabapentinoid use for dementia care settings raises concerns about the attendant risks for residents with cognitive impairment.

Postprandial hypotension is more common than orthostatic hypotension in older adults with dementia with lewy bodies: a cross-sectional study

Cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction is one of the supportive clinical features in dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). This study aimed to investigate the frequency of postural and postprandial hypotension in people with DLB. The study group comprised 125 patients with DLB (76 females; mean age 78.4 ± 7.1 years) and 122 controls (88 females; mean age 74.4 ± 6.9 years). Postprandial blood pressure changes were assessed by ambulatory 24-hour blood pressure monitorization. Postural blood pressure changes were assessed via the head-up tilt table test. The frequency of postprandial hypotension (PPH) and orthostatic hypotension (OH) was higher in patients with DLB compared to controls (89.4% vs 51.7%; p < 0.001, and 45.5% vs 27.9%; p = 0.004, respectively) whereas the frequency of supine hypertension (SH), and orthostatic hypertension (OHT) was similar. However, SH in non-hypertensive participants was higher in DLB patients than in controls (48.9%, 25.7%; p = 0.035). PPH and OH were independently associated with a diagnosis of DLB (odds ratio [OR]:10.26 confidence interval [CI]%95 3.02–34.82; p < 0.001, and OR:2.22 CI%95 1.2–4.12; p = 0.012, respectively) after adjustment for age, number of medications, use of anti-psychotics drugs, angiotensin receptor blockers, and beta blockers. In conclusion, the study demonstrated that PPH was the most common finding of cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction, followed by OH and SH in older patients with DLB. Given the potential complications of postural blood pressure changes and PPH in such patients, cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction should be evaluated in patients with DLB.

Expanding the phenotype of NEDAMSS with a psychiatric perspective: analysis of a new case, and a systematic review of the literature.

Pathogenic variants in the IRF2BPL gene are associated with neurodevelopmental disorders with varying degrees of regression, loss of speech and epilepsy. The phenotype is also known as Neurodevelopmental Disorder with regression, Abnormal Movements, loss of Speech, and Seizures (NEDAMSS). The motor symptoms of this disorder share significant phenotypical characteristics with catatonia, a severe neuropsychiatric psychomotor syndrome. The objective of this article isto expand the knowledge on the presentation of NEDAMSS with afocus on psychiatric symptoms including catatonia. A systematic review of 32 case presentations of NEDAMSS, and a novel case report of a patient with NEDAMSS, exhibiting multiple psychiatric symptoms, including catatoniaare presented. Psychiatric symptoms and disorders including affective disorders, psychotic symptoms, catatonia, and developmental disorders are reported in one third of the reviewed cases. Reported effects of pharmacological treatment on motor symptoms of NEDAMSS are very limited. Our case presents improvement in motor symptoms originally attributed to NEDAMSS, after treatment with Lorazepam following diagnosis with catatonia. Patients with NEDAMSS may present with both neurological and psychiatric symptoms. The clinical presentation of NEDAMSS motor symptoms and catatonia have similarities and thus poses significant challenges to the diagnostic process, with risk of incorrect or delayed treatment. The limited experience and the complex phenotype of NEDAMSS complicates pharmacological treatment and encourages caution, especially with the use of antipsychotic drugs in the presence of possible catatonic symptoms.

Associations between constipation risk and lifestyle, medication use, and affective symptoms in patients with schizophrenia: a multicenter cross-sectional study.

To investigate the association between lifestyle and atypical antipsychotic drug use in patients with schizophrenia and the risk of constipation and to assess the impact of anxiety and depressive symptoms on constipation risk. Cross-sectional convenience sampling was employed, and 271 participants aged 20-65 were enrolled. Data were collected via a structured questionnaire comprising participants' demographic data, medication information, dietary behavior assessment, and the Baecke Physical Activity Questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory-II, and Beck Anxiety Inventory. IBM SPSS 24.0 with multivariate logistic regression was used for data analysis. We performed a subgroup analysis of anticholinergic drugs via multivariate logistic regression. In total, 180 participants had functional constipation; risk factors included female sex, anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms, and quetiapine and aripiprazole use. Patients who drank more than 3,000cc of water daily or used risperidone were less likely to have functional constipation. Depressive and anxiety symptoms were risk factors even after adjusting for sex, use of anticholinergics and laxatives, consuming two servings of fruit, consuming three servings of vegetables, consuming more than 3,000cc of water daily, physical activity, medical comorbidity, chlorpromazine equivalent dose, and atypical antipsychotic use. Similar associations were found for two affective symptoms and functional constipation in the subgroup analysis of anticholinergic drugs. The prevalence of functional constipation in patients with schizophrenia was 66.4%. The risk factors included female sex, anticholinergics, aripiprazole, quetiapine, and depressive and anxiety symptoms. Risperidone users and those who drank 3000cc of water daily were less likely to have constipation.

Distribution of neuropsychiatric profiles and comorbid diseases in dementia subtypes

Objectives: Alzheimer’s disease (AH) is the most prevalent cause of dementia, followed closely by vascular dementia. Mixed vascular-Alzheimer’s dementia (MVAD) is more evident in individuals aged 80 and above. Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is the second most common cause of early-onset dementia after AH. Vascular risk factors play important role in the pathogenesis of dementia syndromes. Behavioral and psychological symptoms represent a significant portion of the non-cognitive manifestations in dementia patients. This study aimed to evaluate the distribution of chronic diseases, behavioral disorders, psychiatric findings, and medication use in patients followed with different dementia diagnoses. Methods: Prevalance of chronic diseases, behavioral disorders, psychiatric findings as well as the usage of antidepressant and antipsychotic medications among patients followed up in dementia outpatient clinics with the diagnosis of AD, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), vascular dementia (VaD), FTD, and MVAD were investigated. Neuropsychiatric inventory (NPI) was applied to the patients. Results: Four hundred and fifty-five patients were accepted in the study. The patients were distributed as follows: AD (n=303, female/male: 187/115, age = 78±8 years), MCI (n=53, female/male: 31/22, age = 69±10 years), VaD (n=31, female/male: 18/13, age = 68±9 years), FTD (n=32, female/male: 17/15, age = 68±9 years), and MVAD (n=36, female/male: 16/20, age = 76±10 years). Both AD and MVAD groups were significantly older than the other groups (F = 23.2, P&amp;lt;0.0001). The ratio of comorbid chronic diseases was 80% in the AD group, 72% in the MCI group, 91% in the VaD group, 59% in the FTD group, and 93% in the MVAD group. In the whole group, antipsychotic drug use was 27.5% and antidepressant drug use was 28.9%. The mean NPI score was 32.9±28 in antipsychotic users and 16±19 in non-users (P&amp;lt;0.0001). The mean NPI of antidepressant users was 17.6±19 and 21.9±25 (P=0.055) in non-users. Conclusion: There is a comorbid chronic disease burden in all dementia subtypes, although at varying intensities, and as the chronic disease burden increases, behavioral disorders and psychotic findings increase, and accordingly, the use of antipsychotics also increases.

Antipsychotic drug use in individuals with dementia: risks and alternatives

Sarah Jane Palmer looks at the risks associated with prescribing antipsychotic drugs to people with dementia and what other options could be used instead.

Early-life risperidone alters locomotor responses to apomorphine and quinpirole in adulthood

An escalating trend of antipsychotic drug use in children with ADHD, disruptive behavior disorder, or mood disorders has raised concerns about the impact of these drugs on brain development. Since antipsychotics chiefly target dopamine receptors, it is important to assay the function of these receptors after early-life antipsychotic administration. Using rats as a model, we examined the effects of early-life risperidone, the most prescribed antipsychotic drug in children, on locomotor responses to the dopamine D1/D2 receptor agonist, apomorphine, and the D2/D3 receptor agonist, quinpirole. Female and male Long-Evans rats received daily subcutaneous injections of risperidone (1.0 and 3.0 mg/kg) or vehicle from postnatal day 14–42. Locomotor responses to one of three doses (0.03, 0.1, and 0.3 mg/kg) of apomorphine or quinpirole were tested once a week for four weeks beginning on postnatal day 76 and 147 for each respective drug. The locomotor activity elicited by the two lower doses of apomorphine was significantly greater in adult rats, especially females, administered risperidone early in life. Adult rats administered risperidone early in life also showed more locomotor activity after the low dose of quinpirole. Overall, female rats were more sensitive to the locomotor effects of each agonist. In a separate group of rats administered risperidone early in life, autoradiography of forebrain D2 receptors at postnatal day 62 revealed a modest increase in D2 receptor density in the medial caudate. These results provide evidence that early-life risperidone administration can produce long-lasting changes in dopamine receptor function and density.

RWD17 Evaluating the Use of Antipsychotic Drug and Incidence of Stroke Among Patients With Dementia in the USA

RWD17 Evaluating the Use of Antipsychotic Drug and Incidence of Stroke Among Patients With Dementia in the USA

The incidence risk of gynecological cancer by antipsychotic use: a meta-analysis of 50,402 patients

BackgroundFemale gynecological cancers represent a serious public health problem, with 1,398,601 new diagnoses and 671,875 deaths per year worldwide. Antipsychotics are often used in psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression. It is estimated that the prescription of these drugs is linked to 1,800 deaths a year in the United States, but their association with cancer remains controversial.MethodsWe searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases for studies reporting the correlation in the incidence risk of gynecological cancer by antipsychotic use. We used DerSimonian and Laird random-effect models to compute logit transformed odds ratio (OR) for the primary binary endpoint with 95% confidence interval (CI). Heterogeneity was assessed through effect size width along with I-squared and Tau-squared statistics. Review Manager 5.4.1. was used for statistical analyses. A p-value of < 0.05 denoted statistically significant.Results50,402 patients were included, of whom 778 (1,54%) took antipsychotic medication for at least 1 year. 1,086 (2,15%) with ovarian cancer and 49,316 (97,85%) with endometrial cancer. Antipsychotic use (OR 1.50; 1.06 to 2.13 95% CI; p-value 0.02), hypertension (OR 1.50; 95% CI 1.06 to 2.13; p-value < 0.01), nulliparity (OR 1.98; 95% CI 1.53 to 2.57; p-value < 0.01) and multiparity (OR 0.53; 95% CI 0.41 to 0.69; p-value < 0.01) showed significantly different distributions between groups of cancer and cancer-free patients. The primary endpoint of incidence risk of gynecological cancer by antipsychotic therapy showed a statistically significant difference (OR 1.67; 95% CI 1.02 to 2.73; p-value < 0.05) against the use of antipsychotic drugs.ConclusionsOur meta-analysis showed that the use of antipsychotic drugs increases the risk of gynecological cancers, particularly endometrial cancer. This result should be weighed against the potential effects of treatment for a balanced prescribing decision.

The role of long-acting antipsychotics in illness relapse: an observational study

IntroductionIn patients affected by Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder disorders the use of antipsychotic drugs is essential in preventing the exacerbation of symptoms. The use of long-acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotics is considered an important treatment option. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence and predictors of relapse during antipsychotic treatment with LAIs in a sample of psychiatric outpatients up to a year after the start of long-acting therapy.ObjectivesThe study included 103 adult patients admitted to the psychiatric unit of Sant’Andrea University Hospital in Rome.MethodsWe evaluated duration of untreated illness, previous treatments, substance abuse, suicidal status, LAI dose, and use of other medicines for association with new episodes of illness or of symptomatic worsening as well as hospitalization, using bivariate and multivariate analyses.Results Seventy-three patients were diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum and 30 with bipolar disorders. Age at study entry averaged 36.7 years (SD= 11.55). 40.8% of patients were women. The mean age at onset were 23.11 (SD= 7.0). All the other information were reported in Table 1. On 103 patients undergoing with LAI treatment for a year only 9 (8.7%) patients had a relapse during the study period. The two groups differed according to the presence of hospitalization during the 12 months before the LAI treatment (p = .022), in particular patients with relapse were more hospitalized than patients with no relapse (62.5% vs. 21.7%). Moreover, group with relapse were more at risk of suicide during the 12 months before the LAI treatment than the other group, for both suicidal ideation (11.1% vs. 4.3%; p= .015) and attempt (25.0% vs. 3.2%; p= .049). Finally, the two groups differed according to the side effects reported during the year of LAI treatment (χ² =38.48; p&lt; .001). Specifically, patients’ group with relapse reported more side effects caused by parkinsonism (25.0% vs. 1.1%) and tremor (25.0% vs. 0%). No differences were found for the other variables (See table 1).Image:ConclusionsIn conclusion, our observations confirm the importance of LAI therapy in real word. However, our results indicate that these drugs might not prevent subsequent exacerbations for a proportion of individuals whose illness is stabilised on continuous antipsychotic treatment. Extra pyramidal symptoms in particular might have pathophysiological implications for relapse.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Peculiarities of personalized selection of antipsychotic drugs for schizophrenia treatment

Determining the optimal antipsychotic drugs, its effective dose, duration of therapy, form, and route of administration play a key role in the treatment of schizophrenia. In addition, special attention should be paid to the effectiveness of using different forms of antipsychotic drugs, in particular, the orally disintegrating form as exemplified by olanzapine. To study the peculiarities of a personalized approach in the use of antipsychotic drugs to achieve more effective results in treating schizophrenia, a content analysis was conducted using Ukrainian and English-language publications for the past 15 years. The search was conducted using the PubMed and CrossRef databases. An important conclusion is that the optimal therapeutic formula or drug should be selected individually, considering the specific patient's clinical condition. However, the most important factor in achieving successful results is the individually selected form and dose of the antipsychotic drugs. In addition to the patient's mental state, the choice of antipsychotic therapy is influenced by the spectrum of side effects, individual sensitivity to the active substance, pharmacological history, economic factors, etc. This is especially true for patients with insufficient adherence to treatment, which can often arise due to the side effects of drugs. In this case, it is important to correctly select both the active substance and the appropriate route of administration. Personalized selection of antipsychotic drugs also involves dynamic monitoring of changes in the patient's clinical condition, allowing for timely diagnosis of drug side effects, dose adjustments, or changes in the route of administration. These measures help increase patient adherence to treatment and improve their health-related quality of life.

Prolactin level changes according to atypical antipsychotics use: a study based on Clinical Data Warehouse

IntroductionAntipsychotics are associated with increased serum prolactin. It depends on the type of the antipsychotics and gender. There are previous studies, but it is necessary to compare them including new drugs.ObjectivesAntipsychotic drugs are known as the major cause of non-neoplastic hyperprolactinemia. This study aimed to investigate the levels of serum prolactin elevation depending on the use of antipsychotic drugs in patients through the Clinical Data WarehouseMethodsOur study included 118 subjects who were all diagnosed according to ICD-10 for schizophrenia, schizotypal and delusional disorders, manic episodes, and bipolar affective disorders. All the subjects were taking one of risperidone, blonanserin, amisulpride, and olanzapine. They had prolactin blood tests collected retrospectively through CDW.Results Among the 118 subjects included in the analysis, the mean serum prolactin level was 65.1± 54.7ng/ml. Serum prolactin levels were significantly higher in subjects taking risperidone or amisulpride compared to blonanserin and olanzapine. The female subjects who took amisulpride or olanzapine had significantly higher prolactin levels, but there was no difference in prolactin levels between the sex in the subjects who took risperidone or blonanserin.ConclusionsThis study suggests the need for regular monitoring of serum prolactin levels in patients who are taking antipsychotics, especially in female patients. Further studies on the subjects with controlled confounding variables and larger sample groups are needed.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Sexual Dysfunction with Risperidone in Male and Female Patients of Schizophrenia

Background: Sexual side-effects due to use of Antipsychotic drugs have become one of the most important determinants of treatment compliance. Studies regarding sexual side-effects associated with antipsychotics comprise only a handful in the Indian population, especially so in this north-eastern part of the country. Aims and Objectives 1. To assess the sexual dysfunction associated with Risperidone in male and female patients of Schizophrenia. 2. To compare the sexual dysfunction associated with Risperidone between male and female patients of Schizophrenia. Materials and Methods: This was a hospital based comparative study conducted on 50 clinically stable male and female patients of Schizophrenia on Risperidone only. A Sexual Functioning Questionnaire (SFQ) was administered after assessing the clinical stabilities with the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS). Sexual dysfunction was assessed by calculating the mean scores on all the domains of sexual functioning in SFQ which were then compared across the study groups using the Chi square test . The results were analysed using SPSS Version 16.0 setting the significance threshold at p &lt;0.05. Results: From this study, we inferred that with Risperidone, impairment is seen in desire disorders (12%), arousal disorders (14%), orgasmic difficulties (26%) and overall sexual dysfunction (20%) although not statistically significant. It was also found that in females, Risperidone caused more desire disorders, more arousal disorders and a more overall sexual dysfunction; whereas in case of males, Risperidone caused more arousal disorders, more orgasmic difficulties, more sex related pain problems and a more overall sexual dysfunction; Conclusion: Sexual dysfunction is an important side-effect of Antipsychotic drugs. So clinicians should try to address these side-effects to help patients’ attain a better compliance.

Prevalence of Parasomnias and Restless Leg Syndrome in Patients taking Psychotropic Medications (Antidepressants and Antipsychotics): A Cross-Sectional Hospital-based Study

Prevalence of Parasomnias and Restless Leg Syndrome in Patients taking Psychotropic Medications (Antidepressants and Antipsychotics): A Cross-Sectional Hospital-based Study

Association of pneumonia admission with polypharmacy and drug use in community-dwelling older people.

The purpose of the present study was to clarify the association of pneumonia admission with polypharmacy and specific drug use in community-dwelling older people. Using health insurance and long-term care insurance data from Kure city in Japan, we retrospectively collected data for older community-dwelling people (aged ≥65 years) from April 2017 to March 2019. The outcome was pneumonia admission. We carried out multivariate logistic regression analysis to identify the association of pneumonia admission with polypharmacy (≥5 drugs), the use of psychotropic drugs or anticholinergics with adjustment for patient backgrounds, such as comorbidity, and the daily life independence level for the older people with disability. Of 59 040 older people, 4017 (6.8%) participants were admitted for pneumonia in 2 years. The ratio of polypharmacy, and the use of psychotropic drugs and anticholinergics in the admission group were significantly higher than the non-admission group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that polypharmacy (odds ratio 1.29, 95% confidence interval 1.18-1.41), and the use of conventional antipsychotic drugs (odds ratio 1.39, 95% confidence interval 1.02-1.90), atypical antipsychotic drugs (odds ratio 1.67, 95% confidence interval 1.37-2.05) and anticholinergics (odds ratio 1.22, 95% confidence interval 1.13-1.33) were significantly associated with pneumonia admission. The present results suggest that polypharmacy, and the use of psychotropic drugs and anticholinergics are risk factors for pneumonia admission. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 404-409.

THE FIRST GENERATION AND SECOND-GENERATION ANTIPSYCHOTIC DRUGS AND THEIR PHARMACOLOGY IN TREATMENT OF SCHIZOPHRENIA

Schizophrenia is a complex and severe psychiatric disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. Antipsychotic drugs have been widely used for the treatment of schizophrenia for over 60 years. The first-generation antipsychotic drugs (FGAs) were introduced in the 1950s and revolutionized the treatment of schizophrenia. However, their use is associated with a number of adverse effects, including Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS) and Tardive Dyskinesia (TD). Second-generation antipsychotic drugs (SGAs), also known as atypical antipsychotics, were developed in the 1990s and have become the preferred treatment for schizophrenia due to their lower incidence of EPS and TD. They also have a broader range of therapeutic effects, such as improving negative symptoms and cognitive impairment associated with schizophrenia. This review article summarizes the pharmacology of both FGAs and SGAs, including their mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, and adverse effects. The efficacy and safety of these drugs in the treatment of schizophrenia are also discussed. In addition, this review examines the controversy surrounding the use of SGAs and their potential metabolic side effects, such as weight gain, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes. Despite the availability of SGAs, FGAs still have a role in the treatment of schizophrenia, particularly for patients who are unresponsive to SGAs or experience intolerable side effects. Furthermore, research continues to identify new pharmacological targets and treatment strategies for schizophrenia. Understanding the pharmacology and clinical use of antipsychotic drugs is essential for optimizing the treatment of schizophrenia and improving patient outcomes.

Use of antidepressant and antipsychotic drugs in subjects with hemophilia of the Umbria Region in the period 2011-2022.

Chronic diseases, such as hemophilia, can evoke psychological sequelae and be associated with a higher risk of mental health disorders. The utilization of antidepressant and antipsychotic drugs in subjects with hemophilia is not completely understood and few data are available. The aim of this analysis is to describe use of antidepressant and antipsychotic drugs in subjects with hemophilia of the Umbria Region in the period 2011-2022. A descriptive, cross-sectional, and retrospective analysis based on data on filled prescriptions for antidepressants and antipsychotics has been carried out. The overall and annual prevalence of drugs use and consumption were calculated based on pharmaceutical prescriptions charged to the National Health Service in subjects with hemophilia and matched controls from general population. In the study period 170 subjects with hemophilia were identified; about 80% were male. About 20% and 8.2% received antidepressants and antipsychotics, respectively. A higher percentage of users and consumption were found in subjects with hemophilia compared to matched controls, although no statistically significant differences were observed. Our analysis suggests that depression and psychosis are important comorbidities in subjects with hemophilia. Further larger studies are needed in order to confirm these data and better define the burden of mental health disorders in subjects with hemophilia.