Surgical correction of an infundibular pulmonic stenosis and ventricular septal defect in a Shetland Sheepdog.

A four-month-old male Shetland Sheepdog presented with exercise intolerance. Physical examination revealed an IV/VI left cranial systolic heart murmur. Echocardiography showed a severe infundibular pulmonic stenosis and a concomitant restrictive ventricular septal defect. As clinical signs of congestive right-sided heart failure worsened and were refractory to medical treatment, surgical correction was advised. Via sternotomy, with cardiopulmonary bypass and cardioplegic cardiac arrest, ventricular septal defect closure and resection of the stenotic infundibular band were performed through right ventriculotomy, followed by patch enlargement. Postoperative recovery was uneventful and echocardiography showed complete resolution of the stenosis and successful closure of the ventricular septal defect. Follow-up echocardiography revealed restenosis after seven weeks and recurrence of right-sided heart failure three months postoperatively. Stenting of the restenosis was attempted via a hybrid procedure with sternotomy and direct transventricular approach. The dog developed fatal ventricular fibrillation during stent deployment. This is the first dog in which surgical right ventricular patch enlargement under cardiopulmonary bypass is reported for the treatment of a primary infundibular pulmonic stenosis.

Levosimendan in Acute and Advanced Heart Failure: an Expert Perspective on Posology and Therapeutic Application.

Levosimendan, a calcium sensitizer and potassium channel-opener, is widely appreciated by many specialist heart failure practitioners for its effects on systemic and pulmonary hemodynamics and for the relief of symptoms of acute heart failure. The drug's impact on mortality in large randomized controlled trials has been inconsistent or inconclusive but, in contrast to conventional inotropes, there have been no indications of worsened survival and some signals of improved heart failure-related quality of life. For this reason, levosimendan has been proposed as a safer inodilator option than traditional agents in settings, such as advanced heart failure. Positive effects of levosimendan on renal function have also been described. At the HEART FAILURE 2018 congress of the Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology, safe and effective use levosimendan in acute and advanced heart failure was examined in a series of expert tutorials. The proceedings of those tutorials are summarized in this review, with special reference to advanced heart failure and heart failure with concomitant renal dysfunction. Meta-analysis of clinical trials data is supportive of a renal-protective effect of levosimendan, while physiological observations suggest that this effect is exerted at least in part via organ-specific effects that may include selective vasodilation of glomerular afferent arterioles and increased renal blood flow, with no compromise of renal oxygenation. These lines of evidence require further investigation and their clinical significance needs to be evaluated in specifically designed prospective trials.

Interest of proviral HIV-1 DNA genotypic resistance testing in virologically suppressed patients candidate for maintenance therapy.

Switch of antiretroviral therapy in virologically suppressed HIV-infected patients is frequent, to prevent toxicities, for simplification or convenience reasons. Pretherapeutic genotypic resistance testing on RNA can be lacking in some patients, which could enhance the risk of virologic failure, if resistance-associated mutations of the new regimen are not taken into account. Proviral DNA resistance testing in 69 virologically suppressed patients on antiretroviral treatment with no history of virological failure were pair-wised compared with pre-ART plasma RNA resistance testing. The median time between plasma (RNA testing) and whole blood (proviral DNA testing) was 47 months (IQR 29-63). A stop codon was evidenced in 23% (16/69) of proviral DNA sequences; these strains were considered as defective, non-replicative, and not taken into consideration. Within the non defective strains, concordance rate between plasma RNA and non-defective proviral DNA was high both on protease (194/220 concordant resistance-associated mutations=88%) and reverse transcriptase (28/37 concordant resistance-associated mutations=76%) genes. This study supports that proviral DNA testing might be an informative tool before switching antiretrovirals in virologically suppressed patients with no history of virological failure, but the interpretation should be restricted to non-defective viruses.

In-vivo validation of a new clinical tool to quantify three-dimensional myocardial strain using ultrasound.

Three-dimensional (3D) strain analysis based on real-time 3-D echocardiography (RT3DE) has emerged as a novel technique to quantify regional myocardial function. The goal of this study was to evaluate accuracy of a novel model-based 3D tracking tool (eSie Volume Mechanics, Siemens Ultrasound, Mountain View, CA, USA) using sonomicrometry as an independent measure of cardiac deformation. Thirteen sheep were instrumented with microcrystals sutured to the epi- and endocardium of the inferolateral left ventricular wall to trace myocardial deformation along its three directional axes of motion. Paired acquisitions of RT3DE and sonomicrometry were made at baseline, during inotropic modulation and during myocardial ischemia. Accuracy of 3D strain measurements was quantified and expressed as level of agreement with sonomicrometry using linear regression and Bland-Altman analysis. Correlations between 3D strain analysis and sonomicrometry were good for longitudinal and circumferential strain components (r = 0.78 and r = 0.71) but poor for radial strain (r = 0.30). Accordingly, agreement (bias ± 2SD) was -5 ± 6 % for longitudinal, -5 ± 7 % for circumferential, and 15 ± 19 % for radial strain. Intra-observer variability was low for all components (intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) of respectively 0.89, 0.88 and 0.95) while inter-observer variability was higher, in particular for radial strain (ICC = 0.41). The present study shows that 3D strain analysis provided good estimates of circumferential and longitudinal strain, while estimates of radial strain were less accurate between observers.

Characteristics and consequences of medical care interruptions in HIV-infected patients in France.

To describe the consequences of medical care interruptions (MCIs) we selected patients with at least two medical encounters between January 2006 and June 2013 in the Dat'AIDS cohort. Patients with any time interval >15 months between two visits were defined as having a MCI, as opposed to uninterrupted follow-up (UFU). Patients' characteristics at the time of HIV diagnosis and at the censoring date were compared between groups. Cox proportional hazards models were built to assess the role of interruptions on survival (total and AIDS-free). Of 11 116 patients, 824 had at least one MCI. These patients were younger at the time of HIV diagnosis (30 vs. 33 years, P < 0·0001). MCI was less frequent in men having sex with men vs. heterosexual patients [odds ratio (OR) 0·81, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0·69-0·96)], and a centre effect was described. MCI was independently associated with AIDS (OR 2·54, 95% CI 2·10-3·09) and death (OR 2·65, 95% CI 1·94-3·61). At the censoring date, 52·2% of patients with at least one MCI had viral load below detection vs. 85·3% of the UFU group (P < 0·0001). In conclusion, MCIs were associated with patients' survival and with the proportion of viral loads below detection in our cohort, compromising individual and collective treatment benefits.

[Comorbidity in 207 cannabis users in a specific outpatient setting]. / Comorbidités chez 207 usagers de cannabis en consultation jeunes consommateurs.

BACKGROUND: Health care seeking for a problematic use of cannabis is in progress in France. OBJECTIVES: The aim is to assess the addictive and psychiatric comorbidity in cannabis users seen in the specific setting at the Lariboisière hospital. METHOD: Two hundred and seven cannabis users were included from January 2004 to December 2009. Twelve-month and lifetime diagnosis of abuse and dependence (cannabis, alcohol, cocaine/crack) (DSM-IV), current and lifetime mood disorders, anxiety disorders, eating disorders and psychotic disorders were assessed (Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview). Logistic regression analyses identified adjusted odds ratios associated with the gender and the health care seeking (P=0.01). RESULTS: One hundred and forty-seven men (71%) and 60 women (29%), 29.3±8.6 years (15.2-51.6 years). Most of the outpatients ask for health care themselves (59.7%), whereas 19.4% are asked to seek health care by relatives (19.4%) or because of an academic, health or justice injunction (20.4%). In total, 49.3% of the outpatients are single, 35.7% are cohabitating, 9.3% are married and 6.3% are separated/divorced. About 20.4% of the outpatients are students, 35.7% have a professional activity, 19% are jobless, 2.4% are impaired, 0.5% are retired, at home and 12.1% do not have an official income. Twelve-month and lifetime prevalence of abuse/dependence are: cannabis (10.1/82.1% and 8.7/88.4%), alcohol (9.7/8.7% and 19.3/18.8%), cocaine/crack (2.4/3.4% and 4.8/11.6%). The mean duration of cannabis dependence for the current dependent users is 8.4±5.8 years. The mean number of "joints" during the last 6 months is 6±4.3, the mean amount of cannabis per week is 12.5±11.3g. About 51.3% of the dependent users report externalized and/or internalized disorders at school during childhood and adolescence. In total, 19.4% of the dependent users have a suicide attempt history and 18.9% have a psychiatric hospitalisation history, more frequently women (P<0.01 and P=0.02). About 73.8% have a psychologist or psychiatrist care history. In total, 38.1% of users have at least one current mood disorder, females more frequently than males (P<0.001). Current and lifetime prevalence of mood disorders are: major depressive disorder (MDD) (29.1% and 57.1%); current dysthymia (20.3%); hypomania (1.9 and 6.7%); mania (2.9 and 12.8%). Females have more frequently than males current and lifetime MDD (P<0.001). About 53.2% of users have at least one current anxiety disorder, females more frequently than males (P<0.001). Current and lifetime prevalence of anxiety disorders are: panic disorder (10 and 16.4%); agoraphobia (13.9 and 17.4%); social phobia (26.9 and 32.8%); obsessive-compulsive disorder (9.5 and 12.9%); post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (6.5 and 16.4%); current generalized anxiety disorder (26.8%). Females have more frequently current and lifetime: agoraphobia (P=0.01 and P<0.001); PTSD (P<0.001); current social phobia (P=0.049). Current and lifetime eating disorders prevalence are: anorexia (0 and 1.5%); bulimia (4 and 8%); females more frequently have bulimia (P=0.02 and P<0.001). In total, 4.8% have a psychotic disorder. Adjusted odds ratios of associated variables to gender (women/men) are lifetime MDD OR=4.71 [2.1-10.61] (P<0.001) and later age of onset of cannabis abuse OR=1.1 [1.04-1.17] (P=0.002). Adjusted odds ratios associated with personal health care seeking compared to a non personal motivated health care seeking are the numbers of criteria of 12-month cannabis dependence OR=1.26 [1.06-1.51] (P=0.009) and age OR=1.07 [1.03-1.12] (P=0.002). CONCLUSION: Our survey confirms the high mood and anxiety disorders comorbidity in cannabis dependent users seen in a specific setting and underlines the need to evaluate those disorders.

Switching from tenofovir/emtricitabine and nevirapine to a tenofovir/emtricitabine/rilpivirine single-tablet regimen in virologically suppressed, HIV-1-infected subjects.

OBJECTIVES: Nevirapine is an inducer of hepatic metabolism. After discontinuation, nevirapine has an inductive effect on cytochrome P450 3A4, which persists for a few weeks and which, after switching to rilpivirine, may reduce rilpivirine exposures and have a negative clinical impact. This study evaluates the virological outcome, pharmacokinetics and safety of switching virologically suppressed, HIV-1-infected patients from nevirapine to rilpivirine. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This 24 week open-label single-centre study included HIV-1-infected adults with HIV-1 RNA <50 copies/mL for >6 months on tenofovir/emtricitabine and nevirapine, who were willing to simplify their regimen to tenofovir/emtricitabine/rilpivirine. Virological suppression, safety and nevirapine and rilpivirine pharmacokinetics were assessed. RESULTS: At weeks 12 and 24, all 32 subjects remained virologically suppressed. One subject discontinued at week 1 for rilpivirine-associated insomnia and two patients chose to resume tenofovir/emtricitabine and nevirapine after week 12 because of rilpivirine-associated food constraint. There was no grade 3/4 laboratory abnormality. Rilpivirine trough concentrations were above the mean trough concentrations observed in Phase 3 studies by 1 week post-switch. Twenty-seven out of 32 patients had no measurable levels of nevirapine by 2 weeks post-switch. The meal accompanying tenofovir/emtricitabine/rilpivirine intake satisfied food requirements in 81% of cases. Overall general satisfaction was improved in 90% of the subjects despite food constraints. CONCLUSION: Nevirapine has a short and limited inductive effect on rilpivirine metabolism, which is not clinically significant. Tenofovir/emtricitabine/rilpivirine is an efficacious and safe option for virologically suppressed HIV-infected patients on nevirapine wishing to simplify their regimen.

[Prevalence and risk factors for suicide ideation, plans and attempts in the French general population: results from the ESEMeD study]. / Idéation et conduites suicidaires en France : prévalence sur la vie et facteurs de risque dans l'étude ESEMeD.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Suicide is a public health problem worldwide. The objective of this study is to analyse the prevalence and risk factors of suicide related outcomes (ideation, plan and attempt) using data from the ESEMeD-France project. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: This is a face-to-face household survey carried out in a probability representative sample of the adult general population of France. A total of 6796 subjects were interviewed using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) developed framework of the World Mental Health Survey Initiative. Based on evidence that reports of such potentially embarrassing behaviour are higher in self-administered than interviewer-administered surveys, these questions were printed in a self-administered booklet and referred to by letter. RESULTS: Lifetime prevalence of suicide ideation, plan and attempts were 12.4, 4.4 and 3.4% respectively. Risk of suicide-related outcomes was significantly higher among women and younger cohorts. Having a mental disorder was associated with an increased risk, especially in the case of psychiatric comorbidity. Mental disorders that are associated with an increase in suicidal attempts are anxiety disorders (except social phobia), major depressive episodes, oppositional defiant disorders, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorders. The suicidal risk notably increases in conjunction with multiple mental disorders. In this study, employment and marital status do not appear to be a risk factor for suicidal behaviour. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of suicide-related outcomes is high when compared with other countries. Results identified groups with higher risk (women, young, subjects with a mental disorder and having a plan) in which suicide prevention could to be targeted. The results of this study suggest that to improve suicide prevention strategies it is necessary to perform an in-depth clinical evaluation of suicidal ideas and projects, and identify precisely psychiatric comorbidity to allow a more efficient treatment.

Persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) connected to the left atrium.

A persistent left superior vena cava draining into the left atrium was diagnosed in an adult patient, scheduled for surgical correction of a large inferiorly located sinus venosus atrial septal defect. In the majority of cases a persistent left superior vena cava is found incidentally and causes little or no symptoms. Nevertheless, anaesthesiologist should be aware of its occurrence; because of different technical difficulties and clinical problems that can be encountered. Echocardiography plays an key role in the detection of a persistent left superior vena cava.

Haemostasis monitoring during sequential aortic valve replacement and liver transplantation.

Despite advances in anaesthesiological and surgical techniques, cardiac surgery in cirrhotic patients remains hazardous. This report outlines our experience with haemostasis monitoring in two consecutive cases of sequential aortic valve replacement and liver transplantation. Clotting disturbances proved to have fatal consequences since one of these patients died following massive lung embolism. The second patient underwent successfully this combined procedure and is in good clinical state 14 months postoperatively. Evaluation and discussion of the coagulation monitoring by the Sonoclot Analyzer in both patients and related therapeutic suggestions for the prevention of thrombotic events are discussed.

Refined anaesthesia for implantation of engineered experimental aortic valves in the pulmonary artery using a right heart bypass in sheep.

The feasibility of an anaesthetic protocol developed for surgery during right heart bypass in sheep is reported. Seven female Suffolk sheep, weighing 25-35 kg, were selected for the study. Premedication consisted of midazolam and methadone (both 0.1 mg kg(-1) intravenously). Anaesthesia was induced with propofol (2-4 mg kg(-1)) and maintained with isoflurane in oxygen and continuous rate infusions of propofol (5-7 mg kg(-1 )h(-1)) and fentanyl (5 microg kg(-1) bolus, 5 microg kg(-1) h(-1)). Cisatracurium (0.2 mg kg(-1)) provided muscle relaxation. A standard roller pump was used for the extracorporeal circulation. Drugs administered to maintain blood pressure and heart rate within acceptable levels included phenylephrine (3-4 microg kg(-1)), ephedrine (0.1-0.2 mg kg(-1)), nitroglycerine (50-150 microg kg(-1) h(-1)) and metoprolol succinate (30-80 microg kg(-1)). Electrolytes were infused as needed. Postoperative analgesia was provided by an intercostal block (15 mL 0.5% bupivacaine + epinephrine), carprofen (4 mg kg(-1)) and an opioid (methadone 0.1 mg kg(-1) or buprenorphine 0.01 mg kg(-1)). One sheep became hypoxic during the bypass (PaO(2) 47.7 mmHg). Irregularities of the electrocardiogram were observed during manipulation of the heart in all animals. During the initial phase of the bypass, blood pressure decreased in all sheep, accompanied by dilatation of the heart and large intrathoracic veins in five sheep. With appropriate treatment, blood pressure was restored and easily maintained until the end of the bypass. Weaning from the bypass, using an infusion of nitrates, was smooth. One sheep required a blood transfusion because of severe blood loss and another sheep died postoperatively from respiratory complications. Minor irregularities of the electrocardiogram observed during manipulation of the heart were not life threatening and required no treatment. Decreases in blood pressure at the beginning of the bypass can be expected and require treatment. Nitrates are useful in avoiding volume overload during weaning. The anaesthetic protocol is acceptable for surgery under right heart bypass in sheep.

Central venous pressure: an old lady in new clothes?

Invasive haemodynamic monitoring plays a pivotal role in critically ill patients. In this respect, central venous pressure is one of the most often used parameters. This review aims to provide an overview of the use of central venous pressure monitoring, the advantages and shortcomings, besides pitfalls. The integration of central venous pressure monitoring into other haemodynamic monitoring is discussed.

[Prevalence and comorbidity of psychiatric disorders in the French general population]. / Prévalence et comorbidité des troubles psychiatriques dans la population générale française: résultats de l'étude épidémiologique ESEMeD/MHEDEA 2000/ (ESEMeD).

INTRODUCTION: ESEMeD is the first international epidemiological study using a random sampling method that has allowed the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in France to be measured with precision and compared directly with that observed in other European countries. OBJECTIVES: 1) To determine the 12 month and lifetime prevalence of mood -disorders, anxiety disorders and alcohol-related disorders. 2) To estimate the comorbidity between these disorders. 3) To evaluate potential demographic risk factors for these disorders. METHODS: This was a transversal survey carried out between 2001 and 2003 of non-institutionalised subjects aged 18 or over in the general population of Germany (n = 3,555), Belgium (n = 2,419), Spain (n = 5,473), France (n = 2,894), the Netherlands (n = 2,372) and Italy (n = 4,712). In France, the sampling source was a randomly generated list of telephone numbers. Subjects were interviewed at home by professional interviewers. The WMH-CIDI questionnaire was used. RESULTS: The participation rate was 46% for France and 61% for all six countries combined. The 12 month and lifetime prevalence rates observed were respectively 6.0% and 21,4% for major depressive episodes, 1.6% and 7.9% for dysthymia, 2.1% and 6.0% for the generalised -anxiety disorders, 1.2% and 3.0% for panic disorders, 0.6% and 1.8% for agoraphobia, 2.2% and 3.9% for post-traumatic stress disorder, 1.7% and 4.7% for social phobia, 4.7% and 11,6% for specific phobia, 0.5% and 4.1% for alcohol abuse and 0.3% and 1.6% for alcohol dependence. Mood disorders and anxiety disorders were significantly more frequent in women, whilst alcohol-related disorders were more frequent in men. The prevalence of all three types of disorder was lower in elderly subjects and in those living in a rural environment. Mood disorders and alcohol-related disorders were more frequent in individuals living alone and mood disorders more frequent in those without paid employment. 38% of subjects with mood disorder also presented an anxiety disorder or an alcohol-related disorder. The comorbidity of mood and anxiety disorders was more frequent in women, younger subjects and those living alone. The comorbidity rate in subjects with anxiety disorders was 26% and did not differ between genders. For alcohol-related disorders, there was a striking difference in comorbidity rate between men and women: 26% in the former and 67% in the latter. CONCLUSION: This study underlines the high prevalence of mood disorders, anxiety disorders and alcohol-related disorders in France and demonstrates a high degree of comorbidity between them. For this reason, it is important to evaluate and take into account potential comorbidity in the management of individuals with psychiatric disorders.

12-Month comorbidity patterns and associated factors in Europe: results from the European Study of the Epidemiology of Mental Disorders (ESEMeD) project.

OBJECTIVE: Comorbidity patterns of 12-month mood, anxiety and alcohol disorders and socio-demographic factors associated with comorbidity were studied among the general population of six European countries. METHOD: Data were derived from the European Study of the Epidemiology of Mental Disorders (ESEMeD), a cross-sectional psychiatric epidemiological study in a representative sample of adults aged 18 years or older in Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain. The diagnostic instrument used was the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (WMH-CIDI). Data are based on 21 425 completed interviews. RESULTS: In general, high associations were found within the separate anxiety disorders and between mood and anxiety disorders. Lowest comorbidity associations were found for specific phobia and alcohol abuse-the disorders with the least functional disabilities. Comorbidity patterns were consistent cross-nationally. Associated factors for comorbidity of mood and anxiety disorders were female gender, younger age, lower educational level, higher degree of urbanicity, not living with a partner and unemployment. Only younger people were at greater risk for comorbidity of alcohol disorder with mood, anxiety disorders or both. CONCLUSION: High levels of comorbidity are found in the general population. Comorbidity is more common in specific groups. To reduce psychiatric burden, early intervention in populations with a primary disorder is important to prevent comorbidity.

Sampling and methods of the European Study of the Epidemiology of Mental Disorders (ESEMeD) project.

OBJECTIVE: The European Study of Epidemiology of Mental Disorders (ESEMeD) project was designed to evaluate the prevalence, the impact and the treatment patterns in Europe. This paper presents an overview of the methods implemented in the project. METHOD: ESEMeD is a cross-sectional study in a representative sample of 21 425 adults, 18 or older, from the general population of Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain. The Composite International Diagnostic Interview (WMH-CIDI) was administered by home interviews from January 2001 to August 2003 using Computer Assisted Personal Interview (CAPI) technology. Data quality was controlled to ensure reliability and validity of the information obtained. RESULTS: Response rate varied from 78.6% in Spain to 45.9% in France. Less than 4% of the individuals had errors in the checking procedures performed. CONCLUSION: The sampling methodologies, comprehensive psychiatric instruments and quality control procedures used have rendered the ESEMeD database a unique and important source of information about the prevalence, the disability burden and unmet medical needs of mental disorders within Europe.

Prevalence of mental disorders in Europe: results from the European Study of the Epidemiology of Mental Disorders (ESEMeD) project.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the 12-month and lifetime prevalence rates of mood, anxiety and alcohol disorders in six European countries. METHOD: A representative random sample of non-institutionalized inhabitants from Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain aged 18 or older (n = 21425) were interviewed between January 2001 and August 2003. DSM-IV disorders were assessed by lay interviewers using a revised version of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (WMH-CIDI). RESULTS: Fourteen per cent reported a lifetime history of any mood disorder, 13.6% any anxiety disorder and 5.2% a lifetime history of any alcohol disorder. More than 6% reported any anxiety disorder, 4.2% any mood disorder, and 1.0% any alcohol disorder in the last year. Major depression and specific phobia were the most common single mental disorders. Women were twice as likely to suffer 12-month mood and anxiety disorders as men, while men were more likely to suffer alcohol abuse disorders. CONCLUSION: ESEMeD is the first study to highlight the magnitude of mental disorders in the six European countries studied. Mental disorders were frequent, more common in female, unemployed, disabled persons, or persons who were never married or previously married. Younger persons were also more likely to have mental disorders, indicating an early age of onset for mood, anxiety and alcohol disorders.

Disability and quality of life impact of mental disorders in Europe: results from the European Study of the Epidemiology of Mental Disorders (ESEMeD) project.

OBJECTIVE: This manuscript examines the impact of mental health state and specific mental and physical disorders on work role disability and quality of life in six European countries. METHOD: The ESEMeD study was conducted in: Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain. Individuals aged 18 years and over who were not institutionalized were eligible for an in-home computer-assisted interview. Common mental disorders, work loss days (WLD) in the past month and quality of life (QoL) were assessed, using the WMH-2000 version of the CIDI, the WHODAS-II, and the mental and physical component scores (MCS, PCS) of the 12-item short form, respectively. The presence of five chronic physical disorders: arthritis, heart disease, lung disease, diabetes and neurological disease was also assessed. Multivariate regression techniques were used to identify the independent association of mental and physical disorders while controlling for gender, age and country. RESULTS: In each country, WLD and loss of QoL increased with the number of disorders. Most mental disorders had approximately 1.0 SD-unit lower mean MCS and lost three to four times more work days, compared with people without any 12-month mental disorder. The 10 disorders with the highest independent impact on WLD were: neurological disease, panic disorder, PTSD, major depressive episode, dysthymia, specific phobia, social phobia, arthritis, agoraphobia and heart disease. The impact of mental vs. physical disorders on QoL was specific, with mental disorders impacting more on MCS and physical disorders more on PCS. Compared to physical disorders, mental disorders had generally stronger 'cross-domain' effects. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that mental disorders are important determinants of work role disability and quality of life, often outnumbering the impact of common chronic physical disorders.

Use of mental health services in Europe: results from the European Study of the Epidemiology of Mental Disorders (ESEMeD) project.

OBJECTIVE: Comprehensive information about access and patterns of use of mental health services in Europe is lacking. We present the first results of the use of health services for mental disorders in six European countries as part of the ESEMeD project. METHOD: The study was conducted in: Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain. Individuals aged 18 years and over who were not institutionalized were eligible for an computer-assisted interview done at home. The 21 425 participants were asked to report how frequently they consulted formal health services due to their emotions or mental health, the type of professional they consulted and the treatment they received as a result of their consultation in the previous year. RESULTS: An average of 6.4% of the total sample had consulted formal health services in the previous 12 months. Of the participants with a 12-month mental disorder, 25.7% had consulted a formal health service during that period. This proportion was higher for individuals with a mood disorder (36.5%, 95% CI 32.5-40.5) than for those with anxiety disorders (26.1%, 95% CI 23.1-29.1). Among individuals with a 12-month mental disorder who had contacted the health services 12 months previously, approximately two-thirds had contacted a mental health professional. Among those with a 12-month mental disorder consulting formal health services, 21.2% received no treatment. CONCLUSION: The ESEMeD results suggest that the use of health services is limited among individuals with mental disorders in the European countries studied. The factors associated with this limited access and their implications deserve further research.

Psychotropic drug utilization in Europe: results from the European Study of the Epidemiology of Mental Disorders (ESEMeD) project.

OBJECTIVE: To assess psychotropic drug utilization in the general population of six European countries, and the pattern of use in individuals with different DSM-IV diagnoses of 12-month mental disorders. METHOD: Data were derived from the European Study of the Epidemiology of Mental Disorders (ESEMeD/MHEDEA 2000), a cross-sectional psychiatric epidemiological study in a representative sample of 21 425 adults aged 18 or older from six European countries (e.g. Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain). Individuals were asked about any psychotropic drug use in the past 12 months, even if they used the drug(s) just once. A colour booklet containing high-quality pictures of psychotropic drugs commonly used to treat mental disorders was provided to help respondents recall drug use. RESULTS: Psychotropic drug utilization is generally low in individuals with any 12-month mental disorder (32.6%). The extent of psychotropic drug utilization varied according to the specific DSM-IV diagnosis. Among individuals with a 12-month diagnosis of pure major depression, only 21.2% had received any antidepressants within the same period; the exclusive use of antidepressants was even lower (4.6%), while more individuals took only anxiolytics (18.4%). CONCLUSION: These data question the appropriateness of current pharmacological treatments, particularly for major depression, in which under-treatment is coupled with the high use of non-specific medications, such as anxiolytics.