Addiction and Sleep Disorders.

Shared neurophysiology of addiction and sleep disorders results in a bidirectional interplay. Diagnosing and treating primary sleep disorders, particularly in adolescents, can prevent the development of addiction in susceptible individuals. Addressing sleep issues in early recovery, and throughout maintenance, can prevent relapse. Cannabis use for insomnia shows mixed results; assisting with onset sleep latency in early use, this subsides with chronic use and holds addiction risk. Insomnia is a primary complaint of cannabis withdrawal syndrome and a primary cause of relapse in cannabis use disorder. An ideal sleep aid would prevent relapse and have low abuse potential. Pharmaceutical and behavioral options include suvorexant, mirtazapine, trazodone, and aerobic exercise, but clinical trials are lacking to demonstrate efficacy.

The role of ECT in posttraumatic stress disorder: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with a high burden of disability and mortality and frequently is treatment resistant. There is little to offer patients who are not responding to standard interventions. Thus, the objective of this report is to systematically review human data on whether electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is effective in PTSD. METHODS: We performed a systematic literature review from 1958 through August 2016 for clinical studies and case reports published in English examining the efficacy of ECT in improving PTSD symptoms. RESULTS: The literature search generated 3 retrospective studies, 1 prospective uncontrolled clinical trial, and 5 case reports. It is not clear, given the small sample size and lack of a large randomized trial, whether favorable outcomes were attributed to improvement in depression (as opposed to core PTSD symptoms). CONCLUSIONS: Current efficacy data do not separate conclusively the effects of ECT on PTSD symptoms from those on depression. Randomized controlled trials are necessary to examine the use of ECT in medication-refractory PTSD patients with and without comorbid depression. Subsequent studies may address response in PTSD subtypes, and the use of novel techniques, such as memory reactivation, before ECT.

Adverse childhood experiences and blood pressure trajectories from childhood to young adulthood: the Georgia stress and Heart study.

BACKGROUND: The purposes of this study were to assess the long-term effect of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on blood pressure (BP) trajectories from childhood to young adulthood and to examine whether this relation is explained by childhood socioeconomic status (SES) or risk behaviors that are associated with ACEs. METHODS AND RESULTS: Systolic and diastolic BPs were measured up to 16 times (13 times on average) over a 23-year period in 213 African Americans and 181 European Americans 5 to 38 years of age. Retrospective data on traumatic experiences before 18 years of age were collected, including abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction. Individual growth curve modeling within a multilevel framework was used to examine the relation between exposure to ACEs and BP development. No main effect of ACEs on average BP levels was found. However, a significant interaction of ACE score with age(3) was observed (systolic BP, P=0.033; diastolic BP, P=0.017). Subjects who experienced multiple traumatic events during childhood showed a faster rise in BP levels after 30 years of age than those without ACEs. As expected, a graded association of ACEs with childhood socioeconomic status and negative health behaviors was observed (P<0.001). The ACE-systolic BP relation was not explained by these factors, whereas the ACE-diastolic BP relation was partially mediated by illicit drug use. CONCLUSION: In this novel longitudinal study, we observed that participants who were exposed to multiple ACEs displayed a greater increase in BP levels in young adulthood compared with their counterparts without ACEs.

Flatliner Notes: Troubleshooting a Faulty EEG Recording or a Case of Preictal Suppression?

Modern electroconvulsive therapy devices are largely trouble free but will periodically malfunction. We present a systematic approach to correction of a failure in the electroencephalogram recording capability of our Thymatron System IV machine.

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for the Treatment of Major Depression in a Patient With an Intracranial Space-Occupying Lesion: A Case Report of Safety.

This is the first case report of the safety of therapeutic repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in a patient with an intracranial space-occupying lesion who had recurrent major depression. In this case, the intracranial space-occupying lesion was a mixed cystic and solid enhancing pineal region mass measuring approximately 16.9 × 12.2 × 15.5 mm. The patient remitted from depression with 36 sessions of dorsolateral prefrontal cortex rTMS treatments over a 6-week period. During the rTMS treatment course, patient's medication list included bupropion that potentially can increase the risk for a seizure and topiramate that potentially can reduce the risk for seizure associated with the treatment. The patient tolerated the rTMS treatment well, reporting only transient headache and discomfort at the site of stimulation after the treatment. She tolerated the procedure well and had no incidental seizure activity throughout her treatment sessions.

Charting the Course of Electroconvulsive Therapy: Where Have We Been and Where Are We Headed?

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is one of the oldest and best treatments for severe mental illness. A safe and highly effective option for treatment-resistant mood disorders, ECT can be a lifesaving treatment for people suffering from catatonia and acute suicidality. Less recognized are the benefits of ECT in the treatment of primary psychotic disorders, Parkinson's disease, and status epilepticus. Evidence from multisite clinical trials in the past decade shows an evolving standard for the delivery of ECT to achieve and maintain remission and quality of life. Today, the optimal practice of ECT is defined by evidence-based treatment planning, including patient selection, choice of electrode placement and stimulus parameters, augmentation with pharmacotherapy, and the use of continuation/maintenance treatment. Research into biomarkers and neuroplasticity related to ECT response, as well as new investigational methods of delivering ECT, provide a glimpse into the future of this time-tested treatment. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 54 (12), 39-43.].

Current Concepts in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Sleep Disorders in the Elderly.

Sleep disorders are a pervasive problem throughout all patient populations but represent an especially important health problem for the elderly. Alterations in sleep architecture that occur as a part of normal aging will contribute to sleep problems as we grow older. Other contributing factors-including comorbid medical conditions, changes in lifestyle and schedule, altered circadian rhythm, among a host of others-can have detrimental effects on the health of the elderly. Coupled with a number of sleep disorders that either emerge or exacerbate with age, the effects of poor sleep often result in an overall worsening of quality of life. Treatment options can be unique in this population and often more difficult due to the effects of normal aging, as well as polypharmacy and possible medication interactions. The following article will focus on the common sleep disorders that can besiege this population, symptoms to aid in diagnosis, and specific treatment options to help improve quality of life in the elderly.

Age-related effects on circadian phase in the sleep of patients with depression and insomnia.

We examined whether an age-related phase advance was present in 60 patients with depression and insomnia (mean age 41.5 [12.5] years) using diaries and 5 weekdays of actigraphy. Actigraphy was analyzed with functional data analysis. The low point of activity (bathyphase) for each subject was fitted by cosine function with 24-hr cycle time. Linear regression analysis revealed that increasing age was associated with earlier bedtimes (p < 0.001), shorter sleep latencies (p < 0.05), and earlier bathyphase (p < 0.001). These findings are consistent with prior reports of age-dependent phase-advances in sleep behavior in self-reported good sleepers and reinforce the premise that individualized behavioral therapy of older persons with insomnia may require prescription of earlier bedtimes and earlier rise times than would be employed in younger persons with insomnia. Further, we demonstrate that aging of the sleep system, at least as reflected in actigraphy, occurs as early as the third decade.

Electroconvulsive Therapy Malpractice: Verdict for the Defense.

OBJECTIVES: Malpractice cases involving electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) are rare. Even rarer are those malpractice cases alleging ECT-related brain damage. The few cases of ECT malpractice lawsuits are not described in the medical literature in detail. METHODS: We provide a detailed account of a case of a patient and subsequent alleged ECT-related malpractice. The details of the case were collated using the handwritten notes of one of the authors who was present at the trial and the pretrial documents of discovery that were entered into evidence. RESULTS: The plaintiff alleged complete autobiographical amnesia after ECT, supposedly as a result of ECT-related brain damage. The defense was aided by the presence of extensive neurological examination and brain imaging both before and after ECT. The defense team also offered to the jury the concept of "dissociative amnesia" as an alternative explanation for the plaintiff's memory complaints. The case went to trial and was successfully defended. DISCUSSION: Electroconvulsive therapy malpractice cases alleging brain damage can be successfully defended, and the successful defense is aided by adequate documentation before, during, and after ECT. CONCLUSIONS: Malpractice cases, especially if they are baseless, can occur unpredictably, but they can be defended if the medical documentation is thorough.

The Practice of Electroconvulsive Therapy in US Correctional Facilities: A Nationwide Survey.

OBJECTIVES: There are little data regarding the practice of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in correctional settings in the United States. A survey was conducted to study the current practice of ECT in US prisons. We hypothesize that ECT is underutilized in the correctional setting. We also review the ethical aspects of using ECT for the treatment of mental illness in the prison population. METHODS: A 12-question survey via a Survey Monkey link was emailed to chiefs of psychiatry, or the equivalent, of each state's department of corrections. We examined the frequency of Likert-type responses, tabulated individual comments for qualitative review, and grouped for comparison. RESULTS: Email contacts for chiefs of psychiatry, or the equivalent, for the department of corrections in 45 states (90%) were obtained and a survey link was sent. Thirty-one (68.9%) of 45 responded to the survey. Respondent estimates of the number of inmates with mental illness in 31 prison systems varied from less than 500 to more than 4500. Of these 31, 12 (38.7%) had more than 4500 inmates with mental illness. Four systems reported the use of ECT within the last 5 years. Of those, one reported use in the last 1 to 6 months, and 3 reported use in the last 2 to 5 years. Of these 4 prison systems, all felt that they had up to 10 patients who would benefit if ECT continued to be offered or became available in the future. None of these systems provided ECT within the prison. The inmates were referred to a local state psychiatric facility, a university hospital, or other institutions. The reasons for not using ECT as reported by the respondents are grouped under subheadings of stigma, ethical concerns, logistical concerns, and others. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the high prevalence of mental illness in prisons, one might expect a high prevalence of ECT responsive mental illness and, hence, provision of ECT to some prisoners with mental illness. However, our survey suggests that the use of ECT in prisons in the United States is low. Stigma, ethical concerns, and logistical concerns were the main hindrances for providing ECT to prisoners with mental illness. Given that ECT is the standard of care in certain clinical scenarios, physicians are obligated to offer such treatment to inmates when necessary. It can be argued that failure of the prison to offer the standard of care is unethical and unconstitutional.

Cognitive impairment in rapid-onset dystonia-parkinsonism.

Rapid-onset dystonia-parkinsonism (RDP) is caused by mutations in the ATP1A3 gene. This observational study sought to determine if cognitive performance is decreased in patients with RDP compared with mutation-negative controls. We studied 22 familial RDP patients, 3 non-motor-manifesting mutation-positive family members, 29 mutation-negative family member controls in 9 families, and 4 unrelated RDP patients, totaling 58 individuals. We administered a movement disorder assessment, including the Burke-Fahn-Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale (BFMDRS) and the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) and a cognitive battery of memory and learning, psychomotor speed, attention, and executive function. The cognitive battery was designed to evaluate a wide range of functions; recognition memory instruments were selected to be relatively pure measures of delayed memory, devoid of significant motor or vocal production limitations. Comparisons of standardized cognitive scores were assessed both with and without controlling for psychomotor speed and similarly for severity of depressive symptoms. A majority of RDP patients had onset of motor symptoms by age 25 and had initial symptom presentation in the upper body (face, mouth, or arm). Among patients, the BFMDRS (mean ± SD, 52.1 ± 29.5) and UPDRS motor subscore (29.8 ± 12.7) confirmed dystonia-parkinsonism. The affected RDP patients performed more poorly, on average, than mutation-negative controls for all memory and learning, psychomotor speed, attention, and executive function scores (all P ≤ 0.01). These differences persisted after controlling for psychomotor speed and severity of depressive symptoms. Impaired cognitive function may be a manifestation of ATP1A3 mutation and RDP.

Relapse prevention after index electroconvulsive therapy in treatment-resistant depression.

BACKGROUND: One-third of patients who suffer from depression are resistant to conventional treatments. An acute course of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) can lead to remission of depressive symptoms in a substantial portion of the treatment-resistant patients. However, prevention of relapse with depressive symptoms after the index course of ECT can be challenging. We review pertinent studies on the topic and analyze the best strategies to avoid relapse and recurrence of depressive symptoms. METHODS: We performed a systematic literature review of PubMed through April 2014 for clinical trials published in English to determine if continuation ECT (C-ECT), continuation medication, continuation psychotherapy, or combinations of these are the best strategy to avoid relapse and recurrence of depressive symptoms after an acute course of ECT. Clinical trials comparing ≥2 of the above strategies were included in the review. RESULTS: Although there are few rigorous randomized clinical trials in this area, most studies suggest that combined C-ECT and continuation pharmacotherapy are the most effective strategy in relapse prevention. CONCLUSIONS: C-ECT and continuation pharmacotherapy may be more effective than either alone for preventing relapse. However, more definitive randomized clinical trials are needed.

The role of ECT in suicide prevention.

Suicide is a leading cause of death among psychiatric patients, and a leading cause of death from all causes in people younger than 30 years. The rapid relief of severe depression, mania, and psychosis by electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is accompanied by the rapid reduction in suicide drive. Electroconvulsive therapy use is, however, inhibited by fear of electricity, unreasoned prejudice, legislative restrictions, and the limited availability of trained professionals and adequate facilities. This review assesses the experience with ECT in persons with suicide risk and recommends the consideration of ECT in treatment algorithms to reduce suicide rates.

Searching for the mechanism(s) of ECT's therapeutic effect.

The exact therapeutic mechanism of action of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) remains unresolved. Numerous psychological theories from decades ago have been proven untrue. In the ensuing years, ECT has been proven to have numerous reproducible effects on brain chemistry, regional brain activity, electroencephalographic sleep stages, and neurogenesis. Clinically, ECT has been shown to have antidepressant, antipsychotic, antimanic, antiparkinsonian, and anticonvulsive effects. It is possible that different biological effects of ECT are responsible for different clinical effects or that several biological effects in concert work together to produce a given clinical effect. This paper comments on the array of possible mechanisms and points toward the future of mechanistic research in ECT.

Associations between sleep disturbance and suicidal ideation in adolescents admitted to an inpatient psychiatric unit.

The goals of our study were to: 1) describe the incidence of disturbances in sleep quality, sleep hygiene, sleep-related cognitions and nightmares; and 2) investigate the association between these sleep-related disturbances and suicidal ideation (SI), in adolescents admitted to a psychiatric inpatient unit. Our sample consisted of 50 adolescents between the ages of 12 and 17 years (32 females and 18 males; 41 Caucasian and nine African American). Our cross-sectional design involved the administration of the Adolescent Sleep Wake Scale (ASWS), the Adolescent Sleep Hygiene Scale (ASHS), the Dysfunctional Beliefs and Attitudes about Sleep-Short version for use with children (DBAS-C10), the Disturbing Dreams and Nightmare Scale (DDNSI), and the Suicidal Ideation Questionnaire Jr (SIQ-JR). Analyses were conducted using Pearson correlations, as well as univariate and multivariate regression. Results indicated that our sample experienced sleep disturbances and SI to a greater degree than non-clinical samples. Sleep quality was correlated with nightmares, while sleep quality and nightmares were each correlated with SI. Sleep quality, dysfunctional beliefs, and nightmares each independently predicted SI. Our study was the first to use the four sleep measures with an adolescent psychiatric inpatient sample. It is important to develop sleep-related assessment tools in high-risk populations given the link between sleep disturbances and suicidality. Furthermore, a better understanding of the relationships between SI and sleep quality, sleep-related cognitions, and nightmares is needed to develop potential prevention and treatment options for suicidality in adolescents.

US Medical Licensing Exam scores and performance on the Psychiatry Resident In-Training Examination.

OBJECTIVE: This study explores relationships between US Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) and Psychiatry Resident In-Training Examination (PRITE) scores over a 10-year period at a university-affiliated program. METHODS: For all MD general psychiatry residents who matriculated from 2003 to 2012 (n = 51), we extracted three-digit first-attempt and passing USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 clinical knowledge (CK) scores and PRITE percentile scores, stratified by global psychiatry and neurology scores, for postgraduate year (PGY)-1, 2, 3, and 4. A mixed model repeated measures analysis was performed to assess the association between USMLE and PRITE scores, adjusting for age, sex, and US medical graduate versus IMG status. Multiple linear regression models of USMLE and PGY-1 PRITE scores were also constructed. RESULTS: USMLE Steps 1 and 2 CK scores were significant predictors of PRITE psychiatry and neurology scores, both in PGY-1 as well as across all years of training (p < 0.01 for each). CONCLUSION: Given that PRITE scores are a significant predictor of success on the ABPN written examination, USMLE scores may be an important quantitative predictor of performance during residency.

The link between suicide and insomnia: theoretical mechanisms.

Insomnia has been established as a risk factor for depression and mental illness for decades, but a growing body of evidence has recently exposed insomnia to be an independent risk factor for suicide that encompasses all age ranges. This discovery has invigorated investigation to elucidate the relationship between insomnia and suicide, and over 20 studies reinforcing this association in adults have been published since 2010 alone. This article analyzes relevant research and emphasizes studies published within the last three years with the intent of proposing theoretical mechanisms explaining the link between suicide and insomnia. These mechanisms may then be used as targets for future investigation of treatment.

Pharmacological strategies in the prevention of relapse after electroconvulsive therapy.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether starting antidepressant medication at the start of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) reduces post-ECT relapse and to determine whether continuation pharmacotherapy with nortriptyline (NT) and lithium (Li) differs in efficacy or adverse effects from continuation pharmacotherapy with venlafaxine (VEN) and Li. METHODS: During an acute ECT phase, 319 patients were randomized to treatment with moderate dosage bilateral ECT or high-dosage right unilateral ECT. They were also randomized to concurrent treatment with placebo, NT, or VEN. Of 181 patients to meet post-ECT remission criteria, 122 (67.4%) participated in a second continuation pharmacotherapy phase. Patients earlier randomized to NT or VEN continued on the antidepressant, whereas patients earlier randomized to placebo were now randomized to NT or VEN. Lithium was added for all patients who were followed until relapse or 6 months. RESULTS: Starting an antidepressant medication at the beginning of the ECT course did not affect the rate or timing of relapse relative to starting pharmacotherapy after ECT completion. The combination of NT and Li did not differ from VEN and Li in any relapse or adverse effect measure. Older age was strongly associated with lower relapse risk, whereas the type of ECT administered in the acute phase and medication resistance were not predictive. Across sites, 50% of the patients relapsed, 33.6% continued in remission 6 months after ECT, and 16.4% dropped out. CONCLUSIONS: Starting an antidepressant medication during ECT does not affect relapse, and there are concerns about administering Li during an acute ECT course. Nortriptyline and VEN were equally effective in prolonging remission, although relapse rates after ECT are substantial despite intensive pharmacology. As opposed to the usual abrupt cessation of ECT, the impact of an ECT taper should be evaluated.

Sleep disturbances in psoriasis.

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis negatively impacts sleep, but the factors that cause this sleep disturbance are not well characterized. PURPOSE: To assess sleep quality in subjects with psoriasis. METHODS: 35 outpatients diagnosed with chronic plaque psoriasis affecting at least 10 percent BSA and 44 controls completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Patient Health Questionnaire, Itch Severity Scale, Insomnia Severity Index, and Epworth Sleepiness Scale. For multiple testing, alpha was set at 0.008. RESULTS: Adjusting for age, BMI, and gender, patients with psoriasis had 4.3 times the odds to score in a higher insomnia category (OR 95% CI: 1.7, 11.2; p=0.01), a trend toward experiencing "poor sleep" (p=0.04), and no difference in odds to be "sleepy" (p=0.83). Patients with psoriasis had greater itch than those without psoriasis (mean ISS 8.5 vs. 2.0; p<0.0001). When adjusting for age, BMI, gender, and depression, those with psoriasis were not more likely to experience poor sleep quality (p=0.25), nor to score in a higher insomnia category (p=0.20) or be more "sleepy" (p=0.53). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with psoriasis suffer from sleep disturbances and pruritus more than those without psoriasis. Although sleep disturbances are more prevalent, this may be secondary to depression rather than related to a direct effect of psoriasis.