Educating the next generation of psychiatrists in the use of clinical neuromodulation therapies: what should all psychiatry residents know?

A variety of neuromodulation treatments are available today and more are on the way, but are tomorrow's psychiatrists prepared to incorporate these tools into their patients' care plans? This article addresses the need for training in clinical neuromodulation for general psychiatry trainees. To ensure patient access to neuromodulation treatments, we believe that general psychiatrists should receive adequate education in a spectrum of neuromodulation modalities to identify potential candidates and integrate neuromodulation into their multidisciplinary care plans. We propose curricular development across the four FDA-cleared modalities currently available in psychiatric practice: electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), deep brain stimulation (DBS), and vagus nerve stimulation (VNS). With a focus on psychiatry residency training, the article delineates core learning components for each neuromodulation technique. For each modality, we review the clinical training status, the respective FDA-cleared indications, mechanisms of action, clinical indications and contraindications, adverse effects, informed consent process, dosing considerations, and clinical management guidelines. The approach outlined in this article aims to contribute to the development of a well-rounded generation of psychiatry trainees with the capacity to navigate the growing field of neuromodulation. Whether or not a psychiatrist specializes in delivering neuromodulation therapies themselves, it is incumbent on all psychiatrists to be able to identify patients who should be referred to neuromodulation therapies, and to provide comprehensive patient care before, during and after clinical neuromodulation interventions to optimize outcomes and prevent relapse.

Antenatal Psychiatric Hospitalization: Factors Associated With Newborns' Custody Under Child Protective Services (CPS).

BACKGROUND: Psychiatric illness during pregnancy is associated with adverse obstetric outcomes, but investigations into its impact on parenting capacity are limited. Child Protective Services (CPS) contact disproportionately impacts families marginalized by poverty, mental health disorders, and substance use disorders. Recently, there have been investigations into the significance of psychiatric illness and nonmental health-related factors that predict CPS custody arrangements. OBJECTIVE: To identify clinical factors associated with newborns' custody under CPS for mothers with antenatal psychiatric hospitalization. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of electronic medical records over a 10-year period (2012-2021) for patients who were pregnant during their inpatient psychiatric hospitalizations. We followed 81 patients (18 to 43 years old) who delivered within the hospital. The study endpoint was whether the newborn was placed under CPS custody. For the purposes of this study, psychiatric illness was categorized by the presence or absence of psychotic symptoms. We utilized logistic regressions to investigate the associations of these demographic and clinical factors with the study outcome of CPS custody. RESULTS: For the entire study population, 64.2% of newborns had CPS custody arrangements. In multivariate analysis, after adjusting for potential confounders, patients with psychotic symptoms were at increased odds of having CPS custody arrangements (odds ratio = 8.43; 95% confidence interval 2.16-32.85) compared with patients without psychotic symptoms. Furthermore, multivariate analyses revealed that patients with a history of homelessness also had a higher risk (odds ratio = 6.59; 95% confidence interval: 1.24-35.13) of CPS custody arrangements for their newborns than those without a history of homelessness. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that among pregnant and psychiatrically hospitalized patients, those with psychotic symptoms are significantly more likely to have CPS custody arrangements compared to those without psychotic symptoms. However, it is important to note that psychotic symptoms were not definitive for the inability to parent appropriately. In fact, nearly 25% of the study population who had psychotic symptoms were able to successfully transition home with their newborns as mothers. This emphasizes the importance of optimizing the management of psychotic symptoms, particularly among those who have children or plan to have children. The findings of this study also highlight the chronic impacts that those who have struggled with homelessness may experience, including parenting capacity after homelessness resolves.

Suspected geriatric onset of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in a patient with comorbid bipolar disorder.

BACKGROUND: An increasing number of adults over 60 years old are presenting with requests for treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, the prevalence of ADHD in older adults in geriatrics is unknown. Further, comorbid bipolar disorder and adult ADHD are likely underrecognized with many patients only receiving treatment for one of these conditions. The occurrence of bipolar disorder with geriatric onset ADHD is unknown. CASE PRESENTATION: A 64-year-old Hispanic woman with a psychiatric history of bipolar I disorder (diagnosed in early adulthood) was diagnosed with ADHD suspected of geriatric onset, and able to be successfully managed on concurrent mood stabilizers and psychostimulant medication. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this case report emphasize the importance of appropriately recognizing and treating comorbid ADHD and bipolar disorder in any age group, including the geriatric population for which this occurrence appears to be very rare. Additionally, this case report demonstrates the safe utilization of psychostimulant medications in a geriatric patient with bipolar disorder without inducing a manic episode or other significant adverse reactions.

Challenges of treating catatonia in the community setting without access to electroconvulsive therapy.

Catatonia is a psychomotor syndrome resulting from an underlying psychiatric or medical disorder commonly observed in inpatient psychiatric units. While benzodiazepines and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) are effective treatment options, the unavailability of ECT in many community psychiatric hospitals in the United States negatively affects patient outcomes. We present a 25-year-old African American male with a psychiatric diagnosis of schizophrenia complicated by malignant catatonia who was admitted to a community psychiatric hospital. He required intensive medical stabilization with supportive management, and transfer requests to ECT-equipped hospitals were initiated. While awaiting transfer for 148 days, the patient's symptoms did not fully remit with lorazepam (even with 36 mg daily in divided doses) and other psychotropic medication trials, including antipsychotics and mood stabilizers. After nearly 5 months of inpatient stay, he was successfully transferred, received ECT treatment, and experienced rapid resolution of catatonia. After discharge, to obtain three monthly sessions of maintenance ECT, he had 5-h one-way ground transportation arranged to an out-of-county ECT-equipped facility. There was no relapse in catatonia by the 2-year follow-up. This report highlights a significant healthcare disparity when attempting to manage severe catatonia within community hospital settings without access to ECT in the United States. Alternative treatments, including antipsychotics, had minimal impact on symptoms and possibly increased morbidity in this case while awaiting ECT. Treatment at our designated safety net hospital still required referral to 14 ECT-equipped hospitals before successful transfer. This case highlights the urgent need for ECT availability in more community hospitals to treat patients with refractory psychiatric conditions, including catatonia. ECT is an essential psychiatric treatment that, for certain conditions, has no appropriate alternatives. We propose that access to ECT be considered in the determination of safety net hospital systems, with improved ability to transfer patients who are suffering from treatable life-threatening mental health conditions.

Challenges of Treating Catatonia without Access to Electroconvulsive Therapy Catatonia is a complex psychiatric condition characterized by abnormal movements, behaviors, and withdrawal from regular activities. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and benzodiazepines are first-line treatments for catatonia. However, ECT is not widely available, particularly in community mental health centers. We present a case of benzodiazepine-resistant catatonia that was initially treated at a community hospital that did not have access to ECT. We made a substantial number of referrals to ECT-equipped hospitals to transfer the patient; however, he was not able to be transferred until hospital day 148. The patient received ECT and experienced rapid resolution of symptoms. This report highlights a significant healthcare disparity when attempting to manage catatonia within community hospital settings without access to ECT in the United States. ECT is an essential psychiatric treatment that, for certain conditions, has no appropriate alternatives. We propose that access to ECT be considered in the determination of safety net hospital systems, with improved ability to transfer patients who are suffering from treatable life-threatening mental health conditions.

Pathophysiology and management of risperidone-induced sialorrhea: case report.

Background: Among antipsychotics, sialorrhea is most associated with clozapine, and when it occurs, it is uncomfortable, socially stigmatizing, and can contribute to medication non-adherence. Risperidone has a generally negligible muscarinic activity compared to clozapine, and yet, multiple reports of severe sialorrhea associated with risperidone have been reported. Case presentation: This case report describes risperidone-induced sialorrhea that was unintentionally masked by simultaneous clonidine administration that was intended to treat hypertension. Interestingly, sialorrhea was present but mild when clonidine was present; however, when risperidone was further titrated and clonidine removed, a significant worsening of sialorrhea developed. Sialorrhea did not respond to treatment with anticholinergic medication. Conclusion: The pathophysiology of antipsychotic-induced sialorrhea is complex and varies between antipsychotics. Risperidone-induced sialorrhea is suspected of having prominent adrenergic pathophysiology that is likely composed of highly viscoelastic saliva (high protein content), differing from the more commonly encountered clozapine-induced sialorrhea. Risperidone-induced sialorrhea is reported as more likely to respond to dose reduction and treatment with α2-adrenergic receptor agonists or ß-adrenergic receptor antagonists and less likely to respond to anticholinergic (antimuscarinic) medications.

Worsening psychosis associated with administrations of buspirone and concerns for intranasal administration: A case report.

Buspirone is commonly used to treat generalized anxiety disorder and demonstrates a limited side-effect profile compared to other anxiolytics. Buspirone is considered generally safe, and neuropsychiatric adverse reactions are uncommon. There are rare clinical case reports that suggest buspirone-induced psychosis. We present a case of buspirone worsening psychosis for a patient psychiatrically hospitalized for an episode of decompensated schizoaffective disorder. The patient had a primary diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder and was treated with antipsychotics during this hospitalization, but his symptoms worsened when buspirone was administered on two separate occasions. During the first trial of buspirone, the patient exhibited traits of increased aggression, odd behaviors, and paranoia. The buspirone was discontinued after the patient admitted to hiding his pills to later consume through nasal ingestion. The second trial resulted in repeated exacerbated symptoms of paranoia related to food and substantially decreased oral intake. Considering its complex mechanism of action, buspirone is suggested to derive its neuropharmacological effects through 5-HT1A receptors. However, the drug also has been found to mediate dopamine neurotransmission. Buspirone acts as an antagonist at presynaptic dopamine D2, D3, and D4 receptors. Yet, contrary to expected outcomes, it was unable to produce antipsychotic effects and instead resulted in a substantial increase in dopaminergic metabolites. The route of administration may also play a role in the enhancement of the buspirone's effects, particularly considering that after first-pass metabolism, buspirone has approximately 4% oral bioavailability. Intranasal administration of buspirone leads to faster drug absorption by direct transport from the nasal mucosa to the brain and increased bioavailability.

A Case of Disseminated Histoplasmosis From California, in the Setting of Secondary Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis: A Diagnostic Challenge.

Histoplasma capsulatum is a geographically specific dimorphic fungus that can cause a spectrum of diseases. While most cases are asymptomatic pulmonary infections, in severe cases, particularly in immunocompromised patients, disseminated disease can occur. Histoplasmosis in California is limited to only a few case reports. In this article, we describe a rare case of disseminated histoplasmosis in a non-endemic region presenting with diagnostically challenging symptomatology, including altered mental status, status epilepticus, septic shock, and bilateral adrenal masses.

Presence of kratom in opioid overdose deaths: findings from coroner postmortem toxicological report.

Background: Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) use in the United States is becoming increasingly popular and its legal status varies widely from state to state. Multiple reports of adverse events associated with kratom use have ranged from liver injury, seizures, psychiatric disturbance, and rarely death. Methods: This study investigated coroner autopsy reports from Kern County in California for the year 2020 which included qualitative data on substances from blood toxicological reports. Of the 214 opioid-associated accidental overdoses reported, 4 subjects (1.9%) had mitragynine (kratom) exposure on the autopsy report and were included in the study. We reported available demographic information and comorbid substance findings from the associated autopsy reports. Results: All 4 individuals with mitragynine (kratom) toxicology had accidental opioid overdose deaths noted in autopsy reports. Each subject also had toxicology positive for at least one other substance. Fentanyl was found in 3 (75%) of the cases and suspected to be the primary contributor to opioid-related deaths in those cases. However, one fatality was without fentanyl, but instead had tested positive for benzodiazepines, cannabis, and other psychiatric medications. Discussion: The findings of this brief report provide insight into the role that mitragynine (kratom) may have in modulating risk of opioid-related deaths. The combined use of kratom with opioids such as fentanyl appears most likely to increase the risk of a fatal overdose, but it may also occur with other medications such as benzodiazepines and psychiatric medications. It is a serious concern that in the midst of the opioid overdose epidemic there is a growing presence of kratom use in the U.S. population with a largely unregulated status.

Lubiprostone for the Treatment of Clozapine-Induced Constipation: A Case Series.

Clozapine-induced constipation is an increasingly recognized adverse reaction that frequently impairs optimal management of treatment-resistant schizophrenia. The Food and Drug Administration recently strengthened an existing warning for clozapine, citing constipation as an adverse effect that can progress to serious bowel complications. Evidence-based guidelines for laxatives in the management of clozapine-induced constipation remain scarce, and there is a general need for improved algorithms in the management of this common condition. Lubiprostone is a relatively new laxative that has labeled indications for opioid-induced constipation, irritable bowel syndrome with constipation, and chronic idiopathic constipation. This case series describes clinical pearls associated with four cases of treatment-resistant schizophrenia who underwent treatment of clozapine-induced constipation with lubiprostone. The findings of this case series suggest that there may be significant therapeutic potential in the utilization of lubiprostone for the management of clozapine-induced constipation with a low risk of adverse reactions. The study of lubiprostone benefit (i.e., without coadministration of other laxatives) continues to be of prominent interest in understanding its ability to manage clozapine-induced constipation.

The pathophysiology of rapid fluctuations in mental status associated with olanzapine: A case report.

Background: Olanzapine toxicity is reported to be a rare but specific phenomenon characterized by rapid fluctuations between somnolence and agitation, which has been referred to as "agitation despite sedation." A similar phenomenon is observed as an adverse reaction of the long-acting injectable olanzapine formulation, which has been referred to as "delirium/sedation syndrome." Case presentation: This case report describes a 48-year-old man diagnosed with schizophrenia who experienced rapid fluctuations between somnolence and agitation during a cross-titration of olanzapine to clozapine. The patient had normal serum levels of both medications and the symptoms resolved with the discontinuation of olanzapine. Conclusion: Rapid fluctuations in mental status between somnolence and agitation are not clearly described among other antipsychotics, and it is possible that this phenomenon may be specific to olanzapine. The findings of this case report suggested that this phenomenon was likely the result of the oversaturation of (H1) and (M1) receptors.

Postinfectious COVID-19 Catatonia: A Report of Two Cases.

Neuropsychiatric symptoms are a common complication of COVID-19, with symptoms documented both during acute COVID-19 infection (parainfectious) and persisting or developing after the resolution of respiratory symptoms (postinfectious). Patients have presented with a variety of symptoms such as anosmia, thrombotic events, seizures, cognitive and attention deficits, new-onset anxiety, depression, psychosis, and rarely catatonia. Etiology appears to be related to disruption of regular neurotransmission and hypoxic injury secondary to systemic inflammation and cytokine storm. Although rare, catatonia and each of its subtypes have now been reported as complications of COVID-19 and therefore should be considered known to occur in both the parainfectious and postinfectious states. Diagnosis of catatonia in the context of COVID-19 should be considered when work-up for more common medical causes of encephalopathy are negative, there is no identifiable psychiatric etiology for catatonia, and there is a positive response to benzodiazepines.

Colonic Adenocarcinoma Presenting as Splenic Abscess Secondary to Suspected Microperforation.

Splenic abscesses are a rare infection that usually requires seeding from another primary source; however, direct contact of bacteria can occur with microperforation secondary to colon cancer leading to abscess formation. This occurrence is rare, and through literature review only 12 previous cases have been reported with associated bacteremia. Our patient is a 62-year-old female who presented with left upper quadrant pain with a history of tobacco and alcohol abuse that was febrile and hypoxic. Blood cultures were obtained that eventually grew Fusobacterium mortiferum. Computed tomography of the abdomen and the pelvis revealed 2 splenic abscesses that were cultured to grow Escherichia coli and ß-hemolytic Streptococcus group C. Colonoscopy was performed, which identified 2 masses that were biopsied, and histopathology confirmed well-differentiated adenocarcinoma with possible muscular invasion. The patient had no other identifiable risk factors for bacterial seeding from another primary source. We present the first reported case report of splenic abscess secondary to colonic adenocarcinoma suspected microperforation associated with Fusobacterium mortiferum bacteremia.

Clozapine-Induced Pneumonitis: A Case Report.

Introduction: Clozapine is the most effective antipsychotic used for treatment resistant schizophrenia and recurrent suicidal behavior in schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. However, it has been underutilized due to its adverse reaction profile. Although clozapine is typically associated with neutropenia leading to increased risk of infection (i.e., pneumonia), there have been a few case reports of non-neutropenic, non-infectious drug-induced lung disease (i.e., pneumonitis). Although pneumonia and pneumonitis may have similar clinical presentation, their etiology, management, and treatment are different. Case presentation: A 53-year-old African American female with schizoaffective disorder was hospitalized for being no longer able to appropriately utilize food, clothing, and shelter. The patient developed a sepsis-like presentation during clozapine titration which resolved after treatment for presumed pneumonia and clozapine discontinuation. When clozapine was resumed due to persistent psychosis, the patient again developed a sepsis-like presentation. Clozapine was again discontinued with no other interventions and the patient's symptoms resolved. Conclusions: Drug-induced pneumonitis is a very rare adverse reaction of clozapine. Recognizing conditions that mimic sepsis may prevent patients from undergoing unnecessary laboratory testing and prevent exposure to unwarranted antibiotics.

Medial Pontomedullary Stroke Mimicking Severe Bell's Palsy: A Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with acute unilateral upper and lower facial palsy frequently present to the emergency department fearing they have had a stroke, but many cases are benign Bell's palsy. CASE REPORT: We present a rare case of a medial pontomedullary junction stroke causing upper and lower hemifacial paralysis associated with severe dysphagia and contralateral face and arm numbness. CONCLUSION: Although rare, pontine infarct must be considered in patients who present with both upper and lower facial weakness. Unusual neurologic symptoms (namely diplopia, vertigo, or dysphagia) and signs (namely gaze palsy, nystagmus, or contralateral motor or sensory deficits) should prompt evaluation for stroke.

Suspected Aripiprazole-induced neutropenia in a geriatric patient: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Aripiprazole, a third-generation antipsychotic medication, has been used to treat a range of psychiatric disorders. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's prescribing information, the most common adverse reactions in adult patients in clinical trials (≥10%) were nausea, vomiting, constipation, headache, dizziness, akathisia, anxiety, and insomnia. While hematological adverse effects may occur with aripiprazole, there is very limited information in the published literature on such adverse outcomes. CASE PRESENTATION: A 68-year-old Caucasian male with treatment resistant depression was hospitalized for suicidal ideation. The patient developed neutropenia after aripiprazole was introduced as an augmentation agent. The neutropenia was reversible with discontinuation of the medication. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, we describe the first case report of suspected neutropenia-induced by aripiprazole use in a geriatric patient. While hematological adverse reactions are rare, we recommend adding CBC to the standard adverse systemic reaction monitoring of antipsychotic medications, particularly among the elderly.