A comparison study of the turnaround time for telepsychiatry versus face-to-face consultations in general hospital nonpsychiatric emergency rooms.

BACKGROUND: Psychiatric consultation services, particularly for emergencies, are limited in many parts of the United States. Telepsychiatry services are helping to bridge the gap, and are gaining acceptance and popularity. There is paucity of publications regarding comparison of turnaround time for consultations between video conferencing and traditional face-to-face psychiatric consultations in general hospital nonpsychiatric emergency departments (EDs). Our study aimed to address turnaround time and patient satisfaction. METHODS: Data regarding the turnaround time for emergency psychiatric consultations using telepsychiatry in general hospital EDs was collected retrospectively and compared with the time for face-to-face traditional consultations. A patient satisfaction survey was also conducted after the telepsychiatry consultation. Statistical analysis of the data was done after the study was completed. RESULTS: The telepsychiatry group included 206 participants and the control group had 186 participants. There was an 84% reduction in the turnaround time for telepsychiatry consults (95% confidence interval, 81% to 86%). A patient satisfaction survey showed 97% satisfaction with telepsychiatry services. Gender and age did not modify the effect of telepsychiatry on time to consult (P > .10). CONCLUSIONS: The reduction in the turnaround time and improved patient satisfaction indicate that telepsychiatry services can improve the quality of care for patients in need of emergency services.

The sound of music: A rare case of auditory Charles Bonnet syndrome in an elderly male.

BACKGROUND: Auditory Charles Bonnet syndrome describes a rare condition that presents with sensorineural hearing loss, which can result in musical hallucinations. METHODS: A Hispanic man, age 78, with no previous psychiatric history was evaluated at our clinic with a complaint of hearing voices and music. The patient was noted to have received cochlear implantation in his right ear in 2013, due to bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. He had auditometric testing completed in 2013 following the onset of hallucinations. RESULTS: Routine laboratory workup was unremarkable. Computed tomography of the brain revealed mucosal thickening in the left maxillary sinus and mild generalized cerebral atrophy. Over the course of 4 months, treatment with donepezil led to improvement in symptomatology. The Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale score decreased substantially from 15 to 6 over an 8-week period. The Clinical Global Impression-Severity scale score decreased from 4 to 2 and the Clinical Global Impression-Improvement scale score increased from 0 to 1 over the same period. CONCLUSIONS: Auditory Charles Bonnet syndrome should be considered in patients endorsing auditory hallucinations with hearing loss in whom the etiology is not clearly due to a psychiatric condition. The role of acetylcholine requires further elucidation; however, donepezil demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of musical hallucinations in our patient.

Psychotropic drug changes contributing to readmissions in medically hospitalized psychiatric patients: A retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Psychotropic drug changes during medical hospitalizations may lead to psychiatric and medical readmissions. METHODS: One-year hospitalization records of nursing home patients with chronic mental illness and a psychotropic drug change during medical admission were reviewed. We calculated the readmission rates for 30, 60, and 90 days; the classes of the psychotropic drugs changed; the reason for change; and the specialties of the responsible physicians. The readmission rates were compared with those of an age-matched control group. RESULTS: The changes were associated with an increase in psychiatric readmission rates of 2.7% (30 days), 5.4% (60 days), and 14.9% (90 days). The 90 days readmission rate reached statistical significance (14.9% vs 2.7%; OR = 6.29; P = .020). The family practice team was responsible for the highest psychiatric readmission rate (18.4%). The most significant reasons for change included human errors (up to 40%), which is alarming. CONCLUSIONS: Judicious changes, attempts at re-titration, and appropriate documentation of reasons for change on discharge records may reduce the readmission rates.

Meningioma and psychiatric symptoms: A case report and brief review.

BACKGROUND: Atypical presentation of psychiatric symptoms can lead to a variety of misdiagnoses. Organic causes, including brain tumors, should be considered under these circumstances. METHODS: We present a case report of an 84-year-old woman with irritable, aggressive, and delusional behavior. Her earlier diagnoses included altered mental status, encephalopathy, dementia, nonspecified psychosis, and delirium with delusions. We suspected that a brain tumor could be causing her psychiatric symptoms. RESULTS: CT of the head revealed 2 calcified meningiomas, which did not require surgery. Neuropsychological testing results were consistent with frontal lesion type of cognitive and psychotic symptoms. Psychiatric symptoms improved with risperidone. A brief review of the literature is included. CONCLUSIONS: Brain imaging should be considered in cases of atypical psychiatric presentations. Past medical records and neuropsychological testing could assist in the diagnosis.

A current review of cytochrome P450 interactions of psychotropic drugs.

BACKGROUND: The number of psychotropic drugs has expanded tremendously over the past few decades with a proportional increase in drug-drug interactions. The majority of psychotropic agents are biotransformed by hepatic enzymes, which can lead to significant drug-drug interactions. Most drug-drug interactions of psychotropics occur at metabolic level involving the hepatic cytochrome P450 enzyme system. METHODS: We searched the National Library of Medicine, PsycINFO, and Cochrane reviews from 1981 to 2012 for original studies including clinical trials, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies, and randomized controlled trials. In addition, case reports, books, review articles, and hand-selected journals were utilized to supplement this review. RESULTS: Based on the clinical intensity of outcome, cytochrome interactions can be classified as severe, moderate, and mild. Severe interactions include effects that might be acutely life threatening. They are mainly inhibitory interactions with cardiovascular drugs. Moderate interactions include efficacy issues. Mild interactions include nonserious side effects, such as somnolence. CONCLUSIONS: Psychotropic drugs may interact with other prescribed medications used to treat concomitant medical illnesses. A thorough understanding of the most prescribed medications and patient education will help reduce the likelihood of potentially fatal drug-drug interactions.

Extrapyramidal symptoms associated with antidepressants--a review of the literature and an analysis of spontaneous reports.

BACKGROUND: Antidepressant-induced extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) represent an underrecognized but important clinical entity. We reviewed the literature on new antidepressants and conducted an analysis of cases from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (AERS), which has not been published before. METHODS: A literature review was conducted using PubMed, Ovid, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Database. Search terms used were extrapyramidal, antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs), miscellaneous antidepressants, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Inclusion criteria for the FDA AERS analysis were cases of EPS reported by physicians, cases where patients were on one antidepressant, and cases reported between July 2005 and March 2008. Reports of patients who were on concurrent psychotropics were excluded. RESULTS: Our literature review revealed 1 report each of EPS for duloxetine, nefazodone, and bupropion, 3 for escitalopram, and 4 for citalopram. For the FDA AERS analysis, 89 cases met our inclusion criteria: duloxetine was implicated in 66% of cases, sertraline in 10%, escitalopram in 7%, and bupropion in 6%. CONCLUSIONS: EPS have been reported with different classes of antidepressants, are not dose related, and can develop with short-term or long-term use. In view of the risk for significant morbidity and decreased quality of life, clinicians must be aware of the potential for any class of antidepressants to cause these adverse effects.

Primary psychiatric prevention in children and adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Approximately 21% of US children age 9 to 17 have a diagnosable mental illness with some degree of impairment. As early-onset mental illness may persist throughout the life span, effective primary mental health prevention programs are of paramount importance. METHODS: We conducted a literature review of various preventive programs targeting childhood-onset psychopathology. We attempted to select those programs that present the strongest data on efficacy and those that are most commonly cited. RESULTS: Modifiable and nonmodifiable risk factors and different primary prevention strategies with positive outcomes have been identified for anxiety disorders, eating disorders, substance abuse, disruptive behavior disorders, and suicide in children. The reported results for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and early-onset schizophrenia are neither uniform nor encouraging. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our review, there is ample evidence to conclude that primary preventive intervention has the potential to be effective for some mental health disorders, promoting positive development, particularly in children of all ages in high-risk environments. Additional research is needed to further investigate the validity and reliability of various preventive strategies.

Primary prevention in psychiatry--adult populations.

BACKGROUND: The concept of prevention in psychiatry is unique. It includes promotion of mental health, identification of risk factors across the life cycle, and appropriate early interventions. Recent emphasis on intervention early in the development of mental illness has resulted in several preventive programs with varying degrees of success. METHODS: We reviewed the literature on primary prevention in mental health, categorizing reports as evidence of universal, selective, or indicated prevention. RESULTS: Indicated prevention through early intervention is the best-researched area of prevention in the spectrum of psychotic disorders, especially schizophrenia. Pharmacotherapy for ultra high-risk individuals combined with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has shown promising results in several studies. Strategies that teach younger individuals to cope with stress and provide psychosocial support have been effective in preventing mood and anxiety disorders. CONCLUSIONS: There is evidence that primary prevention may delay the onset of mental illness. Future research on the etiologies of mental illnesses is required to facilitate development of additional primary prevention strategies. These efforts may contribute to reallocation of resources and enactment of public policies that curb the staggering effects of mental illness on society.

Primary prevention in geriatric psychiatry.

BACKGROUND: It is estimated that the number of older adults with mental illness will increase from 4 million in 1970 to 15 million by 2030. The cost of untreated mental illness in the United States is estimated to be >$100 billion annually and nearly half of that cost can be attributed to persons age ≥60. In this paper we present a comprehensive review of empiric data available on primary prevention for the most common psychiatric illnesses in this patient population. METHODS: We did an English language literature review of published studies and selected only those with the strongest emphasis on primary prevention for the most common psychiatric illnesses in older adults. RESULTS: Modifiable and nonmodifiable risk factors and several primary prevention strategies have been described, several of them with positive outcomes mainly for depressive disorders and suicide. In conditions such as bipolar disorder, dementias, and geriatric schizophrenia, there is either a paucity of studies or no robust primary prevention strategies identified. CONCLUSIONS: Modification of risk factors, a healthy lifestyle that includes a healthy diet, exercise, socialization, and education are important aspects of primary prevention in elderly patients. Genetic engineering and vaccine therapies may open new and exciting opportunities for prevention of many psychiatric illnesses in the near future.

Primary prevention of psychiatric illness in special populations.

BACKGROUND: Some populations appear to be particularly vulnerable to the development of psychiatric symptomatology related to life events and biologic or social/cultural factors. Such groups include individuals who have experienced traumatic events, military personnel, individuals with serious medical conditions, postpartum women, and immigrants. This study reviews the literature regarding primary prevention of psychiatric disorders in special populations and identifies a variety of universal, selective, and indicated prevention measures aimed at minimizing the psychiatric sequelae in these groups. METHODS: The authors reviewed the literature regarding the prevention of psychiatric symptoms in trauma/abuse victims, individuals in the military, oncology patients, patients with diabetes, pregnant/postpartum women, and immigrants. RESULTS: The literature on primary prevention of psychiatric illness in the special populations identified is rather limited. Universal prevention may be beneficial in some instances through public awareness campaigns and disaster planning. In other instances, more specific and intensive interventions for individuals at high risk of psychiatric illness may improve outcomes, for example, crisis counseling for those who have experienced severe trauma. CONCLUSIONS: Primary prevention of psychiatric illness may be an attainable goal via implementation of specific universal, selected, and indicated primary prevention measures in special populations.

Hyperprolactinemia associated with psychotropics--a review.

INTRODUCTION: Different classes of psychotropics can cause hyperprolactinemia to varying degrees. Among antipsychotics, typical agents and risperidone are the most frequent and significant offenders. In this review we discuss the pathophysiology, offending medications, assessment and management of hyperprolactinemia. METHODS: We did a literature review between 1976 and 2008 using PubMed, MEDLINE, PsychINFO and Cochrane database. Search terms used were prolactin, hyperprolactinemia, psychotropics, antipsychotics, typical antipsychotics, atypical antipsychotics, antidepressants and SSRIs. RESULTS: Prolactin elevation is more common with antipsychotics than with other classes of drugs. Typical antipsychotics are more prone to cause hyperprolactinemia than atypical agents. Management options include discontinuation of offending medication, switching to another psychotropic, supplementing concurrent hormonal deficiencies and adding a dopamine agonist or aripiprazole. CONCLUSION: Clinicians need to be alert about the potential for hyperprolactinemia and its manifestations with these medications. Prolactin levels need to be monitored and other causes of hyperprolactinemia ruled out in suspected cases.

The psychopharmacology of primary and metastatic brain tumors and paraneoplastic syndromes.

Brain tumors and paraneoplastic syndromes can cause various neuropsychiatric symptoms. Rarely, psychiatric symptoms may be the initial presentation of the underlying neurologic lesion. Brain imaging studies are crucial in the diagnosis of brain tumors. Paraneoplastic syndromes are mostly immune-mediated, and antineuronal antibodies may be detected in the blood or cerebrospinal fluid. Clinical suspicion is very important in assisting the diagnostic workup. Treatment of the psychiatric symptoms depends on the nature of the symptoms. Selection of the psychotropic agent has to be done carefully to minimize complications such as seizures and delirium secondary to anticholinergic toxicity. With advances in targeted therapies, immunology, and genetics, the future appears more promising.

Pharmacological treatment of the psychosis of Alzheimer's disease: what is the best approach?

Psychosis of Alzheimer's disease (PAD) forms part of the behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). PAD includes symptoms of psychosis such as hallucinations or delusions, and may be associated with agitation, negative symptoms or depression. Even though the US FDA has not approved any medication for the treatment of PAD, atypical antipsychotics have been widely used and favoured by geriatric experts in the management of the condition in view of their modest efficacy and relative safety. However, the recent FDA warnings regarding the cardiac, metabolic, cerebrovascular and mortality risks associated with the use of these drugs in elderly patients with dementia have caused serious concerns regarding their use. Nevertheless, until an effective and safe medication is approved by the regulatory agencies for PAD, clinicians do not have a better choice than atypical antipsychotics for the management of the serious symptoms of this condition.

The switching of risperidone to olanzapine in elderly nursing-home patients with dementia: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: The behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia present a major challenge in the management of these patients. There is no Food and Drug Administration-indicated medication for the management of these symptoms. Even though atypical antipsychotics are considered safer than conventional antipsychotics, safety concerns have emerged. INTRODUCTION: The FDA has issued warnings regarding the cardiac and metabolic side effects, cerebrovascular events, and, most recently, mortality risk. This study was conducted in 2003 when physicians were notified of the cerebrovascular risks of risperidone. Since then, similar warnings have been issued for olanzapine and aripiprazole. METHODS: The medical records of 58 elderly dementia patients who were taking risperidone and were abruptly switched to olanzapine were reviewed. Clinical Global Impressions scale at assigned retrospectively at switch, and weeks 4-6 assessed treatment. RESULTS: Baseline and follow-up Clinical Global Impressions scale scores were essentially unchanged. Adverse events were mild to moderate in severity. Mean risperidone dose at switch was 1.54 mg/day (range: 0.25-6 mg/day). Mean olanzapine dose after the switch was 5.69 mg/day (range: 2.52-27.5 mg/day). CONCLUSION: Most of the 58 patients were switched from risperidone to olanzapine without any deterioration in their clinical status. Even though it is generally not recommended in elderly patients, abrupt switching did not have any negative consequences in this group of patients.

Intermittent Transient Motor Aphasia Associated with Acute Lithium Toxicity: A Case Report and Brief Review.

BACKGROUND: Lithium is known to cause certain neurological deficits. However, reports of aphasia secondary to lithium toxicity are scant. We report the case of a 70 year old African American woman with a history of schizoaffective disorder and mild dementia who developed transient intermittent aphasia secondary to lithium toxicity. METHODS: Patient was admitted because of agitation, delusional behavior, and pressured speech. Her previous medications included divalproex sodium 500 mg po bid, valproic acid 250 mg po qd, risperidone 3.5 mg po bid, lorazepam 1 mg po bid, amlodipine besylate 5 mg po qd, levothyroxine sodium 25 mcg po qd, gabapentin 300 mg po qd, amantadine HCl 100 mg po bid, and aspirin 81 mg po qd. Since patient's symptoms have not improved, she was started on lithium 300mg po bid and titrated up to 300 mg po bid and 450 mg po qhs over 7-8 days. Her lithium levels ranged from 0.4 mEq/L on 11/11/16 to 1.5 mEq/L on 11/22/16. Patient was observed to have aphasia symptoms intermittently at lithium level of 1.5 mEq/L. CT scan of head and neurology consultations were unremarkable. The Naranjo Adverse Drug Reaction Probability Scale score was 8 in the probable range for an adverse drug reaction. Patient's sodium was also found to be high at 148 mmol/L. RESULTS: Lithium was discontinued and patient rehydrated with intravenous fluids. Patients aphasia resolved completely in 2-3 days. CONCLUSION: Clinicians should be aware of this rarely reported side effect of lithium particularly in patients at risk for volume depletion and closely monitor fluid intake, lithium level, and potential side effects.

Hyperprolactinemia Secondary to Pituitary Microadenoma Versus Haloperidol- A Diagnostic Enigma. A Case Report and Brief Review.

BACKGROUND: Hyperprolactinemia can be caused by medications, primarily antipsychotics, or by anterior pituitary tumors. The consequences of hyperprolactinemia including gynecomastia, galactorrhea, and sexual dysfunction are very disturbing for males and females. It is sometimes difficult to differentiate the etiology of hyperprolactinemia from a clinical perspective. OBJECTIVE: Identification of the etiology of hyperprolactinemia requires a careful review of the causes and appropriate work-up. METHODS: A 55-year-old African American male with extensive psychiatric history and non-adherence to treatment was admitted from nursing home for aggression and psychotic symptoms. The patient was noted to have mild bilateral breast enlargement about ten days after hospitalization. Prolactin level done on August 26, 2014 was 93.8 ng/mL, and on September 5, 2014 was 112 ng/mL. The patient's medications included haloperidol decanoate 150 mg q28d, haloperidol 10 mg po bid and benztropine 0.5 mg po bid. He did not have any other clinical signs or symptoms of hyperprolactinemia. He was also seen by an endocrinologist. MRI of the pituitary gland done on September 3, 2014, showed a 2.4 mm pituitary microadenoma. Bromocriptine was started at 1.25 mg qhs and titrated to 2.5 mg bid. RESULTS: Prolactin level dropped from 112 ng/mL on September 5, 2014 to 99 ng/mL on September 9, 2014, 61.2 ng/mLon September 23, 2014 and 3.0 ng/mL on February 9, 2015. CONCLUSION: Diagnosis and etiology of hyperprolactinemia were complicated by the minimal nature of clinical symptoms, the type of antipsychotic agent and the prolactin level. The MRI facilitated the diagnosis of pituitary microadenoma and further treatment option with bromocriptine. MRI of the pituitary is indicated for patients with hyperprolactinemia where the etiology is not clearly due to medication.

Risperidone-induced hyperprolactinemia in adolescents: A case series.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of risperidone on prolactin levels in 3 adolescent patients. METHOD: This is a case study of 3 adolescent patients with DSM-IV diagnosis of schizophreni-form disorder, major depressive disorder with psychotic features, or chronic undifferentiated schizophrenia who were treated in inpatient and outpatient psychiatric settings with risperidone. Patients developed hyperprolactinemia with clinical symptoms. Risperidone was discontinued gradually over 2 weeks, and patients were treated with other atypical antipsychotics. RESULTS: Prolactin levels returned to normal, and clinical symptoms of hyperprolactinemia resolved in all 3 patients after 2 weeks of tapering and discontinuation of risperidone. CONCLUSION: Hyperprolactinemia can be a troublesome side effect with potentially serious complications. It is being increasingly reported in younger patients treated with risperidone. Recognition and treatment of this condition including switching to a prolactin-sparing agent are important to prevent this complication.

Psychiatric symptoms associated with brain tumors: a clinical enigma.

Patients in psychiatric settings may present with medical conditions, such as brain tumors, which may or may not be associated with neurological symptoms. In some cases, patients may only have psychiatric symptoms, such as mood changes (depression or mania), psychotic symptoms, panic attacks, changes in personality, or memory difficulties. Brain tumors may be detected in patients at their first presentation to mental health services or sometimes in patients with well-established psychiatric diagnoses. This article presents the case of a 29-year-old woman who was treated for >4 years for posttraumatic stress disorder and borderline personality traits, who developed depressive symptoms and memory difficulties. However, she did not develop any major neurological signs or symptoms. Brain imaging showed the presence of a left thalamic tumor, later confirmed as glioblastoma multiforme. She underwent surgical treatment and radiation therapy. With this we show that in some cases, brain tumors can be neurologically silent and only present atypical psychiatric symptoms. We emphasize the need for neuroimaging studies in a patient with atypical changes in mental status, even without neurological signs or symptoms.