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1.
Arch. argent. pediatr ; 121(5): e202202900, oct. 2023. tab
Article in English, Spanish | LILACS, BINACIS | ID: biblio-1509526

ABSTRACT

Introducción. El consumo de sustancias psicoactivas ilegales en el embarazo constituye un problema creciente. En pocas maternidades latinoamericanas se aplica una estrategia de detección y los datos publicados son escasos. Objetivos. Comparar dos quinquenios de resultados de una estrategia de detección de sustancias psicoactivas ilegales implementada en el posparto. Población y métodos. Estudio de corte transversal. Detección por inmunoensayo en orinas de binomios madre-hijo/a, en un hospital público argentino entre 2009 y 2018. Resultados. En 76/191 binomios se detectaron sustancias en 10 años. El criterio de detección más frecuente fue la comunicación o antecedente de uso de drogas: 25/37 y 32/39 en cada quinquenio. Predominaron cannabis (21/37 y 26/39) y cocaína (19/37 y 16/39) en ambos períodos. No hubo diferencias en datos demográficos, ginecológicos, del embarazo ni neonatales en los quinquenios comparados. Conclusiones. No se encontraron diferencias en la frecuencia ni en el tipo de sustancias detectadas a lo largo de 10 años.


Introduction. The use of illicit psychoactive substances during pregnancy is a growing problem. Few Latin American maternity centers implement a screening strategy, and published data are scarce. Objectives. To compare the outcomes of 2 five-year periods of a postpartum strategy to screen for illicit psychoactive drugs. Population and methods. This was a cross-sectional study. Immunoassay detection in urine of mothernewborn infant dyads in an Argentine public hospital between 2009 and 2018. Results. Substances were detected in 76/191 dyads over 10 years. The most frequent detection criterion was reporting or history of drug use: 25/37 and 32/39 in each five-year period. Cannabis (21/37 and 26/39) and cocaine (19/37 and 16/39) predominated in both periods. No differences were observed in demographic, gynecological, pregnancy, or neonatal data between both five-year periods. Conclusions. No differences were found in the frequency or type of substances detected over 10 years


Subject(s)
Humans , Female , Pregnancy , Infant, Newborn , Illicit Drugs , Substance-Related Disorders/diagnosis , Substance-Related Disorders/epidemiology , Central Nervous System Agents , Cross-Sectional Studies , Mothers
2.
Physis (Rio J.) ; 33: e33010, 2023.
Article in Portuguese | LILACS | ID: biblio-1431072

ABSTRACT

Resumo Este trabalho objetiva discutir como o fenômeno da medicalização do sofrimento psíquico se apresenta no discurso e na prática dos profissionais da Atenção Primária à Saúde. Foram realizadas observações sistemáticas e entrevistas semidiretivas com sete trabalhadores do município de Iguatu, Ceará, Brasil. A análise dos dados foi feita através da Análise de Conteúdo, de Bardin. Os resultados apontaram para uma centralidade no uso de medicação para atender o sofrimento psíquico que chega às unidades de saúde. Os profissionais discorreram sobre o medicamento enquanto uma estratégia rápida e eficiente, que, em consonância com a literatura pesquisada, pode ser utilizada como um dispositivo de controle do sujeito em adoecimento psíquico. Considera-se possível mobilizar, junto aos profissionais, espaços de discussão que apontem para o cuidado da pessoa com sofrimento psíquico através do uso de tecnologias leves, como escuta, vínculo e diálogo.


Abstract This paper aims to discuss how the phenomenon of the medicalization of psychological distress appears in the discourse and practice of Primary Health Care professionals. Systematic observations and semi-directive interviews were conducted with seven workers in the city of Iguatu, Ceará, Brazil. Data analysis was performed using Bardin's Content Analysis. The results pointed to a centrality in the use of medication to attend the psychological suffering that reaches the health units. The professionals spoke about the medication as a quick and efficient strategy, which, in line with the researched literature, can be used as a device to control the subject in psychic illness. It is considered possible to mobilize discussion spaces with professionals that point to the care of people with psychological distress through the use of light technologies, such as listening, bonding and dialogue.Resumo: Este trabalho objetiva discutir como o fenômeno da medicalização do sofrimento psíquico se apresenta no discurso e na prática dos profissionais da Atenção Primária à Saúde. Foram realizadas observações sistemáticas e entrevistas semidiretivas com sete trabalhadores do município de Iguatu, Ceará, Brasil. A análise dos dados foi feita através da Análise de Conteúdo, de Bardin. Os resultados apontaram para uma centralidade no uso de medicação para atender o sofrimento psíquico que chega às unidades de saúde. Os profissionais discorreram sobre o medicamento enquanto uma estratégia rápida e eficiente, que, em consonância com a literatura pesquisada, pode ser utilizada como um dispositivo de controle do sujeito em adoecimento psíquico. Considera-se possível mobilizar, junto aos profissionais, espaços de discussão que apontem para o cuidado da pessoa com sofrimento psíquico através do uso de tecnologias leves, como escuta, vínculo e diálogo.


Subject(s)
Humans , Psychiatry , Central Nervous System Agents/therapeutic use , Mental Health , Drug Industry , Medicalization , Psychological Distress , Brazil , Mental Disorders
3.
Rev. colomb. reumatol ; 28(3): 197-202, jul.-set. 2021. tab
Article in English | LILACS | ID: biblio-1357271

ABSTRACT

ABSTRACT Introduction: During the last decades, benzodiazepines (BZD) and antidepressants (ADP) have been among the most prescribed therapies in all developed countries. They have side effects, and BZD carry a risk of abuse and dependence disorders. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of BZD and ADP among patients who attend a Rheumatology clinic, as well as the indication for these drugs. Methods: The study included patients who were referred for the first time to the Rheumatology clinic. Demographical data, reason for referral, and final diagnosis were recorded. The indication for ADP and/or BZD was recorded, as well as the duration of treatment. Sample size was estimated for a 0.05% alpha risk. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed in order to study the relationships with the demographical or clinical characteristics. Results: A total of 350 patients were included (women 77.1%, men 22.9%). Most of them (73.4%) had been referred for musculoskeletal pain. More than a third (36.6%) of patients were on BZD and/or ADP. The most frequent reasons for their prescription were anxiety, depression, and insomnia. The final diagnosis in the clinic was a non-inflammatory condition in 82%, and an inflammatory one in 18%. In the univariate analyses, the use of BZD/ADP was associated with female gender (p<.001), unemployment (p<.001) and non-inflammatory final diagnosis (p < .001). In the multivariate analyses, the use of BZD and/or ADP was associated with female sex (p = .002 [OR 3.4, 95% CI; 1.6-7.4]), and a non-inflammatory final diagnosis, specifically fibromyalgia (p = .007 [OR 16.1, 95% CI; 2.2-120.7]). Conclusion: Use of BZD and ADP is high and associated with non-inflammatory disease.


RESUMEN Introducción: Durante las últimas décadas, las benzodiacepinas (BZD) y los antidepresivos (ADP) han estado entre las terapias más prescritas en todos los países desarrollados. Estos fármacos tienen efectos secundarios y las BZD pueden ocasionar abuso y problemas de dependencia. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la prevalencia de consumo de BZD y ADP entre los pacientes que acuden a una consulta de reumatología por primera vez, así como la indicación para ellos. Métodos: Se incluyeron pacientes remitidos por primera vez a la consulta de reumatología. Se registraron los datos demográficos, el motivo de la derivación y el diagnóstico final. Con respecto al tratamiento con ADP y/o BZD, se registraron su duración y la indicación de la prescripción. El tamaño de la muestra se estimó para un riesgo alfa de 0,05%. Se realizaron análisis univariantes y multivariantes para estudiar las asociaciones con características demográficas o clínicas. Resultados: Se incluyeron 350 pacientes (mujeres 77,1%, hombres 22,9%). La mayoría de ellos habían sido remitidos por dolor musculoesquelético (73,4%). Más de un tercio (36,6%) de los pacientes estaban en tratamiento con BZD y/o ADP. Las causas más frecuentes para su prescripción fueron ansiedad, depresión e insomnio. El diagnóstico final fue patología no inflamatoria en el 82% de los casos e inflamatoria en el 18% de estos. En el análisis univariante, el uso de BZD y/o ADP se asoció con el sexo femenino (p< 0,001), el desempleo (p< 0,001) y el diagnóstico de patología no inflamatoria (p< 0,001). En el análisis multivariante, el uso de BZD y/o ADP se asoció con el sexo femenino (p=0,002 [OR 3,4; IC 95% 1,6-7,4]) y el diagnóstico de patología no inflamatoria, específicamente con la fibromyalgia (p = 0,007 [OR 16,1; IC 95% 2,2-120,7]). Conclusión: El consumo de BZD y ADP es frecuente y está asociado con patología no inflamatoria.


Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Rheumatology , Central Nervous System Agents , Chemical Actions and Uses , Health Occupations , Internal Medicine , Antidepressive Agents
5.
Bol. méd. postgrado ; 34(1): 39-43, Ene-Jun. 2018. tab, graf
Article in Spanish | LILACS, LIVECS | ID: biblio-1121151

ABSTRACT

Los opioides son los fármacos más potentes utilizados para atenuar los efectos cronotrópicos y vasoconstrictores que se producen durante la laringoscopia. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal con el objetivo de evaluar la estabilidad hemodinámica de los pacientes ingresados al Hospital Central Universitario Dr. Antonio María Pineda para cirugía abdominal tratados con morfina durante la inducción anestésica. La muestra incluyó 30 pacientes con una edad promedio de 38 ± 4,6 años, predominio del sexo masculino (56,6%) y ASA II (53,3%). Los procedimientos quirúrgicos más frecuentes fueron colecistectomía (40%), hernioplastia umbilical (20%) e inguinal (16,6%). Durante la inducción, 26,7%, 10% y 50% de los pacientes registró un aumento de la PAS, PAD y PAM > 20 mmHg en comparación con los valores basales. A los 5 minutos post-inducción, todos los pacientes mostraron disminución de los valores de la presión arterial sistólica y diastólica y sólo 10% de los pacientes de la PAM. No se registraron efectos adversos a la morfina. Estos resultados demuestran que la morfina a una dosis de 0,1 mg/kg por vía endovenosa 30 minutos antes de la inducción permite brindar mayor confort para el paciente con mínimos cambios hemodinámicos y sin efectos adversos(AU)


Opioids are the most potent drugs used to mitigate the chronotropic and vasoconstrictor effects that occur during laryngoscopy. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in order to evaluate the hemodynamic stability of morphine during anesthetic induction in patients undergoing abdominal surgery in the Hospital Central Universitario Dr. Antonio María Pineda. The sample included 30 patients with an average age of 38 ± 14.63 years predominantly male (56.67%) and ASA II (53.33%). 40% of patients underwent cholecystectomy and 20% umbilicoplasty and 16.67% inguinal hernia repair. During anesthesia induction, 26.7%, 10% and 50% of patients showed an increase in systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressure > 20 mmHg compared to basal values. Five minutes post induction, all patients showed decreased values of systolic and diastolic blood pressure and only 10% of patients showed changes in mean arterial blood pressure. No adverse effects were recorded. These results show that morphine at a dose of 0.1 mg/kg intravenously 30 minutes before induction allows greater comfort for the patient with minimal hemodynamic changes and no adverse effects(AU)


Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Adult , Middle Aged , Pain/drug therapy , General Surgery , Hemodynamics , Abdominal Injuries , Analgesics, Opioid/administration & dosage , Cholelithiasis/drug therapy , Central Nervous System Agents , Hernia/drug therapy , Anesthesiology , Laryngoscopy
6.
Arch. argent. pediatr ; 116(2): 319-321, abr. 2018. tab
Article in Spanish | LILACS, BINACIS | ID: biblio-887478

ABSTRACT

El tratamiento con litio forma parte de la terapia habitual en las personas que sufren el trastorno bipolar. Habitualmente, aquellas madres que desean dar el pecho a sus hijos son sometidas a la disyuntiva entre modificar el tratamiento o bien administrar lactancia artificial. La administración de litio durante la lactancia materna se ha asociado con diversos efectos adversos en el lactante, tales como alteraciones tiroideas, hipotermia o hipotonía, entre otros. Son pocas las publicaciones en las que no se observan dichas anomalías en los lactantes. A continuación, se presenta el caso de un lactante amamantado por su madre en tratamiento con litio que no presentó alteraciones renales ni tiroideas.


Lithium therapy is currently a cornerstone of treatment for mothers who suffer bipolar disorders. Those who wish to breastfeed their children are often told they have to decide whether modifying the treatment for their disorder or even avoiding lactation. Lithium administration during breastfeeding has been described to produce certain side effects such as thyroid disorders, hypothermia and hypotonia. To our knowledge, there are few publications where infants have no laboratory abnormalities. Here we present the case of an infant without renal or thyroid alteration while he was breastfed.


Subject(s)
Humans , Female , Infant, Newborn , Adult , Bipolar Disorder/drug therapy , Breast Feeding , Central Nervous System Agents/therapeutic use , Lithium Carbonate/therapeutic use
7.
Braz. J. Pharm. Sci. (Online) ; 54(1): e17355, 2018. tab, graf
Article in English | LILACS | ID: biblio-951913

ABSTRACT

Abstract Falls are the second leading cause of accidental and unintentional injury deaths worldwide. Inpatient falls in hospital settings are likely to prolong the length of stay of patients in nearly 6.3 days, leading to increased hospitalization costs. The causes of fall incidents in healthcare facilities are multifactorial in nature and certain medications use could be associated with these incidents. This review seeks to critically evaluate the available literature regarding the relationship between inpatient falls and medication use. A comprehensive search was performed on MEDLINE, EMBASE and Lilacs with no time restriction. The search was filtered using English, Spanish or Portuguese languages. Our study evaluated medication use and inpatients falls that effectively happen, considering all ages and populations. An assessment of bias and quality of the studies was carried out using an adapted tool from the literature. The drugs were classified according to the Anatomic Therapeutics Chemical Code. The search strategy retrieved 563 records, among which 23 met the eligibility criteria; ninety three different pharmacological subgroups were associated with fall incidents. Our critical review suggests that the use of central nervous system drugs (including anxiolytics; hypnotics and sedatives; antipsychotics; opioids; antiepileptics and antidepressants) has a greater likelihood of causing inpatient falls. A weak relationship was found between other pharmacological subgroups, such as diuretics, cardiovascular system-related medications, and inpatient fall. Remarkably, several problems of quality were encountered with regard to the eligible studies. Among such quality problems included retrospective design, the grouping of more than one medication in the same statistical analysis, limited external validity, problems related to medication classifications and description of potential confounders.


Subject(s)
Accidental Falls/prevention & control , Central Nervous System Agents/pharmacology , Inpatients/classification , Wounds and Injuries/classification , Risk Assessment , Health Services/statistics & numerical data
8.
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.) ; (6): 916-925, 2018.
Article in English | WPRIM | ID: wpr-812338

ABSTRACT

Schisandra chinensis, a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has been used to treat sleep disorders. Zebrafish sleep/wake behavioral profiling provides a high-throughput platform to screen chemicals, but has never been used to study extracts and components from TCM. In the present study, the ethanol extract of Schisandra chinensis and its two main lignin components, schisandrin and schisandrin B, were studied in zebrafish. We found that the ethanol extract had bidirectional improvement in rest and activity in zebrafish. Schisandrin and schisandrin B were both sedative and active components. We predicted that schisandrin was related to serotonin pathway and the enthanol extract of Schisandra chinensis was related to seoronin and domapine pathways using a database of zebrafish behaviors. These predictions were confirmed in experiments using Caenorhabditis elegans. In conclusion, zebrafish behavior profiling could be used as a high-throughput platform to screen neuroactive effects and predict molecular pathways of extracts and components from TCM.


Subject(s)
Animals , Behavior, Animal , Caenorhabditis elegans , Central Nervous System Agents , Chemistry , Pharmacology , Cyclooctanes , Pharmacology , Drugs, Chinese Herbal , Chemistry , Pharmacology , Lignans , Pharmacology , Plant Extracts , Chemistry , Pharmacology , Polycyclic Compounds , Pharmacology , Schisandra , Chemistry , Zebrafish , Physiology
9.
Neuroscience Bulletin ; (6): 827-832, 2018.
Article in English | WPRIM | ID: wpr-777027

ABSTRACT

Drugs that lack the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) need to be placed directly into the central nervous system. Our laboratory studies the involvement of the glutamatergic system in the aggressiveness of glioma, and some ligands of glutamate receptors cannot permeate the BBB. Here, glioma-implanted rats were treated by a technique that delivers ligands directly into the cerebrospinal fluid by puncture into the cisterna cerebellomedullaris. Rats were anesthetized and fixed in a rodent stereotactic device. The head was gently tilted downwards at an angle that allowed exposure of the cisterna. Injection into the cisterna was done freehand using a gingival needle coupled to a microsyringe. The efficiency of intracisternal injection was demonstrated using a methylene blue solution. This type of injection is adaptable for any rodent model using small volumes of a variety of other drugs, and is an interesting method for neuroscience studies.


Subject(s)
Animals , Anesthesia , Central Nervous System Agents , Cerebrospinal Fluid , Cisterna Magna , Contrast Media , Excitatory Amino Acid Agents , Glioma , Drug Therapy , Methylene Blue , Models, Animal , Rats, Wistar
10.
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.) ; (6): 916-925, 2018.
Article in English | WPRIM | ID: wpr-776916

ABSTRACT

Schisandra chinensis, a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has been used to treat sleep disorders. Zebrafish sleep/wake behavioral profiling provides a high-throughput platform to screen chemicals, but has never been used to study extracts and components from TCM. In the present study, the ethanol extract of Schisandra chinensis and its two main lignin components, schisandrin and schisandrin B, were studied in zebrafish. We found that the ethanol extract had bidirectional improvement in rest and activity in zebrafish. Schisandrin and schisandrin B were both sedative and active components. We predicted that schisandrin was related to serotonin pathway and the enthanol extract of Schisandra chinensis was related to seoronin and domapine pathways using a database of zebrafish behaviors. These predictions were confirmed in experiments using Caenorhabditis elegans. In conclusion, zebrafish behavior profiling could be used as a high-throughput platform to screen neuroactive effects and predict molecular pathways of extracts and components from TCM.


Subject(s)
Animals , Behavior, Animal , Caenorhabditis elegans , Central Nervous System Agents , Chemistry , Pharmacology , Cyclooctanes , Pharmacology , Drugs, Chinese Herbal , Chemistry , Pharmacology , Lignans , Pharmacology , Plant Extracts , Chemistry , Pharmacology , Polycyclic Compounds , Pharmacology , Schisandra , Chemistry , Zebrafish , Physiology
11.
Translational and Clinical Pharmacology ; : 162-165, 2017.
Article in English | WPRIM | ID: wpr-12125

ABSTRACT

A lumbar puncture can be used to measure the concentrations of drugs and/or pharmacodynamic biomarkers during clinical trials of central nervous system drugs. We report a case of a post lumbar puncture headache (PLPH) in a first-in-human study, which was reported as a serious adverse event. A 20-year-old man received 200 mg of the investigational product (IP) for 7 days and underwent a lumbar puncture for cerebrospinal fluid sampling before IP administration (Day 1, pre-dose) and after 7 days and multiple IP administrations (Day 7, 1 hour post-dose). After discharge on Day 8, the subject complained of headache, nausea, vomiting, neck stiffness, and numbness of the extremities. The symptoms occurred when he got up and disappeared after he remained in the supine position for several minutes. Five days later, he visited the neurology clinic of the main hospital. The neurologist recommended hospitalization for further evaluation and symptom management, and the subject was then admitted to the hospital. There were no abnormal findings in vital signs, laboratory results, or brain-computed tomography. His symptoms disappeared during the hospitalization period. It was important to distinguish whether the headache was IP-related or lumbar puncture-related. Therefore, knowledge of clinical characteristics and differential diagnosis of PLPH is paramount. Furthermore, if severe PLPH occurs, a consultation with a neurologist and imaging studies should be considered for a differential diagnosis of PLPH.


Subject(s)
Humans , Young Adult , Biomarkers , Central Nervous System Agents , Cerebrospinal Fluid , Diagnosis, Differential , Extremities , Headache , Hospitalization , Hypesthesia , Nausea , Neck , Neurology , Spinal Puncture , Supine Position , Vital Signs , Vomiting
13.
Int. arch. otorhinolaryngol. (Impr.) ; 19(3): 238-247, July-Sept/2015. tab, graf
Article in English | LILACS | ID: lil-753994

ABSTRACT

Introduction Dizziness can be characterized as a balance disorder that causes discomfort, leading to several functional limitations. Currently, vestibular rehabilitation has been highlighted as a possible treatment. Objective Analyze the effects of completing a vestibular rehabilitation treatment protocol on quality of life and postural balance in patients with vestibular complaints, as well as to compare these effects between the patients taking or not taking antivertigo drugs. Methods A nonrandomized controlled trial was performed with 20 patients previously diagnosed with vestibular diseases. Information regarding vertigo symptoms, quality of life as assessed through the Dizziness Handicap Inventory, visual analog scale of dizziness, and stabilometry using force platform was collected. Patients were treated for 12 weeks by a customprotocol. The sample was divided into two groups according to the use (medicated group, n = 9) or not (control group, n = 11) of antivertigo drugs. Results There was improvement in quality of life (p < 0.001) and intensity of dizziness (p = 0.003) with the intervention. An improvement of postural balance was observed through functional tests. However, no statistically significant difference was noted in stabilometry. When both groups were compared, no statistically significant differences between the variations of the variables analyzed were found in the re-evaluation session. Conclusion Quality of life and postural balance are improved with intervention. However, this improvement is not associated with pharmacologic treatment.


Subject(s)
Male , Female , Adult , Aged , Central Nervous System Agents , Postural Balance , Posture , Quality of Life , Signs and Symptoms , Vertigo/rehabilitation , Brazil , Guidelines as Topic
16.
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.) ; (6): 321-337, 2015.
Article in English | WPRIM | ID: wpr-812138

ABSTRACT

Cymbopogon citratus is a widely distributed perennial herb belonging to the Poaceae family and has been extensively consumed for its medicinal, cosmetic, and nutritional effects for centuries. A large number of reports have been published describing the pharmacological, biological, and therapeutic actions of this herb. In this review, we summarized the literatures on related studies (up to January, 2014) that highlighted the pharmacologic and biological effects of the major phytochemicals isolated from C. citratus extracts and its essential oil. The components of the essential oils found in C. citratus have a similar pharmacokinetic properties, including absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. They are quickly absorbed following oral, pulmonary, and dermal administration. Based on the published reports, it can also be inferred that, after absorption from the small intestine, some phytochemicals in C. citratus can undergo oxidation, glucuronidation, sulfation, and/or O-methylation. Excretion is through urine, feces and/or expired volatiles. The biotransformation reactions of C. citratus bioactive constituents are essential for its relatively safe consumption and therapeutic applications. The data available so far warrant further studies evaluating C. citratus pharmacokinetics. Reliable pharmacokinetic data in humans would be critical for a better understanding of the the systemic handling of C. citratus.


Subject(s)
Animals , Humans , Male , Mice , Anti-Infective Agents , Pharmacokinetics , Pharmacology , Therapeutic Uses , Anti-Inflammatory Agents , Pharmacokinetics , Pharmacology , Therapeutic Uses , Anti-Obesity Agents , Pharmacokinetics , Pharmacology , Therapeutic Uses , Antineoplastic Agents , Pharmacokinetics , Pharmacology , Therapeutic Uses , Antioxidants , Pharmacokinetics , Pharmacology , Therapeutic Uses , Central Nervous System Agents , Pharmacokinetics , Pharmacology , Therapeutic Uses , Cymbopogon , Ethnopharmacology , Hematologic Agents , Pharmacokinetics , Pharmacology , Therapeutic Uses , Hypoglycemic Agents , Pharmacokinetics , Pharmacology , Therapeutic Uses , Oils, Volatile , Pharmacokinetics , Pharmacology , Therapeutic Uses , Plant Extracts , Pharmacokinetics , Pharmacology , Therapeutic Uses , Plant Oils , Pharmacokinetics , Pharmacology , Therapeutic Uses , Rats, Inbred F344 , Urological Agents , Pharmacokinetics , Pharmacology , Therapeutic Uses
17.
Braz. J. Psychiatry (São Paulo, 1999, Impr.) ; 36(3): 259-261, Jul-Sep/2014.
Article in English | LILACS | ID: lil-718452

ABSTRACT

Between 1950 and 1969, on a serendipitous basis, psychiatric drug development flourished. However, there has been a steep decline in the development of new medication classes. Instead of new molecular entities, slight molecular modifications producing “me-too” drugs attempted to garner market share. With failing profitability, industry is now withdrawing from psychiatric medication development. Managed care drastically shortened contact between patients and clinicians, so the possible observation of unexpected benefits has been nullified. The randomized, parallel-groups design met FDA requirements for specific pharmacological efficacy. However, it does not determine whether a patient who improved while drug-treated required the drug or would have gotten better on his own. Further, pathophysiology benefit remains obscure. The major psychotropic drugs have no benefits for normal subjects. Their remarkable benefits must stem from a necessary interaction with a pathophysiological state. Therefore, understanding therapeutic benefit by treating normal subjects becomes unlikely. The claim that therapeutic knowledge in psychiatry proceeds from bench to bedside has proven vacuous, primarily because of our limited understanding of brain pathophysiology. The utility of the alternative intensive design for understanding diagnosis, therapeutic benefit, and pathophysiology is emphasized.


Subject(s)
Humans , Central Nervous System Agents , Drug Discovery/trends , Drug Industry/trends , Clinical Trials as Topic
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