ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Severe psychomotor agitation and aggression often require immediate pharmacological intervention, but clear evidence-based recommendations for choosing among the multiple options are lacking. To address this gap, we plan a systematic review and individual-participant-data network meta-analysis to investigate their comparative effectiveness in real-world emergency settings with increased precision. METHODS: We will include randomized controlled trials investigating intramuscular or intravenous pharmacological interventions, as monotherapy or in combination, in adults with severe psychomotor agitation irrespective of the underlying diagnosis and requiring rapid tranquilization in general or psychiatric emergency settings. We will exclude studies before 2002, those focusing on specific reasons for agitation and placebo-controlled trials to avoid concerns related to the transitivity assumption and potential selection biases. We will search for eligible studies in BIOSIS, CENTRAL, CINAHL Plus, Embase, LILACS, MEDLINE via Ovid, PubMed, ProQuest, PsycINFO, ClinicalTrials.gov, and WHO-ICTRP. Individual-participant data will be requested from the study authors and harmonized into a uniform format, and aggregated data will also be extracted from the studies. At least two independent reviewers will conduct the study selection, data extraction, risk-of-bias assessment using RoB 2, and applicability evaluation using the RITES tool. The primary outcome will be the number of patients achieving adequate sedation within 30 min after treatment, with secondary outcomes including the need for additional interventions and adverse events, using odds ratios as the effect size. If enough individual-participant data will be collected, we will synthesize them in a network meta-regression model within a Bayesian framework, incorporating study- and participant-level characteristics to explore potential sources of heterogeneity. In cases where individual-participant data are unavailable, potential data availability bias will be explored, and models allowing for the inclusion of studies reporting only aggregated data will be considered. We will assess the confidence in the evidence using the Confidence in Network Meta-Analysis (CINeMA) approach. DISCUSSION: This individual-participant-data network meta-analysis aims to provide a fine-tuned synthesis of the evidence on the comparative effectiveness of pharmacological interventions for severe psychomotor agitation in real-world emergency settings. The findings from this study can greatly be provided clearer evidence-based guidance on the most effective treatments. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42023402365.
Subject(s)
Network Meta-Analysis , Psychomotor Agitation , Systematic Reviews as Topic , Humans , Psychomotor Agitation/drug therapy , Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic , Research Design , Antipsychotic Agents/therapeutic useABSTRACT
O objetivo deste artigo é a apresentação de diretrizes e protocolos de avaliação de condições frequentemente observadas em contexto de emergências psiquiátricas, a saber; manejo de agitação psicomotora e avaliação de risco suicida. As peculiaridades da interação entre serviços de emergências psiquiá- tricas e rede de saúde mental e do diagnóstico diferencial de primeiro episódio psicótico também são brevemente discutidas. Com base em evidências científicas associadas à experiência clínica dos autores, são apresentadas as habilidades e competências necessárias para o manejo de emergências em psiquiatria, com ênfase em técnicas de entrevista psiquiátrica, abordagem atitudinal/comportamental e intervenções farmacológicas. (AU)
The objective of this article is to present guidelines and assessment protocols of frequently observed conditions in the context of psychiatric emergencies, namely, management of agitation and evaluation of suicide risk. The peculiarities of the interaction between psychiatric emergency and mental health services and the differential diagnosis of first-episode psychosis are briefly presented. Based on scientific evidence associated with our clinical experience, we discuss the skills and competencies needed for the management of emergencies in psychiatry, with emphasis on psychiatric interview techniques, attitudinal/ behavioral approach and pharmacological interventions. (AU)
Subject(s)
Humans , Psychiatric Department, Hospital , Psychiatry , Psychomotor Agitation , Suicide , Diagnosis, Differential , Emergency MedicineABSTRACT
The objective of this study was to characterize admissions to an emergency hospital due to suicide attempts and verify outcomes in 2 years. Data were collected from medical records and were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression. The sample consisted of 412 patients (58.7% women; mean age = 32.6 years old, SD = 14.3). Self-poisoning was the most frequent method (84.0%), and they were diagnosed mainly as depressive (40.3%) and borderline personality disorders (19.1%). Previous suicide attempts and current psychiatric treatment were reported by, respectively, 32.0% and 28.4%. Fifteen patients (3.6%, 9 males) died during hospitalization. At discharge, 79.3% were referred to community-based psychiatric services. Being male (OR = 2.11; 95% CI = 1.25-3.55), using violent methods (i.e., hanging, firearms, and knives) (OR = 1.96; 95% CI = 1.02-3.75) and psychiatric treatment history (OR = 2.58; 95% CI = 1.53-4.36) were predictors for psychiatric hospitalization. Of 258 patients followed for 2 years, 10 (3.9%) died (3 suicide), and 24 (9.3%) undertook new suicide attempts. Patients with a history of psychiatric treatment had higher risks of new suicide attempts (OR = 2.46, 95% CI = 1.07-5.65). Suicide attempters admitted to emergency hospitals exhibit severe psychiatric disorders, and despite interventions, they continue to present high risks for suicide attempts and death.
Subject(s)
Borderline Personality Disorder/epidemiology , Depressive Disorder/epidemiology , Poisoning/epidemiology , Suicide, Attempted/statistics & numerical data , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Brazil/epidemiology , Child , Community Mental Health Services , Emergency Service, Hospital , Female , Hospitalization , Humans , Logistic Models , Longitudinal Studies , Male , Middle Aged , Recurrence , Referral and Consultation , Retrospective Studies , Sex Factors , Suicide/statistics & numerical data , Tertiary Care Centers , Violence , Young AdultABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Psychomotor agitation can be associated with a wide range of medical conditions. Although clinical practice advocates the use of several drugs for the management of psychomotor agitation, there are still very few controlled studies comparing the profiles of action and the adverse effects of different drugs that induce tranquilization. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of 4 low-dose pharmacological interventions used to control psychomotor agitation guided by the clinical response. METHODS: Using a randomized, rated-blind design, 100 agitated patients were assigned to receive 1 of 4 treatments: haloperidol (2.5 mg) + promethazine (25 mg) (HLP + PMZ), haloperidol (2.5 mg) + midazolam (7.5 mg) (HLP + MID), ziprasidone (10 mg) (ZIP), or olanzapine (10 mg) (OLP). Patients were evaluated just before the intervention and after 30, 60, and 90 minutes, using the Agitation-Calmness Evaluating Scale. Adverse effects were assessed within 24 hours after the intervention, using selected items from the UKU Scale (Ugvalg Klinisk Undersgelser Side Effect Scale). According to the clinical indication, medication could be repeated twice after the first injection. Data were analyzed using general linear model with repeated measures and logistic regression. RESULTS: All treatment options promoted a reduction in agitation, without causing excessive sedation, although a lower reduction in agitation was observed with HLP + PMZ and ZIP compared with HLP + MID and OLZ. The need for an additional dose of medication was observed in 22 patients, and only 8 remained agitated during the entire 90-minute period. A higher risk for the development of extrapyramidal symptoms within the following 24 hours was observed with HLP + PMZ. DISCUSSION: Low doses of haloperidol combined with midazolam can be as effective as olanzapine in reducing psychomotor agitation without increasing the risk of extrapyramidal effects. Because of the higher risk for the occurrence of extrapyramidal symptoms, the combination of haloperidol with promethazine should be considered a second-line treatment option.
Subject(s)
Antipsychotic Agents/therapeutic use , Basal Ganglia Diseases/chemically induced , Psychomotor Agitation/drug therapy , Adult , Antipsychotic Agents/administration & dosage , Antipsychotic Agents/adverse effects , Basal Ganglia Diseases/epidemiology , Dose-Response Relationship, Drug , Drug Therapy, Combination , Female , Humans , Linear Models , Logistic Models , Male , Single-Blind Method , Time Factors , Treatment Outcome , Young AdultABSTRACT
AIMS: This report discusses the use of antinuclear antibody (ANA) detection as a screening test for neuropsychiatry systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE) in patients presenting a first-episode psychosis. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of 85 patients admitted to an emergency service due to first-episode psychosis, during a 1-year period, for whom ANA detection was performed through an IFI HEp2 cell assay. ANA-positive patients were subsequently evaluated for autoantibodies and neuroimaging exams. RESULTS: Three patients presented as ANA positive in the initial screening and further investigation confirmed NPSLE in two patients. The patients were treated with antipsychotics and cyclophosphamide pulses with satisfactory outcomes. CONCLUSION: Even though ANA detection is not specific, it is a low-cost procedure and could be an important screening test for NPSLE in the early-onset psychosis.
Subject(s)
Antibodies, Antinuclear/analysis , Lupus Vasculitis, Central Nervous System/diagnosis , Psychotic Disorders/etiology , Adult , Antipsychotic Agents/therapeutic use , Cyclophosphamide/therapeutic use , Diagnostic Tests, Routine/statistics & numerical data , Female , Humans , Immunosuppressive Agents/therapeutic use , Lupus Vasculitis, Central Nervous System/complications , Lupus Vasculitis, Central Nervous System/drug therapy , Lupus Vasculitis, Central Nervous System/psychology , Male , Middle Aged , Psychotic Disorders/diagnosis , Psychotic Disorders/drug therapy , Retrospective StudiesABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To review current data about the management of agitated or aggressive patients. METHOD: Through a search of databases (PubMed and Web of Science), empirical articles and reviews about pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions for the management of agitation and /or violence were identified. RESULTS: The non-pharmacological management of agitation/aggression encompasses the organization of space and appropriateness of behavior and attitudes of health professionals. The main goal of pharmacological management is rapid tranquilization aimed at reducing symptoms of agitation and aggression, without the induction of deep or prolonged sedation, keeping the patient calm, but completely or partially responsive. Polypharmacy should be avoided, and doses of medications should be as small as possible, adjusted according to clinical need. Intramuscular administration of medication should be considered as a last resort and the options for the use of antipsychotics and benzodiazepines are described and commented. The physical management by means of mechanical restraint may be necessary in violent situations where there is risk to the patient or staff, and must meet strict criteria. CONCLUSION: Procedures must be carefully implemented to avoid physical and emotional complications for patients and staff.
Subject(s)
Aggression/psychology , Psychomotor Agitation/psychology , Psychomotor Agitation/therapy , Violence/psychology , Antipsychotic Agents/therapeutic use , Attitude of Health Personnel , Humans , Patient Care Team , Psychomotor Agitation/drug therapy , Tranquilizing Agents/therapeutic useABSTRACT
OBJETIVO: Revisar as medidas preconizadas para o manejo de pacientes agitados ou agressivos. MÉTODO: Por meio de uma busca em bancos de dados (PubMed e Web of Science) foram identificados artigos empíricos e revisões sobre intervenções farmacológicas e não farmacológicas para o manejo de agitação e/ou violência. RESULTADOS: O manejo não farmacológico de agitação/agressão engloba a organização do espaço físico e a adequação de atitudes e comportamentos dos profissionais de saúde. O objetivo principal do manejo farmacológico é a tranquilização rápida, buscando a redução dos sintomas de agitação e agressividade, sem a indução de sedação profunda ou prolongada, mantendo-se o paciente tranquilo, mas completa ou parcialmente responsivo. A polifarmácia deve ser evitada e as doses das medicações devem ser o menor possível, ajustadas de acordo com a necessidade clínica. A administração intramuscular de medicação deve ser considerada como última alternativa e as opções de uso de antipsicóticos e benzodiazepínicos são descritas e comentadas. O manejo físico, por meio de contenção mecânica, pode ser necessário nas situações de violência em que exista risco para o paciente ou equipe, e deve obedecer a critérios rigorosos. CONCLUSÃO: Os procedimentos devem ser cuidadosamente executados, evitando complicações de ordem física e emocional para pacientes e equipe.
OBJECTIVE: To review current data about the management of agitated or aggressive patients. METHOD: Through a search of databases (PubMed and Web of Science), empirical articles and reviews about pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions for the management of agitation and /or violence were identified. RESULTS: The non-pharmacological management of agitation/aggression encompasses the organization of space and appropriateness of behavior and attitudes of health professionals. The main goal of pharmacological management is rapid tranquilization aimed at reducing symptoms of agitation and aggression, without the induction of deep or prolonged sedation, keeping the patient calm, but completely or partially responsive. Polypharmacy should be avoided, and doses of medications should be as small as possible, adjusted according to clinical need. Intramuscular administration of medication should be considered as a last resort and the options for the use of antipsychotics and benzodiazepines are described and commented. The physical management by means of mechanical restraint may be necessary in violent situations where there is risk to the patient or staff, and must meet strict criteria. CONCLUSION: Procedures must be carefully implemented to avoid physical and emotional complications for patients and staff.
Subject(s)
Humans , Aggression/psychology , Psychomotor Agitation/psychology , Psychomotor Agitation/therapy , Violence/psychology , Antipsychotic Agents/therapeutic use , Attitude of Health Personnel , Patient Care Team , Psychomotor Agitation/drug therapy , Tranquilizing Agents/therapeutic useABSTRACT
O objetivo do presente trabalho foi a realizaçäo de um estudo preliminar da assistência que tem sido oferecida no Serviço de Seguimento Pós-Alta do Ambulatório de Clínica Psiquiátrica do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeiräo Preto-USP, através do levantamento de alguns dados clínicos de uma populaçäo amostral. A partir de uma populaçäo inicialmente composta pelos pacientes atendidos no Serviço no período compreendido entre janeiro de 1988 e dezembro de 1990, da qual foram levantados dados demográficos em um estudo prévio, foi obtida uma populaçäo amostral de 50 pacientes, escolhida aleatoriamente, porém de maneira estratificada. Os dados foram obtidos através dos prontuários médicos desses pacientes. Observou-se, para a populaçäo estudada, ocorrer um período de internaçäo muito variado, situando-se entre 11 e 60 dias; seguimento ambulatorial por um tempo médio inferior a seis meses, existindo porém dados significativos de seguimento por tempo superior a um semestre, a maioria dos pacientes apresentando a média de um retorno po mês. Muitos dos prontuários näo continham informaçöes suficientes sobre as condiçöes do paciente por acasiäo da alta no Ambulatório. Grande parte deles recebeu alta por abandono, tendo sido observada uma correlaçäo entre tempo prolongado de seguimento ambulatorial e patologias mais graves. Pode-se concluir que näo há, ou näo está sendo seguida, uma padronizaçäo para o tipo de atendimento oferecido nesse Serviço ambulatorial, contrariando os preceitos teóricos que deveriam nortear a assistência em um Hospital-Escola