MedWorm.com provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest items from the 'Journal of Psychopharmacology' source. Wed, 17 Mar 2010 17:08:07 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3335173&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F24%2F3%2F441%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Journal of Psychopharmacology) Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3335173 Fri, 05 Mar 2010 12:53:19 +0100 3335173 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3335172&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F24%2F3%2F439%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Journal of Psychopharmacology) Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3335172 Fri, 05 Mar 2010 12:53:19 +0100 3335172 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3335171&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F24%2F3%2F437%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Journal of Psychopharmacology) Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3335171 Fri, 05 Mar 2010 12:53:19 +0100 3335171 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3335170&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F24%2F3%2F433%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Journal of Psychopharmacology) Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3335170 Fri, 05 Mar 2010 12:53:19 +0100 3335170 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3335169&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F24%2F3%2F429%3Frss%3D1 We present the case of a patient who developed RS during treatment with aripiprazole. Potential mechanisms, including D2 receptor occupancy, low anticholinergic properties and dopamine hypersensitivity theory, are discussed. Although studies with aripiprazole have shown a low liability for extrapyramidal side effects, the present case emphasises the need for caution when treating patients with aripiprazole. (Source: Journal of Psychopharmacology) Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3335169 Fri, 05 Mar 2010 12:53:19 +0100 3335169 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3335168&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F24%2F3%2F425%3Frss%3D1 We report a case of treatment-resistant OCD that was successfully treated with a pharmacological augmentation of lamotrigine plus clomipramine. The patient, a 59-year-old woman, was on a stable dose of clomipramine (225 mg/day) when she was started on lamotrigine (up to 150 mg/day). After 10 weeks of this treatment, her clinical condition remarkably improved, as indicated by a significant decrease of the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale. This case suggests some preliminary evidence that the addition of glutamatergic agent lamotrigine may be useful in treatment-resistant OCD. However, further controlled studies are needed to support this finding. (Source: Journal of Psychopharmacology) Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3335168 Fri, 05 Mar 2010 12:53:19 +0100 3335168 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3335167&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F24%2F3%2F421%3Frss%3D1 Patients with hyperthymic and cyclothymic temperaments often develop symptoms that fail to meet diagnostic criteria for bipolar disorders. These patients can be conceived as having bipolar disorder NOS (not otherwise specified), a bipolar spectrum disorder, cyclothymic disorder or cluster B personality traits. Here, we describe four of these patients with mild to moderate symptoms affecting mood, behaviour, emotional reactivity and sleep. Treatment with low-dose quetiapine (25—75 mg/day at night) lead to sustained symptom remission. Two of them were on quetiapine monotherapy. Such low doses occupy a minority of D2 and 5-HT2 receptors, which may nevertheless be of therapeutic value in mild cases. Alternatively, other mechanisms more likely to occur at low doses, such as antagonism of ... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3335167 Fri, 05 Mar 2010 12:53:19 +0100 3335167 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3335166&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F24%2F3%2F407%3Frss%3D1 Brattleboro (BRAT) rats are a mutant variant of the Long-Evans (LE) strain deficient in the neurohormone vasopressin. BRAT rats show behavioural alterations relevant to schizophrenia. In particular, BRAT rats show deficits in prepulse inhibition (PPI) and alterations in various measures of cognition. The aim of this study was to replicate the reported PPI deficits in BRAT rats and its reversal by antipsychotic drugs and to investigate other behavioural and neurochemical characteristics. Acoustic startle reactivity, PPI, spontaneous and amphetamine-induced locomotor activity (LMA) and ex-vivo steady state neurochemistry were measured in male homozygous BRAT rats and LE rats. The effects of antipsychotics on PPI deficits were also determined. Relative to LE, BRAT rats showed enhanced startle... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3335166 Fri, 05 Mar 2010 12:53:19 +0100 3335166 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3335165&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F24%2F3%2F397%3Frss%3D1 Systemic or intra-striatal acute administration of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitors causes catalepsy in rodents. This effect disappears after sub-chronic treatment. The aim of the present study was to investigate if this tolerance is related to changes in the expression of NOS or dopamine-2 (D2) receptor or to a recovery of NOS activity. Male albino Swiss mice (25—30 g) received single or sub-chronic (once a day for 4 days) i.p. injections of saline or L-nitro-arginine (L-NOARG, 40 mg/kg), a non-selective inhibitor of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS). Twenty-four hours after the last injection, the animals were killed and their brains were removed for immunohistochemistry assay to detect the presence of nNOS or for ‘in-situ’ hybridisation study using 35S-labele... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3335165 Fri, 05 Mar 2010 12:53:19 +0100 3335165 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3335164&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F24%2F3%2F389%3Frss%3D1 Noradrenergic transmission has been implicated in the affective component of relapse to tobacco smoking. Evidence in human and laboratory animals showed that smoking or nicotine administration may cause changes of the noradrenergic system resulting in hyperactivity in this system after cessation. It has been hypothesised that the anti-adrenergic β-blocker propranolol may decrease affective activation and arousal observed during drug withdrawal or cue-induced relapse. The aim of the present work was to test the effects of propranolol pre-treatment in a rat model of nicotine cue-induced relapse to nicotine seeking. We also tested the effects of propranolol on food cue-induced reinstatement of food seeking in rats trained on food self-administration. Propranolol transiently inhibited nic... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3335164 Fri, 05 Mar 2010 12:53:19 +0100 3335164 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3335163&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F24%2F3%2F383%3Frss%3D1 This study clearly reports disease-modifying efficacy of ibuprofen at the cognitive level in transgenic mice modelling AD. (Source: Journal of Psychopharmacology) Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3335163 Fri, 05 Mar 2010 12:53:19 +0100 3335163 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3335162&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F24%2F3%2F373%3Frss%3D1 There is evidence to suggest that neurotensin (NT) may enhance cognitive function. For example, in aversive trace conditioning, the NT agonist PD149163 selectively increased trace conditioning (Grimond-Billa, et al., 2008). The present study, therefore, examined the role of NT in associative learning, tested using an appetitive trace conditioning procedure (0-s or 10-s inter-stimulus-interval [ISI]) with a mixed frequency noise as a conditioned stimulus (CS) and food delivery as the unconditioned stimulus (UCS). The effects of an NT agonist (PD149163, 0.125 and 0.25 mg/kg, Experiment 1) and an NT antagonist (SR142948A, 0.01 and 0.1 mg/kg, Experiment 2) were compared. To take nonspecific effects of these compounds into account, conditioning to the CS was measured as a percentage of total re... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3335162 Fri, 05 Mar 2010 12:53:19 +0100 3335162 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3335161&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F24%2F3%2F363%3Frss%3D1 This study shows a useful method for studying the effects of CB1 antagonists. AVE1625 penetrates the brain and antagonises THC-induced effects with doses at or above 20 mg. (Source: Journal of Psychopharmacology) Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3335161 Fri, 05 Mar 2010 12:53:19 +0100 3335161 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3335160&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F24%2F3%2F355%3Frss%3D1 µ-opioidergic agonists are believed to induce euphoria, whereas agonists are thought to lead to dysphoria. Our study investigated mood effects of remifentanil, a µ-receptor opioid agonist, in healthy male volunteers. Moreover, we examined interactions between mood and pain. Three conditions were investigated in 21 volunteers: saline, 0.05 and 0.15 µg kg–1 min– 1 remifentanil. Each condition was investigated during non-painful heat and during painful heat stimulation. Mood was measured with the von Zerssen’s mood scale (Bf-S score) and pain intensity using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). High Bf-S scores are reflecting discontent and dysphoria. Changes were tested for significance using a linear mixed model approach. Remifentanil significantly increased Bf... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3335160 Fri, 05 Mar 2010 12:53:19 +0100 3335160 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3335159&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F24%2F3%2F349%3Frss%3D1 Because there are reports on cytotoxic and cytoprotective effects of antipsychotics, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the impacts of different concentrations (1.6—50 µg/mL) of atypical antipsychotics on the survival of human neuronal (neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y) and immune (monocytic U-937) cells and on energy metabolism (ATP level after the incubation with antipsychotics in the concentration of 25 µg/mL). Statistical analysis showed that incubation for 24 h with the antipsychotics quetiapine, risperidone, 9-hydroxyrisperidone and ziprasidone led to a significantly enhanced cell survival in both cell lines in the lower concentrations. Higher concentrations exerted in part cytotoxic effects with the exception of quetiapine, but therapeutically relevant concentration... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3335159 Fri, 05 Mar 2010 12:53:19 +0100 3335159 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3335158&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F24%2F3%2F341%3Frss%3D1 We examined the long-term effects in rat brain of multiple doses of asenapine on representative serotonin receptor subtypes: 5-HT1A, 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C. Rats were given asenapine (0.03, 0.1 or 0.3 mg/kg) subcutaneously twice daily or vehicle for 4 weeks. Brain sections were collected from the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), dorsolateral frontal cortex (DFC), caudate putamen, nucleus accumbens, hippocampal CA 1 and CA3 regions, and entorhinal cortex and processed for in-vitro receptor autoradiography. Asenapine 0.1 and 0.3 mg/kg significantly increased 5-HT1A binding in mPFC (by 24% and 33%, respectively), DFC (27%, 31%) and hippocampal CA1 region (23%, 25%) (all P < 0.05). All three asenapine doses (0.03, 0.1 and 0.3 mg/kg) significantly decreased 5-HT2A binding by a similar degree in m... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3335158 Fri, 05 Mar 2010 12:53:19 +0100 3335158 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3335157&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F24%2F3%2F333%3Frss%3D1 This study investigates duloxetine in the treatment of patients with BPD. Eighteen outpatients with a DSM-IV-TR diagnosis of BPD were treated with open-label duloxetine, 60 mg/day, for 12 weeks. Patients were assessed at baseline, week 4 and 12 with the CGI Severity item, the BPRS, the HAM-D, the HAM-A, the SOFAS, the BPD Severity Index (BPDSI) and the HSCL-90-Somatization Subscale (HSCL-90 SOM). Adverse effects were evaluated using the Dosage Record Treatment Emergent Symptom Scale. Statistics were performed with the analysis of variance. Significant P values were ≤0.05. Fourteen patients completed the study. Four patients (22.2%) discontinued treatment in the first 4 weeks because of non-compliance. A significant change was found for: BPRS, HAM-D, SOFAS, BPDSI total score and items &l... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3335157 Fri, 05 Mar 2010 12:53:19 +0100 3335157 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3335156&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F24%2F3%2F323%3Frss%3D1 Memory dysfunction occurs in a number of neuropsychiatric disorders. Therapeutic psychopharmacological agents may exacerbate such memory impairment. Detailed characterisation of drug-induced memory impairment is therefore important. We recently showed that the D2/D3 antagonist amisulpride quantitatively impairs emotional memory in a randomised placebo-controlled study of 33 healthy volunteers. Current evidence suggests that two qualitatively different processes (recollection and familiarity) contribute to recognition memory and can be investigated using a Dual-Process Signal Detection model. Using such a model, we found that amisulpride levels at encoding were significantly inversely correlated with recollection estimates for emotional but not neutral stimuli or familiarity estimates in he... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3335156 Fri, 05 Mar 2010 12:53:19 +0100 3335156 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3335155&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F24%2F3%2F309%3Frss%3D1 This article examined the relative roles of noradrenaline and dopamine in the modulation of methylphenidate-induced impulsive responding in rats performing the 5-choice serial reaction time task. Experiment 1 examined the systemic antagonism of methylphenidate-induced impulsivity with either propranolol, a β-adrenoreceptor blocker, or prazosin, an 1-adrenoreceptor antagonist, which antagonises the locomotor activating effects of amphetamine. Propranolol completely abolished methylphenidate-induced impulsivity. This effect was centrally rather than peripherally mediated, as nadolol, a peripheral β-blocker failed to affect methylphenidate-induced premature responding. Prazosin partially attenuated the methylphenidate-mediated increase in premature responding. A second experiment ex... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3335155 Fri, 05 Mar 2010 12:53:19 +0100 3335155 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3335154&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F24%2F3%2F297%3Frss%3D1 After 12 weeks of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) monotherapy with inadequate response, 10 patients received clomipramine and 11 received quetiapine as augmentation agents of the SSRI. The primary outcome measure was the difference between initial and final scores of the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS), rated in a blinded fashion, and the score of clinical global improvement (CGI-I). Statistical analyses were performed using nonparametric tests to evaluate treatment efficacy and the difference between treatment groups. Percentile plots were constructed with YBOCS scores from the clomipramine and quetiapine groups. Considering response a ≥35% reduction in the initial Y-BOCS score plus a rating of ‘much improved’ or ‘very much improved’... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3335154 Fri, 05 Mar 2010 12:53:19 +0100 3335154 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3335153&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F24%2F3%2F287%3Frss%3D1 Oral antidepressants are currently the first-line pharmacotherapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), but response rates can often be low and with delayed onset of therapeutic action. Some reports have suggested that intravenous (i.v.) anti-obsessive agents may have faster onset of action and greater efficacy. A Medline search was conducted for all reports pertaining to the use of i.v. antidepressants for OCD. Search terms included: ‘intravenous’, ‘clomipramine’, ‘selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor’, ‘tricyclic’, ‘citalopram’, ‘sertraline’, ‘paroxetine’, ‘fluvoxamine’, ‘SSRIs’ and ‘intravenous antidepressants’. Relevant articles mainly investigated clomipramine (... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3335153 Fri, 05 Mar 2010 12:53:19 +0100 3335153 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3258734&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F24%2F2%2F281%3Frss%3D1 Evidence that the widely used methamphetamine analog MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, ecstasy) might damage brain serotonin neurones in humans is derived from imaging investigations showing variably decreased binding of radioligands to the serotonin transporter (SERT), a marker of serotonin neurones. However, in humans, it is not known whether low SERT binding reflects actual loss of SERT protein itself. As this question can only be answered in post-mortem brain, we measured protein levels of SERT and that of the rate-limiting serotonin-synthesizing enzyme tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH) in autopsied brain of a high-dose MDMA user. As compared with control values, SERT protein levels were markedly (–48% to –58%) reduced in striatum (caudate, putamen) and occipital cortex a... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3258734 Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:07:15 +0100 3258734 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3258733&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F24%2F2%2F275%3Frss%3D1 The club drug ecstasy (3,4-methylenedioxymethylamphetamine or MDMA) is often taken recreationally with ethanol (EtOH). We have shown previously that EtOH potentiates the psychomotor effects of MDMA in rats. More recently, we demonstrated in striatal slices that MDMA produced preferential release of serotonin, but when combined with EtOH, the preferential release shifted to dopamine, raising the possibility that administration of EtOH may increase the reward effect of MDMA. To address this possibility, adult male Long-Evans rats were tested for conditioned place preference following treatment with saline, EtOH (0.75 g/kg), MDMA (6.6 mg/kg) or the combination. The only condition that produced a preference for the compartment associated with the drug was that of the drug combination. The curr... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3258733 Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:07:15 +0100 3258733 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3258732&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F24%2F2%2F267%3Frss%3D1 The mechanism by which 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) produces 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT, serotonin) neurotoxicity has been suggested to involve an acute release of tyrosine and its non-enzymatic conversion to dopamine. To determine whether brain tyrosine availability is important in MDMA-induced neurotoxicity, brain tyrosine was acutely depleted with a tyrosine-free amino acid mixture (1 g/kg intraperitoneal; twice 1 h apart) which was administered prior to an injection of MDMA (12.5 mg/kg intraperitoneal). A small increase in both the hippocampal and striatal tyrosine concentration occurred in control rats treated with MDMA. The tyrosine-free amino acid mixture significantly decreased tyrosine levels by more than 50% in both brain regions 2 h after injection of either MDMA or s... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3258732 Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:07:15 +0100 3258732 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3258731&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F24%2F2%2F257%3Frss%3D1 The objective of this study is to assess ‘liking’ and ‘wanting’ of expected ‘drug’ rewards as compared to ‘food’ and ‘sex’ while respondents report about three different situations (‘current’, and hypothetical ‘in general’, and ‘under drug influence’). In all, 20 cocaine-addicted individuals (mean abstinence = 2 days) and 20 healthy control subjects were administered the STRAP-R (Sensitivity To Reinforcement of Addictive and other Primary Rewards) questionnaire after receiving an oral dose of the dopamine agonist methylphenidate (20 mg) or placebo. The reinforcers’ relative value changed within the addicted sample when reporting about the ‘under drug influence’ situation (drug ... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3258731 Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:07:15 +0100 3258731 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3258730&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F24%2F2%2F247%3Frss%3D1 Stress is known to induce cigarette craving in smokers, but the underlying mechanisms are widely unknown. We investigated how dependence severity, smoking habits and stress-induced cortisol secretion are associated with increased cigarette craving after a standardised laboratory stressor. Hundred and six healthy participants (50 men, age 18—19 years) underwent a standardised public speaking stress task. In all, 35 smoked daily (DS), 13 smoked occasionally (OS), and 58 never smoked (NS). Smoking was unrestricted until 2 h before stress onset. Plasma cortisol was measured before and up to 95 min after the stressor. All current smokers rated intensity of cigarette craving immediately before and immediately after the stressor using the Brief Questionnaire of Smoking Urges (BQSU). Cortiso... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3258730 Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:07:15 +0100 3258730 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3258729&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F24%2F2%2F241%3Frss%3D1 The aim of the present study was to examine prospective memory impairments associated with cannabis use in young adults. An independent measures design utilising pre-existing groups of users and non-users was employed in which an opportunity sample of 90 undergraduates studying at universities in the north east of England participated. The number of prospective memory failures reported on the Prospective Memory Questionnaire and the number of location—action combinations correctly recalled during a video-based prospective memory task were measured. The number of strategies used to assist memory, level of anxiety and depression, and use of alcohol, nicotine and any other recreational drugs in addition to cannabis were also measured and controlled during the analysis. Analysis revealed... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3258729 Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:07:15 +0100 3258729 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3258728&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F24%2F2%2F233%3Frss%3D1 Although previous studies have examined anxiety and depression in ecstasy (±3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine; MDMA) users, it remains unclear whether symptoms are associated specifically with ecstasy or with polydrug use in general. We compared mean symptomatology and clinically significant symptoms in 45 ecstasy polydrug, 48 cannabis polydrug and 40 legal drug users, who completed standardised self-report anxiety and depression symptom measures. We further examined whether group differences were secondary to increased somatic symptom reporting, which may reflect acute/subacute drug effects. Anxiety and depression scores were higher in polydrug than legal drug users, with no difference between ecstasy and cannabis groups. There was no difference in numbers meeting criteria for clin... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3258728 Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:07:15 +0100 3258728 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3258727&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F24%2F2%2F221%3Frss%3D1 This study explored the relationship between ecstasy use, EI, mood and parenting styles. Questionnaire measures of drug use, lifestyle, parenting style and EI were obtained, with separate IQ measures for fluid intelligence (Ravens matrices) and pre-morbid intelligence [National Adult Reading Test (NART)]. Current mood measures were obtained from an adjective checklist. The sample comprised 78 ecstasy/polydrug users, 38 cannabis only users and 34 non-drug users. Drug use was categorised at three levels (non-user, cannabis-only user and ecstasy-polydrug user). Factorial ANOVA using drug use as an independent variable showed no significant group effects in EI. EI showed significant correlations with current mood that were positive for arousal and negative for both anxiety and depression. EI w... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3258727 Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:07:15 +0100 3258727 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3258726&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F24%2F2%2F213%3Frss%3D1 This study indicates a relationship may exist between the use of ecstasy tablets and LS. The relationship may be dose dependent. The majority of the study population used other substances including alcohol when experiencing electrical shock sensations. LS may explain only a proportion of all electrical shock experiences among ecstasy users. (Source: Journal of Psychopharmacology) Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3258726 Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:07:14 +0100 3258726 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3258725&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F24%2F2%2F203%3Frss%3D1 The -aminobutyric acid-A (GABAA) and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors mediate aspects of the behavioural effects of alcohol. Prior studies reported drugs that block NMDA receptors or facilitate GABAA receptor function produce ethanol-like effects in humans. The purpose of this study was to compare the ethanol-related effects of two pharmacological agents with known NMDA and GABAA receptor activity. As part of an ongoing, larger study, 28 subjects (age, 21—30) with no personal or family histories of alcoholism were administered subanesthetic doses of the GABAA receptor agonist thiopental, the NMDA receptor antagonist, ketamine and placebo on three separate test days. Various ethanol-related measures were administered. At doses of thiopental and ketamine that produced similar leve... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3258725 Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:07:14 +0100 3258725 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3258724&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F24%2F2%2F187%3Frss%3D1 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) users have impaired verbal memory, and voxel-based morphometry has shown decreased grey matter in Brodmann area (BA) 18, 21 and 45. Because these regions play a role in verbal memory, we hypothesized that MDMA users would show altered brain activation in these areas during performance of a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) task that probed semantic verbal memory. Polysubstance users enriched for MDMA exposure participated in a semantic memory encoding and recognition fMRI task that activated left BA 9, 18, 21/22 and 45. Primary outcomes were percent blood oxygen level-dependent signal change in left BA 9, 18, 21/22 and 45, accuracy and response time. During semantic recognition, lifetime MDMA use was associated with decreased activation i... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3258724 Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:07:14 +0100 3258724 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3258723&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F24%2F2%2F175%3Frss%3D1 The aim of this study was to differentiate the subacute from the chronic effects of ecstasy. Regular ecstasy users who subsequently chose to take ecstasy (experimental group: E, N = 16) were compared with regular ecstasy users who opted not to (control group: C, N = 16). Groups were assessed with neuropsychological and psychometric measures at drug-free baseline before ecstasy use and 1 and 4 days after use. Ecstasy users who consumed ecstasy (E) did not differ from those who did not (C) in relation to age, estimated IQ, personality or past substance use, including ecstasy. At baseline, E reported being more energetic, lively and cheerful whereas the day after ecstasy use they reported being more muddled, afraid, sad and dejected than C. However, this was not significant after controlling ... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3258723 Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:07:14 +0100 3258723 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3258722&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F24%2F2%2F165%3Frss%3D1 In conclusion, co-administration of ethanol and MDMA did not exacerbate physiologic effects compared to all other drug conditions, and moderated some effects of MDMA alone. (Source: Journal of Psychopharmacology) Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3258722 Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:07:14 +0100 3258722 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3258721&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F24%2F2%2F155%3Frss%3D1 In conclusion, results show that subjects were more aroused when intoxicated with both substances combined compared with placebo, but psychomotor accuracy was significantly impaired. These findings may have implications for general neuropsychological functioning as this may provide a sense of adequate performance that does not agree with a significant reduction in psychomotor accuracy. (Source: Journal of Psychopharmacology) Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3258721 Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:07:14 +0100 3258721 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3258720&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F24%2F2%2F147%3Frss%3D1 Nutt and colleagues’ ‘rational’ scale to assess the harms of commonly used drugs was based on ratings by a panel of experts. This survey aimed to assess drug users’ views of the harms of drugs using the same scale. As users’ drug choices are not solely based on harms, we additionally assessed perceived benefits. The survey was hosted at http://www.nationaldrugsurvey.org. UK residents reported their experience of 20 commonly used substances; those with direct experience of a substance rated its physical, dependence-related and social harms as well as benefits. A total of 1501 users completed the survey. There was no correlation between the classification of the 20 drugs under the Misuse of Drugs Act and ranking of harms by users. Despite being unclassified subs... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3258720 Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:07:14 +0100 3258720 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3258719&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F24%2F2%2F141%3Frss%3D1 Psychopharmacology is a powerful approach to the treatment of many psychiatric disorders. In this article I discuss the conceptual and practical issues in relation to the use of mu opioid receptor agonist, antagonist and partial agonist drugs in the treatment of opioid addiction, as this is one therapeutic area where all three types of agents are currently available. The choice of pharmacological agent is largely determined by patient profile, existence of ongoing drug misuse, and the kinetics of the drugs available. These principles, however, can be applied to other disorders as and when other pharmacological approaches become refined in these areas. (Source: Journal of Psychopharmacology) Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3258719 Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:07:14 +0100 3258719 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3235672&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F24%2F1%2F135%3Frss%3D1 The pharmacological profile of cannabidiol (CBD) has several characteristics in common with drugs known to benefit bipolar affective disorder (BAD), leading to the hypothesis that CBD may have therapeutic properties in BAD. Therefore, the aim of the present report was to directly investigate for the first time the efficacy and safety of CBD in two patients with BAD. Both patients met DSM IV criteria for bipolar I disorder experiencing a manic episode without comorbid conditions. This was an inpatient study, and the efficacy, tolerability and side effects were assessed. Both patients received placebo for the initial 5 days and CBD from the 6th to 30th day (initial oral dose of 600 mg reaching 1200 mg/ day). From the 6th to the 20th day, the first patient (a 34-year-old woman) received adjun... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3235672 Wed, 03 Feb 2010 16:22:23 +0100 3235672 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3235671&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F24%2F1%2F131%3Frss%3D1 Presented is a case study of a seventy five year old man who experienced psychosis and depression related to the onset and termination of amiodarone therapy. The study looks at the pharmacology of amiodarone and the mechanisms that may have led to the emergence of these symptoms. It also raises the issue of making a careful assessment of a patient’s life event history in that life events that may not be classically regarded as significant life events may be important in the precipitation of mental illness. (Source: Journal of Psychopharmacology) Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3235671 Wed, 03 Feb 2010 16:22:23 +0100 3235671 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3235670&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F24%2F1%2F125%3Frss%3D1 We report a case of a 35-year old female who developed new onset type II diabetes mellitus with hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic coma and acute renal failure following treatment with a SGA for a first manic episode. The history is strongly suggestive of concurrent NMS. This case raises important questions about non-ketotic, hyperosmolar diabetic coma with antipsychotics, the possible association between hyperglycaemia and hyperthermia, and the direction of causality in this, the recognition of either syndrome when they co-exist and management issues in such patients. These questions are considered in the context of currently available literature. (Source: Journal of Psychopharmacology) Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3235670 Wed, 03 Feb 2010 16:22:23 +0100 3235670 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3235669&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F24%2F1%2F121%3Frss%3D1 We here report on a psychotic mother and her breast-fed infant who was treated with olanzapine. Consecutively olanzapine concentrations in the milk and plasma of the mother and in the infant were measured with tandem mass spectroscopy over a period of five month. The results show a relatively high plasma level in the infant aged four month, probably referring to an immature hepatic transformation system, especially CYP1A2. In the following four months plasma levels of olanzapine decreased to very low, even undetectable concentrations in the infant. The infant developed normally and showed no side effects during the treatment period. (Source: Journal of Psychopharmacology) Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3235669 Wed, 03 Feb 2010 16:22:23 +0100 3235669 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3235668&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F24%2F1%2F111%3Frss%3D1 Sexual dysfunction (SD) is a common and underestimated effect of antidepressants. Healthy volunteers are the most adequate group to study this adverse event avoiding influence of depression itself. Sexual acceptability of agomelatine (a melatonergic agonist and 5HT2C antagonist) paroxetine and placebo by using the Psychotropic-Related Sexual Dysfunction Salamanca Sex Questionnaire (PRSEXDQ-SALSEX) was explored. A total of 92 healthy male volunteers were randomised to agomelatine (25 or 50 mg), paroxetine 20 mg or placebo for 8 weeks. SD, defined as at least one sexual impairment in one of the following PRSEXDQ-SALSEX items (decreased libido, delayed orgasm/ejaculation, anorgasmia/no ejaculation and erectile dysfunction), was evaluated at baseline and after 2, 4 and 8 weeks. At the last pos... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3235668 Wed, 03 Feb 2010 16:22:23 +0100 3235668 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3235667&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F24%2F1%2F99%3Frss%3D1 Given the suggestion that many potential anti-obesity drugs may enhance within-meal satiation, few studies have directly measured the effects of any drug on the microstructure of human eating behaviour. The effects of 7 days dosing with sibutramine 10 mg and 15 mg a day on appetite and energy balance were determined in 30 obese women (BMI 34.6 ± 3.3 kg/m2, age 46.0 ± 12.9 years) using a Universal Eating Monitor (UEM) and indirect calorimetry, in a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study. At day 7, sibutramine 10 mg and 15 mg reduced food intake by 16.6% and 22.3%, respectively (p < 0.001), compared with placebo. Sibutramine reduced eating rate compared with placebo rather than meal length (10 mg p < 0.05; 15 mg p < 0.001). In addition, sibutramine 10 mg sign... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3235667 Wed, 03 Feb 2010 16:22:23 +0100 3235667 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3235666&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F24%2F1%2F91%3Frss%3D1 The objective of this study was to compare the effects of risperidone and olanzapine in schizophrenic patients with intolerant extrapyramidal side effects (EPS) on first generation antipsychotics. We conducted an 8-week, rater-blinded, flexible dose study. Seventy patients with schizophrenia, who met the DSM-IV research criteria of having neuroleptic-induced acute dystonia or parkinsonism, were randomly assigned to risperidone or olanzapine group. The primary outcome was a comparison of the incidence of concomitant anticholinergic drugs usage between the groups to manage their acute dystonia and parkinsonism. The average doses of risperidone and olanzapine from baseline to study end point were 1.8—3.5 mg/day and 7.7—11.7 mg/day, respectively. There were no significant differenc... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3235666 Wed, 03 Feb 2010 16:22:22 +0100 3235666 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3235665&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F24%2F1%2F83%3Frss%3D1 Although discouraged in available treatment guidelines, combination antipsychotic prescribing (CAP) is a common practice in the treatment of schizophrenia. Patient characteristics may be associated with this type of treatment. A dataset (N = 363) derived from parallel randomised controlled trials was interrogated to identify factors associated with the receipt of CAP, and a logistic regression analysis was used to predict the occurrence of CAP. Significant predictors of CAP were longer illness, low global functioning score and high treatment adherence rating. Co-prescribed patients received a higher combined dose. (Source: Journal of Psychopharmacology) Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3235665 Wed, 03 Feb 2010 16:22:22 +0100 3235665 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3235664&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F24%2F1%2F73%3Frss%3D1 Central Nervous System (CNS) effects of talnetant, an NK-3 antagonist in development for schizophrenia, were compared to those of haloperidol and placebo. The study was randomised, double-blind, three-way crossover of talnetant 200 mg, haloperidol 3 mg or placebo. Twelve healthy males participated and EEG, saccadic and smooth pursuit eye movements, adaptive tracking, body sway, finger tapping, hormones, visual analogue scales (VAS) for alertness, mood and calmness and psychedelic effects, left/right distraction task, Tower of London and Visual and Verbal Learning Task were assessed. Haloperidol showed (difference to placebo; 95% CI; p-value) decreases in EEG power (–0.87µV; –1.51/–0.22; p = 0.0110), saccadic inaccuracy (2.0%; 0.5/3.6; p = 0.0133), smooth pursuit eye... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3235664 Wed, 03 Feb 2010 16:22:22 +0100 3235664 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3235663&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F24%2F1%2F65%3Frss%3D1 A recently developed oral serotonergic challenge test consisting of 5-Hydroxytryptophane (5-HTP, 200 mg) combined with carbidopa (CBD, 100 mg + 50 mg) exhibited dose-related neuroendocrine responsiveness and predictable pharmacokinetics. However, its applicability is limited by nausea and vomiting. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, four-way crossover trial was performed in 12 healthy male volunteers. The 5-HTP/CBD-challenge was combined with two oral anti-emetics (granisetron, 2 mg or domperidone, 10 mg) to investigate its reliability when side-effects are suppressed. The neuroendocrine response (serum cortisol and prolactin), the side-effect profile [Visual Analogue Scale Nausea (VAS)] and vomiting subjects per treatment were the main outcome measures. Compared to 5-HTP/CBD/... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3235663 Wed, 03 Feb 2010 16:22:22 +0100 3235663 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3235662&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F24%2F1%2F57%3Frss%3D1 This study aimed to investigate whether isolation rearing impairs rats’ performance in two models of cognition: the novel object recognition (NOR) and attentional set-shifting tasks, tests of episodic memory and executive function, respectively. Two cohorts of female Hooded-Lister rats were used in these experiments. Animals were housed in social isolation or in groups of five from weaning, post-natal day 28. The first cohort was tested in the NOR test with inter-trial intervals (ITIs) of 1 min up to 6 h. The second cohort was trained and tested in the attentional set-shifting task. In the NOR test, isolates were only able to discriminate between the novel and familiar objects up to 1-h ITI, whereas socially reared animals remembered the familiar object up to a 4-h ITI. In the attent... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3235662 Wed, 03 Feb 2010 16:22:22 +0100 3235662 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3235661&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F24%2F1%2F51%3Frss%3D1 Behavioural studies have yielded results that show lobeline has the ability to attenuate d-methamphetamine self-administration. Further in vivo and in vitro studies have demonstrated a blockade of µ-opioid receptors with lobeline. The present investigation examined the ability of lobeline to attenuate heroin intravenous (i.v.) self-administration when administered prior to testing. Male Sprague—Dawley rats were surgically implanted with jugular catheters and trained to lever press for i.v. heroin infusions (18 µg/kg) under a fixed ratio-2 schedule wherein two active lever presses resulted in heroin delivery. Rats then were tested for heroin self-administration after pretreatment with subcutaneous lobeline injections (0.3, 1.0, or 3.0 mg/kg, 15 min prior to testing session... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3235661 Wed, 03 Feb 2010 16:22:22 +0100 3235661 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3235660&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F24%2F1%2F39%3Frss%3D1 This study was designed to investigate the effects of co-administration of bupropion with escitalopram on the firing rate of 5-HT and norepinephrine (NE) neurons in anesthetized rats. Escitalopram (10 mg/kg/day x 2 days), given via subcutaneously (s.c.) implanted minipumps, decreased the firing of 5-HT and NE neurons by 70% and 55%, respectively. The firing of 5-HT neurons, unlike that of NE neurons, recovered after the 14-day escitalopram regimen. Bupropion, injected once daily (30 mg/kg/day, s.c. x 2 days), did not increase 5-HT firing but decreased that of NE by 55%. After 14 days of repeated bupropion administration, 5-HT firing was increased by 50%, and NE firing was back to baseline. Co-administration of escitalopram and bupropion doubled 5-HT firing after 2 and 14 days, whereas NE n... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3235660 Wed, 03 Feb 2010 16:22:22 +0100 3235660 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3235659&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F24%2F1%2F27%3Frss%3D1 In conclusion, our proposal that NK1R–/– mice offer a mouse model of ADHD was borne out by our human studies, which suggest that DNA sequence changes in and around the TACR1 gene increase susceptibility to this disorder. (Source: Journal of Psychopharmacology) Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3235659 Wed, 03 Feb 2010 16:22:22 +0100 3235659 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3235658&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F24%2F1%2F3%3Frss%3D1 Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) is defined as excessive and uncontrollable worry and anxiety about everyday life situations. It is a chronic disorder, and is associated with substantial somatisation, high rates of comorbid depression and other anxiety disorders, and significant disability. The evidence base for pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy has continued to grow, and a wide range of drug choices for GAD now exists. Current guidelines for GAD generally restrict themselves to presentation of the evidence for various treatments, which, as a result, generally do not offer detailed discussion or recommendation of strategies beyond the first level of treatment, or take into account the individual circumstances of the patient. Thus, there is a lack of algorithm-based treatment guidelines f... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3235658 Wed, 03 Feb 2010 16:22:22 +0100 3235658 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2967105&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F8%2F1006%3Frss%3D1 A Tint, P M Haddad, and I M Anderson. The effect of rate of antidepressant tapering on the incidence of discontinuation symptoms: a randomised study. Journal of Psychopharmacology first published this on May 30, 2008 as DOI: 10.1177/0269881107087488. This version is no longer available. The version of record is published in Vol. 22 No 3, DOI 10.1177/0269881107081550 (Source: Journal of Psychopharmacology) Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2967105 Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:24:40 +0100 2967105 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2967104&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F23%2F8%2F1005%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Journal of Psychopharmacology) Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2967104 Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:24:40 +0100 2967104 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2967103&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F8%2F1001%3Frss%3D1 We report the emergence of obsessive symptoms during treatment with lamotrigine in a patient who subsequently experienced significant improvement after dose reduction and stopping of this medication. The obsessive symptoms associated with lamotrigine treatment were observed after the lamotrigine dose was increased to 100 mg/day. The possible mechanisms, including inhibition on the presynaptic release of glutamate and alteration of striatal dopamine uptake, are discussed. It is unclear why lamotrigine induces obsessions in some patients. Controlled studies are necessary to identify the population at risk for obsessionality in bipolar illness following treatment with lamotrigine and to investigate a possible dose—response relationship between obsessive symptoms and lamotrigine. (Source... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2967103 Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:24:40 +0100 2967103 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2967102&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F8%2F999%3Frss%3D1 We discussed a neurosyphilis case who had a risky sexual intercourse history nearly 10 years ago. After the neurosyphilis diagnosis, the patient has clinical symptoms of a demential case starting as a typical manic episode and Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction because of intravenous penicillin treatment that has improved with olanzapine treatment. (Source: Journal of Psychopharmacology) Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2967102 Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:24:40 +0100 2967102 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2967101&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F8%2F997%3Frss%3D1 An inpatient on a secure unit with a history of bipolar affective disorder and physical complaints including pain was prescribed carbamazepine, quetiapine, dihydrocodeine, nefopam, paracetamol and various aperients. A benzodiazepine urine test by immunoassay was positive. Initial literature searches did not suggest a candidate drug for positive interference. Other explanations were excluded. Positive results continued, despite room searches and other disruptive security measures. Further literature searches revealed one experimental series demonstrating positive interference of nefopam in the relevant assay. Benzodiazepine assays were negative after cessation of nefopam. This is the first such clinical case to our knowledge. (Source: Journal of Psychopharmacology) Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2967101 Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:24:40 +0100 2967101 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2967100&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F8%2F993%3Frss%3D1 QTc interval prolongation may appear as a consequence of both typical and atypical antipsychotic treatments. Ziprasidone, which is effective in treating schizophrenia, is associated with QTc prolongation. Although the prolongation of QTc with ziprasidone treatment is often pronounced, there is a scarce number of cases reported about the relationship between ziprasidone and QTc prolongation. Of the three cases presented in this case series, two cases showed values exceeding 0.50 s with ziprasidone treatment. (Source: Journal of Psychopharmacology) Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2967100 Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:24:40 +0100 2967100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2967099&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F8%2F989%3Frss%3D1 A patient presented with agitation, paranoia, and psychosis following ingestion of dextromethorphan, propoxyphene, and hydrocodone, a previously unreported combination. Symptoms resolved with antipsychotics and cessation of offending drugs. The pharmacodynamics of dextromethorphan and the opioids, including drug interactions are discussed, and several potential mechanisms for the production of the patient’s symptoms are proposed. (Source: Journal of Psychopharmacology) Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2967099 Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:24:40 +0100 2967099 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2967098&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F8%2F985%3Frss%3D1 The psychopathologies underlying affective disorders are thought to involve persistent changes in the expression and function of both mineralocorticoid receptors and glucocorticoid receptors in the hippocampus. In addition, exposure to stressful stimuli can precipitate episodes in vulnerable individuals. The aim of this study is to determine if spironolactone as an adjunctive therapy is effective in improving residual symptoms in bipolar disorder. Four cases of euthymic bipolar disorder (BD) patients were treated with spironolactone as an adjunctive therapy in a private treatment sector. All patients met the DSM-IV diagnosis criteria for bipolar disorder. Clinical response was assessed retrospectively using the Clinical Global Impression Scale for Improvement. Spironolactone was effective ... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2967098 Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:24:39 +0100 2967098 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2967097&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F8%2F979%3Frss%3D1 The management of psychosis in Parkinson’s disease (PD) has been considered a great challenge for clinicians and there is a need for new pharmacological intervention. Previously an antipsychotic and neuroprotective effect of Cannabidiol (CBD) has been suggested. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to directly evaluate for the first time, the efficacy, tolerability and safety of CBD on PD patients with psychotic symptoms. This was an open-label pilot study. Six consecutive outpatients (four men and two women) with the diagnosis of PD and who had psychosis for at least 3 months were selected for the study. All patients received CBD in flexible dose (started with an oral dose of 150 mg/day) for 4 weeks, in addition to their usual therapy. The psychotic symptoms evaluated by the ... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2967097 Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:24:39 +0100 2967097 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2967096&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F8%2F975%3Frss%3D1 This study aimed to determine whether opioid blockade would increase panic-related symptomatology on provocation with 35% CO2 inhaled by healthy volunteers. Participants in a double-blind, randomised crossover design orally received either 50 mg of naltrexone or placebo. Most subjects undertook a double inhalation of 35% CO2 one hour after pre-medication, and a separate group did so after five hours. The reactivity to CO2 and the symptoms elicited by naltrexone alone were measured. Among other findings, naltrexone pre-medication alone elicited significant increments in panic-related symptoms. Responses to CO2 were not significantly different between conditions in either group. These preliminary findings suggest that exposure to opioid blockade alone can potentially elicit symptoms that res... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2967096 Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:24:39 +0100 2967096 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2967095&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F8%2F967%3Frss%3D1 This article is an overview of the more common adverse events, which are seen with non-acute treatment with the SSRIs. (Source: Journal of Psychopharmacology) Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2967095 Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:24:39 +0100 2967095 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2967094&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F8%2F957%3Frss%3D1 The objective of this study was to describe the extent/change (2000—2004) of clozapine prescribing in schizophrenia in New Zealand and examine the outcomes associated with increasing treatment duration, and vs. those who discontinue clozapine. Consecutive chart reviews were conducted for adult outpatients in Auckland/Northland regions (T1 = 31 March 2000, T2 = 31 October 2001, T3 = 31 March 2003, T4 = 31 October 2004). Data collected included: patient characteristics, social/functional indicators, diagnosis, duration of illness, psychiatric admissions and treatment information (psychotropic medication, dose, route of administration). Between 2000 and 2004, clozapine for schizophrenia increased from 21.0% to 32.8%. Of those prescribed clozapine at T1, 86.1% were engaged with community... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2967094 Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:24:39 +0100 2967094 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2967093&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F8%2F945%3Frss%3D1 Research in affective disorders is often performed without considering sex differences, although women are predominantly affected. Consequently, the potential sex-dependent action of antidepressants remains elusive. We investigated whether Flinders sensitive line (FSL) of rats, a model of depression, would present sex-differentiated responses to antidepressant treatment. FSL and Sprague—Dawley rats were treated with clomipramine 10 mg/kg/day for 14 days. Subsequently, they were subjected to either a single session of the forced swim test or an estimation of serotonergic function in the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, amygdala and hypothalamus. Male FSL displayed increased immobility duration, decreased active behaviours, increased serotonin tissue levels and a reduced serotonin turno... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2967093 Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:24:39 +0100 2967093 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2967092&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F8%2F937%3Frss%3D1 This study aims to examine the association of AKT1 polymorphisms with drug-free and post-treatment symptomatology and social function in patients with schizophrenia. One hundred and twenty newly hospitalised patients with acutely exacerbated schizophrenia who had never been treated by atypical antipsychotics were recruited. They received optimal treatment of risperidone for up to 42 days in the inpatient research unit. Clinical manifestations were monitored by Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and social function by Nurses’ Observation Scale for Inpatients Evaluation (NOSIE). Patients were genotyped for eight AKT1 Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNPs), which have been previously investigated for association with schizophrenia. At drug-free status and after best possible tr... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2967092 Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:24:39 +0100 2967092 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2967091&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F8%2F923%3Frss%3D1 Serotonin (5-HT) release is the primary pharmacological mechanism of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ‘ecstasy’) action in the primate brain. Dopamine release and direct stimulation of dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT2A receptors also contributes to the overall action of MDMA. The role of 5-HT1A receptors in the human psychopharmacology of MDMA, however, has not yet been elucidated. In order to reveal the consequences of manipulation at the 5-HT1A receptor system on cognitive and subjective effects of MDMA, a receptor blocking study using the mixed beta-adrenoreceptor blocker/5-HT1A antagonist pindolol was performed. Using a double-blind, placebo-controlled within-subject design, 15 healthy male subjects were examined under placebo (PL), 20 mg pindolol (PIN), MDMA (1.6 mg... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2967091 Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:24:39 +0100 2967091 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2967090&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F8%2F915%3Frss%3D1 The objective of this study was to determine the occurrence of metabolic abnormalities among previously unmedicated female patients with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition schizophrenia spectrum disorders and their associations with olanzapine and risperidone treatment. We analysed 94 female patients who were treated with olanzapine or risperidone in the period of 3 months. Analysed variables included fasting glucose, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoproteins and triglycerides in blood, blood pressure (BP), waist and hip circumferences and body mass index (BMI). At baseline, 14 patients (15%) fulfilled criteria for metabolic syndrome. After 3 months of treatment, 25 patients (27%) fulfilled criteria for metabolic syndrome... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2967090 Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:24:39 +0100 2967090 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2967089&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F8%2F909%3Frss%3D1 It has been shown that elderly patients with dementia treated with atypical and conventional antipsychotics have a twofold increased risk of cerebrovascular adverse events (CVAEs). To investigate the temporal relationship between exposure to antipsychotics and the risk of CVAE, a case-control analysis nested within a cohort of 26,157 community-dwelling patients (mean age 76 ± 9.7) with at least one antipsychotic prescription was conducted. Data were used from Dutch community pharmacies and hospital discharge records. Five hundred and eighteen cases of hospital admission for CVAE were identified. For each case, four randomly selected controls matched by sex and age were sampled from the cohort. To evaluate the temporal relationship between antipsychotic use and the occurrence of CVAE... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2967089 Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:24:39 +0100 2967089 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2967088&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F8%2F899%3Frss%3D1 Datasets of antimanic potency ratings and receptor-binding affinities [inhibition constants (Ki)] at dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT2A brain receptors were accessed from published literature for a large series (n = 24) of typical neuroleptic drugs, many of which are now obsolete and unobtainable. There was a strong positive association between antimanic potency and affinity for D2 receptors, in support of a ‘dopamine-blockade hypothesis’ of antimanic drug action. Taking the series of neuroleptics as a whole, there was no association between antimanic potency and affinity for 5-HT2A receptors. Despite this, within a subsample of typical neuroleptics with low affinity for D2 receptors resembling new generation atypical antipsychotics, a positive association between antimanic poten... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2967088 Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:24:39 +0100 2967088 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2967087&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F8%2F891%3Frss%3D1 The neuropeptide vasopressin is centrally involved in the regulation of social behaviour and response to stress. We previously found support for a subcategory of depression defined by above-normal plasma vasopressin (AVP) concentration. This subcategory is validated by a positive family history of depression and correlating plasma AVP and cortisol concentrations. The data support the validity of above-normal plasma AVP concentration as a genetically determined biological marker for a subcategory of depression. The aim of the present study was to test whether above-normal plasma AVP concentration in depression is related to personality characteristics reflecting a specific social behaviour style. The data of 78 patients from a previously investigated sample were reanalysed. Fifty-eight pati... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2967087 Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:24:39 +0100 2967087 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2967086&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F8%2F883%3Frss%3D1 Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) is a drug currently used for the treatment of alcohol dependence. The aim of our study was to investigate the incidence of craving for and abuse of GHB in 47 patients enrolled and divided into four groups: group A (pure alcoholics), group B (alcoholics with a sustained full remission from cocaine dependence), group C (alcoholics with a sustained full remission from heroin dependence) and group D (alcoholics in a methadone maintenance treatment [MMT] programme). All patients were treated with an oral dose of GHB (50 mg/kg of body weight t.i.d.) for three months. Craving for GHB was statistically significant higher in group B than in group A (P < 0.001), C (P = 0.01) and D (P < 0.001), and in group C than in group D (P < 0.05). Abuse of GHB proved to ... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2967086 Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:24:39 +0100 2967086 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2967085&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F8%2F875%3Frss%3D1 Patients with psychotic disorders often suffer from intercurrent major depressive episodes (MDE). Case reports suggested successful antidepressive treatment with duloxetine, a selective dual reuptake inhibitor of serotonin and norepinephrine. We initiated this open prospective clinical trial to evaluate efficacy, safety and tolerability of this approach. Patients with a psychotic lifetime diagnosis suffering from mildly severe MDE were treated with duloxetine over a period of 6 weeks. We evaluated effects on mood, monitored the psychotic psychopathology and assessed side effects, basal clinical and pharmacological parameters. Twenty patients were included and experienced a significant improvement of their MDE during the observation period (Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia and Ham... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2967085 Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:24:39 +0100 2967085 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2967084&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F8%2F867%3Frss%3D1 To evaluate acute onset of anxiolytic activity using a dental anxiety model, 89 patients were randomised to double-blind single dose pregabalin 150 mg, alprazolam 0.5 mg or placebo 4 h before a scheduled dental procedure. A Dental Anxiety Total score >12 (moderate-to-severe) without meeting Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fourth edition) (DSM-IV) anxiety disorder criteria was required. Efficacy and safety, assessed 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5 and 4 h postdose, included 100 mm Visual Analogue Scale for Anxiety (VAS-Anxiety; primary outcome), 100 mm VAS-Sedation and Time-to-Onset of Action Scale (TOAS), a patient-rated anti-anxiety drug-benefit scale (no [0] to full benefit [10]). Mixed model analysis found significantly greater VAS-A improvement slopes for pregabalin (t = &ndas... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2967084 Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:24:39 +0100 2967084 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2967083&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F23%2F8%2F865%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Journal of Psychopharmacology) Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2967083 Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:24:39 +0100 2967083 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2699524&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F23%2F7%2F861%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Journal of Psychopharmacology) Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2699524 Thu, 13 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2699524 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2699523&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F23%2F7%2F859%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Journal of Psychopharmacology) Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2699523 Thu, 13 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2699523 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2699522&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F7%2F854%3Frss%3D1 AbstractStudies so far have provided contradictory results on immune system markers during use of antidepressants. There are no data on changes in immune parameters after treatment augmentation. The present study aimed to clarify whether the addition of bupropion in escitalopram-resistant patients with major depression causes changes in the immune system and whether treatment response could be predicted by baseline levels of cytokines. We recruited 28 depressive patients (11 men and 17 women) who did not respond to 12-week treatment with escitalopram (20 mg/d) for an augmentation trial with bupropion (150–300 mg/day). The levels of soluble interleukin-2 receptor, interleukin-8 (IL-8) and tumor-necrosis factor- were measured before and 6 weeks after addition of bupropio... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2699522 Thu, 13 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2699522 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2699521&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F7%2F841%3Frss%3D1 AbstractDepression is a disease of growing incidence and economic burden worldwide. In view of increasing treatment resistance, new therapeutic approaches are urgently needed. In addition to its gonadal functions, testosterone has many effects on the central nervous system. An association between testosterone levels and depressive symptoms has been proposed. Many hormones and neurotransmitters are involved in the aetiology and the course of depression including serotonin, dopamine, noradrenaline, vasopressin and cortisol. Testosterone is known to interact with them. Preclinical data suggest that testosterone has antidepressant potential. However, the data from clinical studies have been inconsistent. This review provides a critical overview on the currently available preclinical and clinic... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2699521 Thu, 13 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2699521 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2699520&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F7%2F831%3Frss%3D1 AbstractOmega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 PUFA) supplementation may be beneficial in the treatment of several psychiatric disorders, including depression. A small number of studies have suggested that there may also be cognitive and mood effects in healthy samples. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of n-3 PUFA on depression-relevant cognitive functioning in healthy individuals. Fifty-four healthy university students were randomized to receive either n-3 PUFA supplements or placebo for 4 weeks in a double-blind design. The test battery included measures of cognitive reactivity, attention, response inhibition, facial emotion recognition, memory and risky decision-making. Results showed few effects of n-3 PUFAs on cognition and mood states. The n-3 PUF... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2699520 Thu, 13 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2699520 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2699519&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F7%2F826%3Frss%3D1 AbstractParoxetine is widely prescribed because it has the indication for multiple psychiatric disorders. Our objective was to assess the effect of short-term administration of paroxetine on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels in both healthy controls (HCs) and in patients with panic disorder (PD). Blood samples for measurement of LDL-C were collected atbaseline, after 8 weeks of paroxetine administration and post-discontinuation in 24 male HCs and nine male patients suffering from PD, for a total of 33 subjects. Paroxetine treatment, both in HCs and PD patients, induced a mean 9% increase per subject in LDL-C that normalized post-discontinuation, suggesting causality. The National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) guidelines suggest that this paroxetine-induced incr... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2699519 Thu, 13 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2699519 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2699518&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F7%2F814%3Frss%3D1 The objective of this study was to identify mechanisms through which valproic acid (VPA) causes weight gain. Healthy participants (N = 52) were randomized to VPA or placebo in a double-blind study. Energy intake (EI) was measured in the laboratory at lunch and dinner, and physical activity (PA) was measured with accelerometry. Glucose levels and hormones [Peptide YY3–36, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), leptin, ghrelin, insulin] that regulate EI were measured. Assessments occurred at baseline and week 3. Change from baseline was evaluated with mixed models ( = 0.05). Weight significantly increased in the VPA group (+0.49 kg), but not the placebo group. The VPA group increased fast food fats cravings and decreased glucose levels compared with placebo. Change i... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2699518 Thu, 13 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2699518 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2699517&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F7%2F805%3Frss%3D1 AbstractSchizophrenia is one of the most expensive illnesses. Antipsychotics are an essential component of the acute and preventative treatment of this illness, and long-term treatment is necessary to decrease the risk of psychotic relapse. The efficacy and tolerability of flupentixol was evaluated in a post-marketing surveillance study (PMS) in schizophrenic patients receiving long-term treatment in routine clinical practice. Psychiatrists in office practice treated patients for approximately 10 weeks, with a subsequent follow-up period of up to 18 months. We here report on the follow-up period in 128 patients. The benefit for schizophrenic patients increased with the treatment duration of flupentixol as documented by the Clinical Global Impression (CGI). Subjective quality of l... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2699517 Thu, 13 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2699517 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2699516&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F7%2F797%3Frss%3D1 In conclusion, antagonism of central 4β2 and/or 7 nAChRs induced antidepressant-like effects in mice. A strategy involving antagonism of central nAChRs could potentially lead to the development of novel antidepressant therapeutics. (Source: Journal of Psychopharmacology) Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2699516 Thu, 13 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2699516 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2699515&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F7%2F789%3Frss%3D1 AbstractSome clinicians believe that antipsychotic depot injections are unacceptable to patients. This cross-sectional study investigated patients’ attitudes regarding antipsychotics, and included within-participant comparisons. Two hundred and twenty-two out-patients with schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder completed the Drug Attitude Inventory (DAI-10), scales on insight, side effects and treatment preferences. Formulation preference was associated with current medication formulation: depots were preferred by 43% (33/76) on depot vs 6% (8/146) on orals (P < 0.001). Attitudes (DAI scores) regarding current formulation were influenced by illness duration, extrapyramidal symptoms and insight but not by formulation (depot vs oral). For those with experience of both form... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2699515 Thu, 13 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2699515 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2699514&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F7%2F775%3Frss%3D1 AbstractResting state activity in the ventral cingulate may be an important neural marker of symptomatic improvement in depression. The number of task related functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies correlating blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) response with symptomatic improvement is limited and methodologies are still evolving. We measured BOLD responses to sad and happy facial stimuli in 12 severely depressed individuals in the early stages of antidepressant treatment (Time 1) and 12 weeks later (Time 2) using event-related fMRI. We calculated correlations between temporal changes in BOLD response and changes in symptom scores. Most subjects improved markedly by Time 2. At Time 1, depression severity correlated positively with responses to sad stimuli in the rig... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2699514 Thu, 13 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2699514 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2699513&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F7%2F759%3Frss%3D1 AbstractDespite evidence that ±3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; ‘ecstasy’) causes persistent alterations to the serotonergic system of animals, evidence for long-term neurological effects of ecstasy/MDMA in humans remains equivocal. The current study assessed serotonin functioning of nine male and 11 female recreational ecstasy polydrug users by measuring neuroendocrine (prolactin, cortisol) responses to pharmacological challenge with the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor citalopram, compared with nine male and five female cannabis polydrug users and 11 male and 11 female non-drug using controls. A single-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled design was used. Subjective responses, other substance use, mood, personality traits and demographic variables were m... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2699513 Thu, 13 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2699513 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2699512&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F7%2F745%3Frss%3D1 AbstractEcstasy [3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)] use has been associated with a number of psychopathological problems. However, research suggests that reported symptoms might be associated more with heavy polydrug use in general rather than ecstasy per se. The current study aimed to determine the role of other drug use in reports of long-term effects by some ecstasy-polydrug users. Problematic ecstasy users (n = 53), reporting problems which they attributed to ecstasy use, were compared with non-problematic ecstasy users (n = 62), polydrug (n = 62) and alcohol/nicotine using controls (n = 111). Drug use was recorded, and positive and negative life changes were assessed along with which previous drug use, if any, they attributed these change... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2699512 Thu, 13 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2699512 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2699511&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F7%2F733%3Frss%3D1 AbstractGuidelines for the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults advocate methylphenidate as first-line treatment. The aim of this study was to review the effectiveness of methylphenidate treatment of adult ADHD and to examine the influence of methods on meta-analytic results. Electronic databases were searched to identify clinical trials comparing methylphenidate with placebo in the treatment of adult ADHD. Studies were summarised with meta-analytic methods. Subgroup analyses were conducted with respect to parallel group versus cross-over trials and self versus observer ratings. The relationship between dosage and effect size was explored by weighted regression analysis. The results were tested for publication bias, and several sensitivity analyses were pe... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2699511 Thu, 13 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2699511 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2629979&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F23%2F6%2F729%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Journal of Psychopharmacology) Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2629979 Tue, 21 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2629979 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2629978&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F6%2F727%3Frss%3D1 We report on a child with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and motor tics, who developed frequent penile erections during treatment with risperidone and atomoxetine. On discontinuation of risperidone, he recovered fully. Clinicians should be alert to the adverse effects of atypical antipsychotics, which are used to treat a wide variety of paediatric psychiatric disorders. (Source: Journal of Psychopharmacology) Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2629978 Tue, 21 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2629978 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2629977&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F6%2F723%3Frss%3D1 Abstract Schizophrenia is a chronic and debilitating psychotic mental disorder that affects about 1% of the world's population. Antipsychotic drugs are the mainstay of treatment in schizophrenia. Hyperprolactinemia, which is a common side effect of typical antipsychotics, is also associated with the use of some of the newer atypical agents. Antipsychotics may enhance prolactinoma growth as manifested by an increase in serum prolactin concentration. Prolactin-secreting pituitary adenomas possibly related with antipsychotics have been described in the literature. To our knowledge, this is the first series of cases showing a possible relation between pituitary adenomas and amisulpride treatment in patients with schizophreni... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2629977 Tue, 21 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2629977 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2629976&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F6%2F714%3Frss%3D1 Abstract Cannabis is known to affect human cognitive and visuomotor skills directly after consumption. Some studies even point to rather long-lasting effects, especially after chronic tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) abuse. However, it is still unknown whether long-term effects on basic visual and oculomotor processing may exist. In the present study, the performance of 20 healthy long-term cannabis users without acute THC intoxication and 20 control subjects were examined in four basic visuomotor paradigms to search for specific long-term impairments. Subjects were asked to perform: 1) reflexive saccades to visual targets (prosaccades), including gap and overlap conditions, 2) voluntary antisaccades, 3) memory-guided saccades... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2629976 Tue, 21 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2629976 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2629975&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F6%2F708%3Frss%3D1 AbstractWith respect to the pharmacological characteristic, venlafaxine is comparable with tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), and venlafaxine might be comparable in efficacy. We performed a systematic review investigating the relative efficacy and tolerability of venlafaxine compared with TCAs (imipramine, clomipramine, amitriptyline, nortriptyline and desipramine). Relevant double-blind randomised trials were identified from systematic searches of electronic databases. An exact analysis of the estimated odds ratios of response of the TCA relative to venlafaxine showed no overall significance of treatment effect (P = 0.38). The odds ratios were not homogenous across studies (P = 0.0213). The average dose of venlafaxine was 103.5 mg/day and for the TCA 106.1 mg/day. An exact analysis of the ... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2629975 Tue, 21 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2629975 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2629974&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F6%2F697%3Frss%3D1 This study aimed to investigate the effects of treatment with haloperidol, olanzapine and risperidone on cardiovascular variability in patients with recent-onset schizophrenia by means of spectral analysis. Unmedicated patients (n = 18) had a higher mean heart rate and a tendency for a lower high-frequency power of heart rate variability than healthy control subjects (n = 57), indicating a decreased cardiac vagal control in unmedicated patients with schizophrenia. Patients treated with haloperidol (n = 10) showed significantly lower low-frequency power of heart rate and systolic blood pressure variability compared with olanzapine-treated patients, suggesting that haloperidol attenuated sympathetic functioning. On the contrary, olanzapine-treated patients (n = 10) showed the highest power i... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2629974 Tue, 21 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2629974 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2629973&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F6%2F686%3Frss%3D1 AbstractThe aim of this study is to define mechanisms underlying the pharmacological effects of brain cholinesterase inhibition on cognitive function in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Both a Stroop task and an N-back task were used to probe the changes in brain activity using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in a single (investigator)-blind, crossover treatment design studying 15 patients with multiple sclerosis (12 relapsing remitting, 3 secondary progressive) taking rivastigmine (4.5 mg po bid) and domperidone (10 mg po qd) or domperidone alone. Administration of rivastigmine increased Stroop functional magnetic resonance imaging activation in the right inferior frontal gyrus for the Stroop task (P < 0.05, corrected). Incremental functional magnetic resonance imagi... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2629973 Tue, 21 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2629973 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2629972&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F6%2F672%3Frss%3D1 The objective of the following experiment was to induce a pathogenic hypofrontal condition by administering a dopamine-1 receptor (D1R) antagonist to rats. The pathophysiological effect of this manipulation upon glutamate-based long-term potentiation (LTP) in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) was examined in vivo. Subjects were surgically implanted with stimulating electrodes into the corpus callosum and recording electrodes into the mPFC. High-frequency stimulation (HFS) was combined with the administration of the selective D1R family agonist A68930 hydrochloride (0.4 mg/kg/mL) and the selective D1R family antagonist SKF 83566 (0.15 mg/kg/mL). The administration of SKF 83566 hydrobromide prevented mPFC LTP, and resulted in HFS-induced long-term depression. This indicates that D1R activa... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2629972 Tue, 21 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2629972 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2629971&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F6%2F660%3Frss%3D1 AbstractPathological gambling (PG) is a serious psychiatric disorder afflicting 1-3% of the general population. Experimental evidence indicates shared neurochemical substrates for PG and psychostimulant addiction. Impulsivity characterizes one key subtype of PG. Therefore, medications that ameliorate psychostimulant addiction and impulsive syndromes might also benefit impulsive PG subjects. The atypical stimulant, modafinil reduces cocaine abuse and impulsivity in patients with ADHD. The present study sought to determine if modafinil (200 mg) would reduce the reinforcing effects of slot machine gambling in PG subjects, and if this effect was stronger in high (H-I) vs. low (L-I) impulsivity subjects (N = 20). A placebo-controlled, double-blind, counterbalanced, repeated measures design was ... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2629971 Tue, 21 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2629971 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2629970&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F6%2F652%3Frss%3D1 This study investigated the possible relationship between TD and the polymorphisms Ser9Gly (DRD3), 102T>C (HTR2A), –1438G>A(HTR2A) and Cys23Ser (HTR2C) in African-Caribbean inpatients. One hundred and twenty-six patients under chronic antipsychotic treatment were genotyped. The assessment of TD was carried out with the abnormal involuntary movement scale (AIMS). The relationships between the carriership of the least frequent alleles and the respective orofaciolingual dyskinesia (TDof) (sum of the items 1-4 of the AIMS), limb-truncal dyskinesia (TDlt) (sum of items 5-7 of the AIMS) and TD (sum of items 1-7 of the AIMS) were analyzed with ANCOVA, comparing means with age as a covariate and stratification for carriers and non-carriers of the mutations. In addition, we conducted pr... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2629970 Tue, 21 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2629970 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2629969&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F6%2F645%3Frss%3D1 AbstractThe influence of repeated administration of dopamine receptor agents on the effect of lithium on lithium-induced state-dependent learning was examined in mice. Immediate post-training intraperitoneal (i.p.) administrations of lithium (10 and 20 m/kg) decreased the step-down latency of a single-trial inhibitory avoidance task. This was fully or partly reversed by pre-test administration of the same doses of the drug, with maximum response at the dose of 10 mg/kg, suggesting state-dependent learning was induced by lithium. Here, it has also been shown that repeated intracerebroventricular administrations of a mixed D1/D2 dopamine receptors agonist apomorphine (once daily injections of 0.5 µg/mouse for three consecutive days followed by five days of no drug treatment) increased ... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2629969 Tue, 21 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2629969 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2629968&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F6%2F633%3Frss%3D1 AbstractCB1/CB2 agonists are reported to have sedative, amnestic, analgesic and anti-emetic properties, which would make them ideal drugs for outpatient treatments under conscious sedation. The main objective of this in human study was to assess the sedative properties of Org 28611, a potent water-soluble CB1 agonist. Single ascending doses were administered during a slow 25 min infusion and after a 1 min bolus administration to healthy male volunteers. In addition, the pharmacokinetics, amnestic properties, postural stability, electro-encephalography, behavioural and cardiovascular effects were studied. Midazolam 0.1 mg/kg was used as a positive control. The pharmacokinetic parameters were proportional to dose. No effects were observed after intravenous administration of doses up to Org 2... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2629968 Tue, 21 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2629968 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2629967&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F6%2F625%3Frss%3D1 This study was a double-blind, five-way cross-over study to investigate the effects of three doses of SL65.1498 in comparison with placebo and lorazepam 2 mg in healthy volunteers. The objective was to select a dose level (expected to be therapeutically active), free of any significant deleterious effect. Psychomotor and cognitive effects were measured using a validated battery of measurements, including eye movements, body sway, memory tests, reaction-time assessments, and visual analogue scales. The highest dose of SL65.1498 showed slight effects on saccadic peak velocity and smooth pursuit performance, although to a much lesser extent than lorazepam. In contrast to lorazepam, none of the SL65.1498 doses affected body sway, visual analogue scale alertness, attention, or memory tests. Thi... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2629967 Tue, 21 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2629967 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2629966&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F23%2F6%2F622%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Journal of Psychopharmacology) Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2629966 Tue, 21 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2629966 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2629965&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F6%2F620%3Frss%3D1 AbstractThe Sequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression (STAR*D) program attempted to determine whether some treatment sequences are better than others in the management of depression. Application of the findings to UK treatment settings is difficult because depression is an inhomogeneous condition and to regard it as a unitary entity, to which a unitary stratagem can be applied, is possibly misguided. (Source: Journal of Psychopharmacology) Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2629965 Tue, 21 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2629965 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2629964&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F23%2F6%2F618%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Journal of Psychopharmacology) Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2629964 Tue, 21 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2629964 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2629963&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F23%2F6%2F615%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Journal of Psychopharmacology) Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2629963 Tue, 21 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2629963 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2629962&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F23%2F6%2F613%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Journal of Psychopharmacology) Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2629962 Tue, 21 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2629962 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2629961&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F23%2F6%2F605%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Journal of Psychopharmacology) Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2629961 Tue, 21 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2629961 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2509378&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F23%2F5%2F602%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Journal of Psychopharmacology) Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2509378 Sun, 14 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2509378 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2509377&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F5%2F597%3Frss%3D1 We report five cases of restless legs syndrome (RLS) and periodic limb movements during sleep (PLMS) that were probably associated with olanzapine. The first patient showed a good response to olanzapine, but the RLS symptoms associated with olanzapine resulted in poor long-term compliance, eventually leading to frequent relapse of psychotic symptoms. The second patient exhibited sudden PLMS following olanzapine injection. The third patient had been suffering from serious akathisia while on risperidone, and was cured after switching to olanzapine, but thereafter the patient suffered from RLS at nighttime. The fourth patient showed RLS symptoms that were initially caused by a 20-mg daily olanzapine dosage and were later mitigated when olanzapine was reduced and ropinirole was administered. T... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2509377 Sun, 14 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2509377 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2509376&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F5%2F592%3Frss%3D1 AbstractManic switching during antidepressant treatment has been reported with every class of antidepressant drugs. Serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) have been increasingly used for the treatment of unipolar and bipolar depression and are well tolerated and sufficiently effective because of their dual mechanism of action. A case of duloxetine-induced hypomania in a non-bipolar patient is presented, and a brief review of all cases of SNRIs’ induced mania and hypomania has been carried out. The available data suggest that SNRIs, especially venlafaxine, can induce mood switching in patients with bipolar depression and in certain patients with unipolar depression, but the potential of duloxetine and milnacipran to induce manic or hypomanic symptoms cannot be disregarded... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2509376 Sun, 14 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2509376 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2509375&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F5%2F574%3Frss%3D1 AbstractWe conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials evaluating all clinically relevant pharmacological interventions for the prevention of relapse in people with bipolar disorder. Thirty-four trials were included in the review. Direct comparisons with placebo and with lithium were available for most drugs. In addition, there were direct comparisons of valproate vs. olanzapine, imipramine vs. lithium plus imipramine, olanzapine plus mood stabilisers vs. mood stabilisers and perphenazine plus mood stabilisers vs. mood stabilisers. Methodological quality varied across studies and the strength of evidence was not equal for all treatments or for all comparisons. There is evidence from placebo-controlled trials for the efficacy of lithi... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2509375 Sun, 14 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2509375 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2509374&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F5%2F567%3Frss%3D1 The objective of this study was to examine the possible effects of 12 months of treatment with different serotonergic drugs, such as clomipramine and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) on peripheral immunological cells of 18 OCD patients. Both the absolute number and percent of CD4+, CD8+, CD3+, CD19+ and CD56+ cells were measured in peripheral blood before and after treatment by means of a Facstar Flow Sorter apparatus. At baseline, all patients showed a significant increase of CD8+ and decrease of CD4+ lymphocytes when compared with a similar group of healthy control subjects; after the treatment, CD8+ and CD4+ cells, respectively, decreased and increased significantly, and the CD4+/CD8+ ratio increased, when compared with baseline values, in parallel with the clinical ... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2509374 Sun, 14 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2509374 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2509373&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F5%2F559%3Frss%3D1 This study investigated the effect of CLI on the orexinergic component and sleep/wake states. Two groups of adult male rats were conducted for 48-h polysomnographic recording. One group of rats was treated with CLI (20 mg/kg every 12 h), and a second group was treated with equivolume of saline (SAL) simultaneously after the first 24 h of polysomnographic recording. Rats were killed 2 h after the third dose of treatment. Brain tissues were collected for radioimmunoassay quantification of orexins and real-time PCR analysis of prepro-orexin and orexin receptor mRNA. The CLI group had significantly shorter rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and longer REM latency compared with both the baseline day and the SAL group and had significantly less active wake and more quiet wake. Co... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2509373 Sun, 14 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2509373 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2509372&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F5%2F550%3Frss%3D1 AbstractPostmortem research has revealed that there is a lower density of glial cells in regions of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of uncomplicated alcoholics when compared with control subjects. Impairment of astrocyte function in the PFC may contribute to malfunction in circuits involved in emotion- and reward-related subcortical centers, heavily connected with the PFC and directly involved in the pathophysiology of addictive behaviours. The hypothesis was tested that infusion of gliotoxins known to injure astrocytes or of a gap junction blocker into the prelimbic area of the rat PFC results in increased preference for ethanol in rats exposed to free choice between water and 10% ethanol. Fluorocitric acid, L--aminoadipic acid (AAD) or the gap junction blocker 18--glycyrrhetinic acid (AGA) w... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2509372 Sun, 14 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2509372 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2509371&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F5%2F539%3Frss%3D1 Abstract Fluvoxamine, one of the oldest selective serotonin reuptaking inhibitors, is commonly prescribed to patients with major depression. Several studies have reviewed the efficacy and tolerability of fluvoxamine for the treatment of major depression. However, these reviews are outdated, have not been systematic and/or suffered from several methodological weaknesses. We conducted a systematic review to synthesize the best available evidence on the efficacy of fluvoxamine for adult patients suffering from major depression in comparison with other active antidepressive agents. Relevant randomized controlled trials were identified through a comprehensive search. The primary outcome was a relative risk of response, and th... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2509371 Sun, 14 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2509371 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2509370&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F5%2F531%3Frss%3D1 AbstractThe efficacy, safety and tolerability of bupropion XR and venlafaxine XR was assessed and compared with placebo in adult outpatients with major depressive disorder (MDD). Adults meeting DSM-IV criteria for MDD with a minimum Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) 17-Item total score of ≥18 were randomized to eight weeks of double-blind treatment with either bupropion XR (150 mg/day), venlafaxine XR (75 mg/day) or placebo. At the end of the fourth week of treatment, a dosage increase to bupropion XR 300 mg/day or venlafaxine XR 150 mg/day was allowed if, in the opinion of the investigator, response was inadequate. The primary efficacy endpoint was mean change from baseline at week 8 in the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) total score last observat... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2509370 Sun, 14 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2509370 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2509369&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F5%2F520%3Frss%3D1 This study provides preliminary evidence for multiple common molecular targets between conventional and alternative antidepressants, which appear to collectively affect neuronal plasticity. (Source: Journal of Psychopharmacology) Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2509369 Sun, 14 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2509369 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2509368&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F5%2F510%3Frss%3D1 AbstractResearch has shown that attentional bias toward smoking-related stimuli is related to the maintenance of smoking behaviour and the chance of a relapse during a quit attempt. Effects of smoking attentional bias can occur both during smoking stimulus presentation (fast effect) and on stimuli that immediately follow smoking stimuli (slow effect). The current research builds on these findings by closely examining the temporal aspects of these fast and slow effects across groups of different smoking status. In Experiment 1 (n = 64), smokers, smokers attempting to quit (SATQ) and non-smokers completed an addiction Stroop task using smoking related, negative emotion and neutral stimuli. In Experiment 2 (n = 32), marijuana smokers and non-marijuana smokers completed an ... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2509368 Sun, 14 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2509368 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2509367&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F5%2F495%3Frss%3D1 AbstractRegular use of illegal drugs is suspected to cause cognitive impairments. Two substances have received heightened attention: 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA or ‘ecstasy’) and -9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC or ‘cannabis’). Preclinical evidence, as well as human studies examining regular ecstasy consumers, indicated that ecstasy use may have negative effects on learning, verbal memory and complex attentional functions. Cannabis has also been linked to symptoms of inattention and deficits in learning and memory. Most of the published studies in this field of research recruited participants by means of newspaper advertisements or by using word-of-mouth strategies. Because participants were usually aware that their drug use was critical to the research desi... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2509367 Sun, 14 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2509367 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2509366&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F5%2F487%3Frss%3D1 This study assessed the effects of caffeine on sleep architecture and electroencephalography (EEG) spectrum alone and in combination with two different sleep-promoting medications. Home polysomnography was performed in 12 healthy male volunteers in a double-blind study whereby subjects received placebo, caffeine (150 mg), caffeine plus zolpidem (10 mg) and caffeine plus trazodone (100 mg) at bedtime in a randomised crossover design. In addition to delaying sleep onset, caffeine decreased total sleep time (TST), sleep efficiency (SE) and stage 2 sleep without significantly altering wake after sleep onset or the number of awakenings. Zolpidem attenuated the caffeine-induced decrease in SE and increased spindle density in the caffeine plus zolpidem combination compared with pla... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2509366 Sun, 14 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2509366 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2509365&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F5%2F475%3Frss%3D1 This study evaluated the potential use of caffeine as a model of sleep disruption in the rat, by assessing its effects on sleep architecture and electroencephalogram (EEG) frequency spectrum, and using sleep-promoting drugs to reverse these effects. Rats were implanted with radiotelemetry devices for body temperature, EEG, electromyogram and locomotor activity. Following recovery, animals were dosed with caffeine (10 mg/kg) alone or in combination with zolpidem (10 mg/kg) or trazodone (20 mg/kg). Sleep was scored for the subsequent 12 h using automated analysis software. Caffeine dose-dependently disrupted sleep: it increased WAKE time, decreased NREM (non-REM) sleep time and NREM bout duration (but not bout number), and decreased delta activity in NREM sleep. It also d... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2509365 Sun, 14 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2509365 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2416427&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F4%2F468%3Frss%3D1 In this study, we report the case of a patient with adult ADHD with co-morbid amphetamine abuse who was treated successfully with the non-stimulant alertness-promoting drug modafinil. The drug resolved both the inattention/hyperactivity symptoms as well as the amphetamine abuse. Modafinil may be a suitable candidate treatment for adults with ADHD and stimulant abuse. (Source: Journal of Psychopharmacology) Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2416427 Mon, 11 May 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2416427 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2416426&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F4%2F465%3Frss%3D1 AbstractClozapine is known to be associated with higher risk of metabolic syndrome, including dyslipidaemia, but the mechanisms of such a relationship are still under debate. The case we reported shows a seemingly dose-dependent effect of clozapine on a patient’s lipid profiles with no influence on his blood sugar in a relatively short period of time. A direct effect of clozapine on lipid metabolism, independent of insulin or obesity-related metabolic changes, is suggested. The rapid effect of clozapine on lipid profile allows fine-tuning in dose adjustment while treating refractory schizophrenia complicated with drug-related dyslipidaemia but worrying about psychotic rebound during clozapine discontinuation. (Source: Journal of Psychopharmacology) Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2416426 Mon, 11 May 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2416426 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2416425&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F4%2F460%3Frss%3D1 AbstractRecent animal studies consistently confirm the involvement of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the regulation of anxiety-related behaviours. The role of BDNF in human anxiety has been less investigated. The aim of our study was to examine the association between serum BDNF levels and panic/anxiety responses to cholecystokinin-tetrapeptide (CCK-4) challenge in healthy subjects. BDNF concentrations were detected in serum samples of 37 male and female volunteers before and 120 min after CCK-4 injection. The baseline levels of serum BDNF did not predict the occurrence of CCK-4-induced panic attacks or intensity of panic symptoms and did not significantly change 2 h after the challenge. BDNF serum concentrations 120 min after provocation did not differentiate p... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2416425 Mon, 11 May 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2416425 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2416424&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F4%2F451%3Frss%3D1 AbstractDepression is diagnosed in 15–30% of patients following myocardial infarction (MI) and this may also be observed in the rat. We measured the effects of the antidepressant sertraline on behavioural and biochemical events following MI in a rat model. Following surgery, MI rats and sham controls were treated with sertraline (10 mg/kg, i.p.) or saline. Subgroups of rats were tested for behavioural depression 14 days after surgery. Apoptosis was estimated in other rats by measuring caspase-3 activity and TUNEL positive cells (3 days after surgery) in limbic structures (amygdale, hippocampus, hypothalamus, frontal and prefrontal cortices). Bax/Bcl-2 ratio was measured 14 days after surgery. Behavioural signs of depression (decreased sucrose intake and forced swi... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2416424 Mon, 11 May 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2416424 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2416423&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F4%2F442%3Frss%3D1 AbstractStudies in people and animal models suggest that depression is influenced by natural fluctuations in the levels of 17β-oestradiol (E2), as well as administration of E2-based therapies, such as selective oestrogen receptor modulators (SERMs). Elucidating the effects and mechanisms of E2 is important to improve future E2-based therapeutics. An important question is whether effects of E2 or SERMs for mood regulation act at the or β isoform of the oestrogen receptor (ER) because some of the unwanted trophic effects of E2-based therapies may involve actions at ER, rather than ERβ. In the present study, whether there are sex differences in depression-like behaviour of adult mice (experiment 1), and the effects of natural fluctuations in E2 (experiment 2), or administration... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2416423 Mon, 11 May 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2416423 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2416422&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F4%2F436%3Frss%3D1 AbstractThe concepts of partial recovery and remission have become increasingly important for the evaluation of the effectiveness of schizophrenia therapeutics. The relationship of baseline symptoms and changes in symptoms to remission of psychosis was evaluated. Fifty-six outpatients with residual schizophrenia completed a double-blind trial of olanzapine versus haloperidol and were then enrolled into a one-year open-label trial of olanzapine. Out of these 56 subjects, 13 (23%) met remission criteria at the beginning of the open-label treatment and were excluded. During the one-year study, 7/43 (16%) subjects met remission criteria. These subjects had significantly lower baseline ratings for tardive dyskinesia (TD) than subjects who did not achieve remission (1.8 ± 1.5 vs. 4.2 &plu... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2416422 Mon, 11 May 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2416422 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2416421&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F4%2F428%3Frss%3D1 This study aimed to determine whether opiate users and ex-users differed from opiate-naïve controls on a task which involved processing ambiguous sentences. In an independent group design, the interpretative bias task was administered to 64 participants: 21 opiate-dependent receiving methadone maintenance treatment, 21 opiate-abstinent in rehabilitation, and 22 healthy unemployed controls. We found that both opiate-dependent and opiate-abstinent groups interpreted ambiguous sentences in a neutral rather than an aggressive way, whereas controls showed no bias in either direction. In the opiate-dependent group, neutral interpretative bias correlated both with their current dose of methadone and years of methadone use. These findings indicate that current and ex-opiate users in treatment... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2416421 Mon, 11 May 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2416421 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2416420&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F4%2F419%3Frss%3D1 In conclusion, at an equivalent amount of amphetamine base taken orally, LDX 100 mg had attenuated responses on measures of abuse liability compared with immediate-release d-amphetamine 40 mg. Abuse-related liking scores of LDX at a dose corresponding to a 50% higher amphetamine base (LDX 150 mg) were similar to d-amphetamine 40 mg. (Source: Journal of Psychopharmacology) Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2416420 Mon, 11 May 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2416420 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2416419&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F4%2F410%3Frss%3D1 The objective of this study is to determine the safety, tolerability and abuse liability of single intravenous (i.v.) doses of lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (LDX) and immediate-release d-amphetamine sulphate in adult stimulant abusers compared with placebo. Adult substance abusers were enrolled in this phase I, randomized, single-centre, double-blind study. An initial cohort of three subjects was enrolled to assess safety followed by a primary cohort that consisted of nine subjects. Single i.v. doses of LDX (25 or 50 mg), immediate-release d-amphetamine sulphate (10 or 20 mg) or placebo were administered at a minimum of 48-h intervals in a single-dose, three-way crossover design. 20 mg of d-amphetamine showed significantly increased abuse-related liking scores compared with pl... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2416419 Mon, 11 May 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2416419 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2416418&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F4%2F401%3Frss%3D1 AbstractTwo-related studies are presented here, detailing our early experience with benzodiazepine-dependent patients treated with a four-day flumazenil infusion using a novel delivery technique. Patients with long-term benzodiazepine dependence who attended the Australian Medical Procedures Research Foundation (AMPRF, Perth, Australia) for treatment were recruited for these studies. Self-reported psychological and physical symptoms, as well as objective vital signs data were collected at intervals before, during and 2 weeks postinfusion. Study A is a case series with cardiovascular measures; study B is an open trial that tracks the psychological profiles of 13 subjects. Withdrawal symptoms were tracked, however, the nature and severity of these symptoms differed between patients. No ... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2416418 Mon, 11 May 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2416418 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2416417&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F4%2F392%3Frss%3D1 AbstractWhether lying on the beach in the midday sun on a Caribbean island, grabbing a few minutes in the sauna or spa after work, or sitting in a hot bath or Jacuzzi in the evening, we often associate feeling warm with a sense of relaxation and well-being. Even ‘working up a good sweat’, exercising or performing manual labour in the garden can have its rewards. Although we take these feelings for granted, convergent lines of evidence suggest that sensations of ‘warmth’ may alter neural circuits controlling cognitive function and mood, including serotonergic circuits, in addition to those directly involved in thermoregulatory cooling. One mechanism through which sensations of warmth may modulate neural circuits controlling cognitive function and mood is the activati... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2416417 Mon, 11 May 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2416417 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2416416&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F4%2F389%3Frss%3D1 AbstractExposure therapy is known to be an effective treatment for anxiety disorders. Nevertheless, exposure is not used as much as it should be, and instead patients are often given supportive medications such as serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and benzodiazepines, which may even interfere with the extinction learning that is the aim of treatment. Given that randomized controlled trials are now investigating a few doses of ±3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ‘ecstasy’) in combination with psychotherapy for treatment-resistant anxiety disorders, we would like to suggest the following three mechanisms for this potentially important new approach: 1) MDMA increases oxytocin levels, which may strengthen the therapeutic alliance; 2) MDMA increases ventromedial pre... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2416416 Mon, 11 May 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2416416 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2416415&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F4%2F346%3Frss%3D1 AbstractThe British Association for Psychopharmacology guidelines specify the scope and target of treatment for bipolar disorder. The second version, like the first, is based explicitly on the available evidence and presented, like previous Clinical Practice guidelines, as recommendations to aid clinical decision making for practitioners: they may also serve as a source of information for patients and carers. The recommendations are presented together with a more detailed but selective qualitative review of the available evidence. A consensus meeting, involving experts in bipolar disorder and its treatment, reviewed key areas and considered the strength of evidence and clinical implications. The guidelines were drawn up after extensive feedback from participants and interested parties. The... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2416415 Mon, 11 May 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2416415 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2416414&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F23%2F4%2F343%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Journal of Psychopharmacology) Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2416414 Mon, 11 May 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2416414 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2364633&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F23%2F3%2F340%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Journal of Psychopharmacology) Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2364633 Fri, 24 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2364633 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2364632&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F23%2F3%2F338%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Journal of Psychopharmacology) Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2364632 Fri, 24 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2364632 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2364631&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F23%2F3%2F334%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Journal of Psychopharmacology) Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2364631 Fri, 24 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2364631 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2364630&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F3%2F328%3Frss%3D1 AbstractAutonomic nerve system is considered to be involved in bipolar affective disorder (BAD) or to be influenced by valproate monotherapy or valproate plus lithium combination. We planned to assess the effects of medication on atrial and ventricular conduction. The electrocardiography records were performed with eligible 15 patients with valproate, 20 patients with lithium–valproate combination use in euthymic phases of BAD and 20 healthy participants. The blood valproate and lithium concentrations in groups were in normal range. The difference in P maximum, P minimum, maximum QTc were statistically insignificant. Minimum QTc (F = 6.36; df = 2; P = 0.003) and QT dispersion (QTD) (F = 5.57; df = 2; P = 0.006) were statisti... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2364630 Fri, 24 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2364630 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2364629&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F3%2F322%3Frss%3D1 AbstractThe respiratory effects of benzodiazepines have been controversial. This investigation aimed to study the effects of oral alprazolam on ventilation. In a randomised, double-blind cross-over protocol, 20 healthy men ingested 1 mg of alprazolam or placebo in random order, 1 week apart. Ventilation was unobtrusively monitored by inductance plethysmography along with end-tidal PCO2 and pulse oximetry 60–160 min after drug intake. Subjects were encouraged to keep their eyes open. Mean ± SD minute ventilation 120 min after alprazolam and placebo was similar (6.21 ± 0.71 vs 6.41 ± 1.12 L/min, P = NS). End-tidal PCO2 and oxygen saturation did also not differ between treatments. However, coefficients... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2364629 Fri, 24 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2364629 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2364628&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F3%2F315%3Frss%3D1 AbstractAntidepressants increase melatonin levels, but it is still unclear whether this effect is related to the improvement of depressive symptoms or to unrelated pharmacological action of antidepressants. To answer this question, the effect of antidepressants on 6-sulphatoxymelatonin (aMT6s), the main melatonin urinary metabolite, was examined in drug-free depressed patients – most of them antidepressant-naive. aMT6s was evaluated in 34 depressed patients, before and after 8 weeks of placebo (n = 12) or antidepressant (n = 22; fluoxetine, duloxetine or Hypericum perforatum). Both groups showed an improvement of depressive symptoms after treatment compared to baseline (Hamilton Depression scores): 17.0 ± 1.4 vs. 9.0 ± 2.8, P&nbsp... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2364628 Fri, 24 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2364628 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2364627&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F3%2F305%3Frss%3D1 AbstractPatients suffering from schizophrenic psychoses sometimes insufficiently respond to antipsychotic monotherapy and then combination approaches are preferred. We aimed in validating the add-on of ziprasidone and risperidone to clozapine, and we performed a randomised head-to-head trial. Patients with partial response to clozapine were randomly attributed to augmentation with ziprasidone (n = 12) or risperidone (n = 12). Efficacy assessments included the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), the Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS), the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), the Clinical Global Impression (CGI) and the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF). Furthermore, several safety and tolerability measures were obtained. After six weeks... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2364627 Fri, 24 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2364627 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2364626&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F3%2F295%3Frss%3D1 AbstractAnimal models may allow investigation into the aetiology and treatment of various human disorders. In the present study, a rat model for post-stroke depression (PSD) has been developed using middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), followed by an 18-day chronic mild stress (CMS) paradigm in conjuncture with isolation rearing. The open-field test (OFT) and the sucrose consumption test were used to assess depression-like behaviour and the effects of the antidepressant citalopram. CMS induced behavioural changes in the ischemic animals, including decreased locomotor and rearing activity and reduced sucrose preference (compared with baseline, control and stroke groups respectively), all these behaviours were reversed by chronic administration of citalopram. During the recovery period f... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2364626 Fri, 24 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2364626 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2364625&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F3%2F287%3Frss%3D1 In this study, we examined kynurenine pathway activity by measuring tryptophan breakdown, a number of pathway metabolites and interferon gamma (IFN-), which is the preferential activator of the first-step enzyme, indoleamine dioxygenase (IDO), in the plasma of patients with major psychotic disorder. Plasma tryptophan, kynurenine pathway metabolites were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in 34 patients with a diagnosis on the psychotic spectrum (schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder) and in 36 healthy control subjects. IFN- was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The mean tryptophan breakdown index (kynurenine/tryptophan) was significantly higher in the patient group compared with controls (P < 0.05). IFN- measures did not di... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2364625 Fri, 24 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2364625 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2364624&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F3%2F278%3Frss%3D1 AbstractBecause of a unique pharmacodynamic profile, amisulpride seems appropriate for treatment of elderly patients with schizophrenia. In a large-scale naturalistic therapeutic drug monitoring study, daily amisulpride dose, trough and dose-corrected amisulpride plasma levels, co-medication, clinical effectiveness (CGI) and side effects (UKU) were compared between age groups in 395 patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder (46% women; mean age 39.1 ± 14.2 years, range 18–83 years) under amisulpride therapy. Mean amisulpride doses (574 ± 269 mg/day), plasma levels (304 ± 274 ng/mL), dose-corrected amisulpride plasma levels (C/D ratios, 0.52 ± 0.41 ng/mL:mg), clinical response (a... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2364624 Fri, 24 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2364624 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2364623&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F3%2F266%3Frss%3D1 AbstractPerformance impairment during 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) intoxication has been well described in occasional cannabis users. It is less clear whether tolerance develops to the impairing effects of THC in heavy users of cannabis. The aim of the present study was to assess neurocognitive performance during acute THC intoxication in occasional and heavy users. Twenty-four subjects (12 occasional cannabis users and 12 heavy cannabis users) participated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, two-way mixed model design. Both groups received single doses of THC placebo and 500 µg/kg THC by smoking. Performance tests were conducted at regular intervals between 0 and 8 h after smoking, and included measures of perceptual motor control (critical tracking task), dual task pro... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2364623 Fri, 24 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2364623 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2364622&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F3%2F258%3Frss%3D1 AbstractWe recently demonstrated that alcohol elicits a difference between men and women in perceptual threshold for facial expressions of sadness. However, this study did not include a manipulation of alcohol expectancy. Therefore, we sought to determine whether these effects may be due to the expectation of having consumed alcohol. Male and female participants (n = 100) were randomised using a balanced-placebo design to receive either an alcoholic or a non-alcoholic drink and to be told that this was alcoholic or non-alcoholic. Participants completed a psychophysical task which presented male and female faces expressing angry, happy, and sad emotions. Analysis of threshold data indicated a significant two-way interaction of drink x target emotion, reflecting a higher ... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2364622 Fri, 24 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2364622 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2364621&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F3%2F249%3Frss%3D1 This study sought to test the association between ecstasy-use and abnormal sleep. An anonymous web-based questionnaire containing questions on drug use and sleep was completed by 1035 individuals. From this large sample, a group of 89 ecstasy users were found who reported very little use of other drugs. This "ecstasy-only" group was further divided into two groups of 31 current users and 58 abstinent users. The subjective sleep of current and former ecstasy-only users was compared with that of matched controls. Patients were asked to rate their sleep according to: 1) sleep quality, 2) sleep latency, 3) night time awakenings and 4) total sleep time. Current ecstasy-only users reported significantly worse sleep quality (P < 0.05) and a greater total sleep time (P < ... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2364621 Fri, 24 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2364621 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2364620&cid=s_27156_172_f&fid=27156&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjop.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F3%2F241%3Frss%3D1 AbstractAnimal studies have shown the role of oxytocin in affiliation and attachment, and recent evidence suggests that oxytocin is also involved in human models of approach behaviour, possibly by modulating the processing of emotionally valenced stimuli. Although oxytocin administration has been reported to decrease neural responses to facial emotional information, the effects on a wider range of behavioural measures of emotional processing shown to be sensitive to antidepressant manipulation have not been examined. The aim of this study was to investigate whether intranasally administered oxytocin affects the processing of positive and negative affective information in healthy male volunteers across tasks measuring attention, perception and memory. Twenty-nine male healthy volunteers wer... Journal of Psychopharmacology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2364620 Fri, 24 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2364620