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Biomedical subjects

J Sloan Manning

Publications and source records attributed to J Sloan Manning.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Sustained remission with lamotrigine augmentation or monotherapy in female resistant depressives with mixed cyclothymic-dysthymic temperament.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of bipolar depression remains problematic. Lamotrigine has been shown in randomized controlled studies to be efficacious in preventing bipolar depression and rapid cycling states. METHODS: Twenty-four women with cyclothymic temperament and refractory depression were recruited from four outpatient sites (three primary care and one psychiatric) and treated with lamotrigine in a naturalistic, open-label study. Temperament was determined by responses on the TEMP-A self-rating scale. Eighteen (75%) of these cyclothymic patients also scored high on the depressive temperament. Eighteen (75%) met DSM-IV criteria for bipolar II disorder. In two thirds of the cases, lamotrigine was add-on therapy to an antidepressant. Response to therapy was assessed using the DSM-IV Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF). LIMITATIONS: This study was naturalistic in design, without controls or blinds. RESULTS: Of the 23 patients who remained in the study, 16 (70%) had significant, sustained responses. Of these 16, 12 (75% of responders, 52% of the total) had remissions (GAF > 80) sustained longer than 12 months. Robust, sustained responses to lamotrigine monotherapy were seen in 4 patients (17%). Seven patients (30%) received no apparent benefit from lamotrigine. CONCLUSIONS: Lamotrigine induced prolonged illness remissions in a substantial number of female patients whose symptoms were both complex and refractory. Most manifested high scores on the cyclothymic and depressive temperaments, and prior refractoriness to multiple antidepressant and antidepressant/mood stabilizer combinations, before remitting with lamotrigine augmentation or monotherapy.

Adult↗

TEMPS-A: progress towards validation of a self-rated clinical version of the Temperament Evaluation of the Memphis, Pisa, Paris, and San Diego Autoquestionnaire.

BACKGROUND: Our aim was to validate the Temperament Evaluation of the Memphis, Pisa, Paris, and San Diego Autoquestionnaire (TEMPS-A) in a clinical population. METHODS: The study was conducted in two Memphis mood clinics involving 398 affectively ill patients with young to middle index age (42 years+/-13 S.D.), who were 95% white, 62% female, and 51% bipolar spectrum. A subset of 157 of the entire sample were retested in 6-12 months, and the entire sample was then subjected to factor analysis (PCA extraction method with varimax rotation). RESULTS: We obtained high test-retest reliability ranging from 0.58 for the irritable, to 0.68, 0.69 and 0.70, respectively, for the cyclothymic, dysthymic and hyperthymic. The hypothesized four-factor structure of the TEMPS-A was upheld, with the cyclothymic explaining 14% of the variance, followed by the irritable, hyperthymic, and dysthymic together accounting for another 14%. Internal consistency was excellent, with Chronbach alphas ranging from 0.76 for the dysthymic to 0.88 for the cyclothymic. Exploratory factor analysis revealed 2 super factors, Factor I loading on cyclothymic, irritable, and dysthymic temperaments, and Factor II loading heavily on the hyperthymic. The 50-item TEMPS-A-Clinical Version was constructed by using a cutoff of alpha > or =0.4 for traits loading exclusively on their original temperaments. We also proposed a longer 69-item version for future study, in which we permitted a greater number of traits based on clinical considerations (alpha cutoff 0.30). LIMITATION: The sample was preponderantly white, and may not generalize to other U.S. ethnic groups. This earlier version of TEMPS-A did not include the anxious temperament. CONCLUSIONS: We psychometrically validated the TEMPS-A in affectively ill outpatients, leading to an instrument suitable for use in psychiatric, especially affectively ill, populations. It is noteworthy that in this clinically ill population we succeeded in measuring traits which could make subjects vulnerable to affective episodes, as well as those of adaptive nature. For instance, the dysthymic emerged as bound to routine, self-blaming, shy-nonassertive, sensitive to criticism, yet self-denying, dependable, and preferring to work for someone else rather than be the boss. The hyperthymic had the highest number of "positive" traits: upbeat, fun-loving, outgoing, jocular, optimistic, confident, full of ideas, eloquent, on the go, short-sleeper, tireless, who likes to be the boss, but single-minded, risk-taker, and unlikely to admit to his/her meddlesome nature. The cyclothymic emerged as labile with rapid shifts in mood; unstable in energy, self-esteem and socialization; unevenly gifted and dilettante; yet keen in perception, intense in emotions, and romantic. The irritable emerged as skeptical and critical (which might be considered intellectual virtues), but otherwise having the "darkest" nature of all temperaments: grouchy, complaining, dissatisfied; anger- and violence-prone, and sexually jealous. The foregoing temperament attributes, observed in a moderately severe group of patients with affective disorders, nonetheless testify to the evolutionary context of these disorders-"submissive" behavior, territoriality, romantic charm, and last, but not least, sexually jealous with its associated specter of violence. We hypothesize that the putative social and limbic mechanisms underlying mood disorders appear to have archaic origins on an evolutionary scale. We finally submit that the traits underlying affective disorders are very much part of human nature.

Adult↗

Pain complaints in adolescent patients with affective disorders versus adolescent psychiatric controls.

OBJECTIVE: To ascertain the frequencies of 4 prospectively determined pain complaints among adolescents meeting the criteria for major depressive episode (MDE) relative to non-affectively ill controls. METHOD: In a community mental health clinic for the indigent situated on the border of the United States and Mexico (Rio Grande City, Tex.), adolescents (age range, 12-17 years) who consecutively presented to the clinic from August 2001 to November 2003 received structured psychiatric diagnostic screens for depression and mania using the modules from the DSM-IV. Subsequently, all subjects were asked whether they had had significant (distressing or bothersome) backache, abdominal pain, headaches, or myalgia in the last 7 days. We compared patients meeting the criteria for MDE with individuals without affective symptomatology. Significance of the differences between groups was assessed using the Fisher exact test and multivariate logistic regression analysis. The odds ratios were adjusted for age and sex. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-two subjects met the criteria for MDE. Forty-eight had non-affective disorders. Seventy-six percent of the subjects meeting the criteria for MDE had at least 1 pain complaint compared to 33% of the control subjects (p < .0001). Fifty percent of the subjects in the midst of a MDE had at least 2 pain complaints compared to 6% of the control subjects (p < .0001). Twenty-nine percent of the subjects in the midst of a MDE had at least 3 pain complaints compared to 2% of the control subjects (p < .0001). Fourteen percent of the subjects in the midst of a MDE had all 4 pain complaints compared to none of the control subjects (p = .002). The odds ratio of subjects with a MDE having a pain complaint relative to control subjects was 5.8 (p < .0001). CONCLUSION: That in excess of three fourths of clinically depressed adolescents had 1 or more pain complaints has important implications for adolescent psychiatry and primary care, as well as somatic medicine.

Journal Article↗

Burden of illness in bipolar depression.

Bipolar depression is the underrecognized and unappreciated phase of bipolar disorder. Nevertheless, bipolar depression is responsible for much of the morbidity and mortality associated with the disorder. Depressive symptoms are far more prevalent than hypomanic or manic symptoms in bipolar patients, and they are associated with a heavier burden of illness, including reduced functioning, increased risk of suicidal acts, and high economic costs. Because most patients with bipolar disorder present with depression, misdiagnoses of major depressive disorder are common, even typical. Comorbid psychiatric disorders are also prevalent and may obscure the diagnosis and complicate treatment strategies. Depressed patients should be carefully assessed for manic or hypomanic symptoms to help reveal possible bipolar disorder. In addition to evaluation of psychiatric symptoms, a close examination of family history, course of illness, and treatment response will aid the clinician in making an accurate diagnosis. Treatment of acute depression in bipolar patients may require therapy combining agents such as lithium, divalproex, lamotrigine, carbamazepine, and atypical antipsychotics or using such agents in combination with an anti-depressant. Olanzapine/fluoxetine combination is the only medication currently approved for the treatment of bipolar depression. Antidepressant monotherapy should not be used, because there is evidence that such treatment increases the risk of switching into mania/hypomania and could induce treatment-refractory conditions such as mixed or rapid-cycling states. Maintenance therapy will be required by most patients, since discontinuation of mood stabilizers or antidepressants frequently leads to relapses in depressive symptoms. Prompt diagnosis and the use of specific therapeutic agents with evidence of efficacy may help reduce the disease burden associated with bipolar depression.

Journal Article↗

Retrospective Study of Olanzapine in Depressive and Anxious States in Primary Care.

CONTEXT: Bipolar spectrum and treatment-resistant unipolar mood disorders are increasingly identified in primary care settings. Olanzapine demonstrates efficacy in the treatment of acute mania and bipolar depression and in bipolar maintenance therapy. Olanzapine-fluoxetine combination therapy shows efficacy in treatment-resistant depression. OBJECTIVE: To examine the efficacy and tolerability profile of olanzapine in various difficult-to-treat depressive and/or anxious states in primary care outpatients. METHOD: A retrospective chart review was conducted for all identifiable patients prescribed olanzapine for mood disorders (DSM-IV) during a 3-year period (July 1998-July 2001), utilizing clinician and nurse recall, sampling of general continuity clinic records, and a hand search of mood disorder clinic records. MAIN AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Initial and final scores on the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scale, duration of therapy, and adverse effects. RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients were identified as having received treatment with olanzapine; 3 were referred to the mental health specialty sector at the time of treatment initiation, and 2 were lost to follow-up. Of the 32 patients receiving ongoing treatment by primary care clinicians, most were female (N = 23; 72%) and all were white (100%). Most were diagnosed with a mental illness in the bipolar spectrum (N = 25; 78%) and demonstrated treatment resistance with antidepressants and/or mood stabilizers (mean number of previous psychotropic medications = 3.7). In the group completing therapy (24 patients [75%]; mean duration of treatment = 242 days), GAF scores demonstrated a clinically and statistically significant improvement (mean initial GAF score = 59 +/- 9; mean final GAF score = 76 +/- 11; p < .0001). Twenty (83%) of these 24 patients demonstrated sustained improvement in their GAF scores. In the group that discontinued therapy (8 patients [25%]; mean duration of treatment = 123 days), GAF scores also demonstrated a clinically and statistically significant improvement (mean initial GAF score = 51 +/- 15; mean final GAF score = 70 +/- 11; p < .0001). Six (75%) of these 8 patients demonstrated sustained improvement in their GAF scores. For all patients, observed adverse effects included weight gain (25 patients [86%]; mean = 3.63 kg), sedation (6 patients [19%]), and dry mouth (1 patient [3%]). CONCLUSION: Olanzapine shows promise as an effective pharmacotherapeutic agent for primary care patients with mood disorders that lie along the bipolar spectrum or that are resistant to treatment with antidepressant monotherapies, but is associated with mild-to-moderate weight gain.

Journal Article↗

Newer antidepressants in the primary care setting.

Because major depression has negative effects on other disease states, proper recognition and treatment of depression are important in the primary care setting. Although the perfect antidepressant does not yet exist, newer antidepressants have advanced the field. This article will summarize key features of 3 newer antidepressants that represent advances in psychopharmacology: mirtazapine, which has a dual effect on serotonergic and noradrenergic systems; escitalopram, the latest selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, which is the first pure antidepressant stereoisomer in clinical use; and duloxetine, a dual reuptake inhibitor of norepinephrine and serotonin that is expected to be clinically available in the near future.

Journal Article↗

Difficult-to-treat depressions: a primary care perspective.

Depression is common in primary care and more difficult to treat than many clinicians are aware. The goal of treatment is symptomatic remission, and by current estimates 50% or more of patients treated with antidepressant monotherapy may suffer from residual neurovegetative, cognitive, and somatic symptoms. Bipolar disorder, in particular, is more prevalent in primary care than previously recognized, is easily misdiagnosed, and may be a significant source of treatment failure. This article reviews treatment resistance, its causes, and management approaches. Many strategies are straight-forward and within the skill set of primary care clinicians. The use of antidepressants with multiple mechanisms of action may reduce first-order resistance. Antidepressant augmentation strategies (e.g., with lithium or atypical antipsychotics) are often very effective and readily instituted by informed and motivated practitioners.

Anticonvulsants↗

Identify bipolar spectrum disorders.

Patients with bipolar spectrum disorders commonly present with depressive symptoms to primary care clinicians. This article details bipolar spectrum disorder assessment, treatment, and treatment response. By intervening early in the course of depressive and hypomanic episodes, you can help decrease the morbidity and suffering associated with bipolar spectrum disorders.

Bipolar Disorder↗

Mood Disorders in Family Practice: Beyond Unipolarity to Bipolarity.

Primary care physicians increasingly have treated depressive disorders over the last decade. Unrecognized bipolar disorder, sometimes misdiagnosed as unipolar depression, may lead to treatment resistance or nonresponse. We describe differences between unipolar and bipolar disorders, focusing on recognition, diagnosis, and treatment of bipolar spectrum disorders such as bipolar I, bipolar II, antidepressant-induced mania, and cyclothymia. Broadening the understanding of these different disorders and their presentation in primary care settings can enable earlier and more targeted treatment. Though 3 mood stabilizers are U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved for treatment of acute mania, no medications are currently approved for treating bipolar depression.

Journal Article↗

Refractory Depressed and Anxious States in Hyperthymic Women: A Case Series Generated by a Speaking Engagement.

The author discusses 4 referrals that were the direct result of a case description from his own practice that he presented during a lecture on the treatment of mixed anxious and depressive illness in primary care. The cases depict energetic, productive women who suffer fatigue and episodic depressions. These cases suggest that hyperthymic temperaments complicated by depressive episodes represent a form of mood disorder presentation that is highly recognizable and responsive to pharmacologic intervention. Such premorbid temperamental hypomanic tendencies may represent a soft form of bipolar illness that requires somatic strategies in line with those of classic manic depressive illness. The cases underscore the challenge of treating mood disorders and the need for treatment research to reach primary care practitioners, who see the majority of depressed and anxious patients.

Journal Article↗

Teaching Family Physicians About Mood Disorders: A Procedure Suite for Behavioral Medicine.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: One of the skills required of family physicians is the ability to recognize and treat individuals suffering from mood disorders. This study represents an interdisciplinary residency training approach that (1) is unique in family practice residencies; (2) trains faculty, residents, and students in mood disorder recognition and treatment; (3) has been evaluated by the Residency Review Committee and found compatible with psychiatry training guidelines; and (4) is adaptable to varied settings. METHOD: Existing psychiatric education at an urban family practice residency program was evaluated. A new curriculum was developed to emphasize clinical interactions that would allow residents to model the behavior of family physicians who demonstrate interest and expertise in psychiatry. The centerpiece of this curriculum is a family-physician-led, multidisciplinary, in-house consultation service known as a mood disorders clinic (MDC). Educational effectiveness was evaluated by comparing resident identification rates of mood disorders before and after training. Educational utility was evaluated by implementation in a variety of settings. RESULTS: Fifty-one residents rotated through 1 or more of 3 practice sites during a 60-month period. Psychiatric diagnoses for the 187 patients who remained in treatment for complete clinical assessment included all major mood and anxiety disorders outlined in the DSM-IV. A wide variety of associated psychosocial problems were also identified. A significant difference (p <.05) was seen between the number of continuity patients diagnosed with psychiatric conditions by resident physicians before and after the training experience. CONCLUSION: Implementation of this intensive training experience resulted in subjective as well as objective enhancement of resident education by providing an intensive, focused educational experience in primary care psychiatry. This concept is adaptable to a variety of practice sites and educational levels. The MDC could become the hub of an integrated delivery system for mental health services in an ambulatory primary care setting.

Journal Article↗