scholarly journals Defining a mood stabiliser: novel framework for research and clinical practice

BJPsych Open ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 278-281 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gin S. Malhi ◽  
Richard Porter ◽  
Lauren Irwin ◽  
Amber Hamilton ◽  
Grace Morris ◽  
...  

SummaryThe term ‘mood stabiliser’ is ill-defined and lacks clinical utility. We propose a framework to evaluate medications and effectively communicate their mood stabilising properties – their acute and prophylactic efficacy across the domains of mania and depression. The standardised framework provides a common definition to facilitate research and clinical practice.Declaration of interestThe Treatment Algorithm Group (TAG) was supported logistically by Servier who provided financial assistance with travel and accommodation for those TAG members travelling interstate or overseas to attend the meeting in Sydney (held on 18 November 2017). None of the committee were paid to participate in this project and Servier have not had any input into the content, format or outputs from this project.

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 50-57
Author(s):  
Kyle C McKenzie ◽  
Cecil D Hahn ◽  
Jeremy N Friedman

Abstract This guideline addresses the emergency management of convulsive status epilepticus (CSE) in children and infants older than 1 month of age. It replaces a previous position statement from 2011, and includes a new treatment algorithm and table of recommended medications based on new evidence and reflecting the evolution of clinical practice over the past several years. This statement emphasizes the importance of timely pharmacological management of CSE, and includes some guidance for diagnostic approach and supportive care.


2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 154-167 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yejin Kim ◽  
Paul Rosenberg ◽  
Esther Oh

Background: Molecular imaging of brain amyloid for the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) using positron emission tomography (PET) has been approved for use in clinical practice by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since 2012. However, the clinical utility and diagnostic impact of amyloid PET imaging remain controversial. We conducted a review of the recent studies investigating clinical utility of amyloid PET imaging with focus on changes in diagnosis, diagnostic confidence, and patient management. Summary: A total of 16 studies were included in the final analysis. Overall rate of changes in diagnosis after amyloid PET ranged from 9 to 68% (pooled estimate of 31%, 95% CI 23–39%). All studies reported overall increase in diagnostic confidence or diagnostic certainty after amyloid PET. Changes in patient management ranged from 37 to 87%; the most common type of change in management reported was either the initiation or discontinuation of planned AD medications. Key Messages: Amyloid PET imaging led to moderate to significant changes in diagnosis, diagnostic confidence, and subsequent patient management. It may be most useful in patients with high level of diagnostic uncertainty even after the completing the standard workup.


2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 135-144 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rajan Nathan ◽  
Peter Wilson

SUMMARYApproaches to assessing violence in clinical practice have been influenced by developments in the field of risk assessment. As a result, there has been a focus on identifying and describing factors associated with violence. However, a factor-based approach to assessing violence in individual cases has limited clinical utility. In response, the benefits of a formulation-based approach have been promoted. This approach is enhanced by an understanding of the specific mental mechanisms that increase the likelihood of violence in the individual case. Although there is an empirical evidence base for mental mechanisms associated with violence, this literature has not been distilled and synthesised in a way that informs routine clinical practice. In this article the authors present the key mechanisms that are known to be associated with violence in a way that is relevant to the clinical assessment of violence and, in turn, can inform clinical and risk management.


Pharmacy ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 103 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saira B. Chaudhry ◽  
Michael P. Veve ◽  
Jamie L. Wagner

Cephalosporins are among the most commonly prescribed antibiotic classes due to their wide clinical utility and general tolerability, with approximately 1–3% of the population reporting a cephalosporin allergy. However, clinicians may avoid the use of cephalosporins in patients with reported penicillin allergies despite the low potential for cross-reactivity. The misdiagnosis of β-lactam allergies and misunderstanding of cross-reactivity among β-lactams, including within the cephalosporin class, often leads to use of broader spectrum antibiotics with poor safety and efficacy profiles and represents a serious obstacle for antimicrobial stewardship. Risk factors for cephalosporin allergies are broad and include female sex, advanced age, and a history of another antibiotic or penicillin allergy; however, cephalosporins are readily tolerated even among individuals with true immediate-type allergies to penicillins. Cephalosporin cross-reactivity potential is related to the structural R1 side chain, and clinicians should be cognizant of R1 side chain similarities when prescribing alternate β-lactams in allergic individuals or when new cephalosporins are brought to market. Clinicians should consider the low likelihood of true cephalosporin allergy when clinically indicated. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the role of cephalosporins in clinical practice, and to highlight the incidence of, risk factors for, and cross-reactivity of cephalosporins with other antibiotics.


Author(s):  
Eric Taylor

Over time, concepts have evolved from the idea of a constitutional basis for behavioural problems, through unitary neurological formulations, to the recognition of neurocognitive heterogeneity and the impact of the social environment. Diagnoses have altered accordingly. ADHD and hyperkinetic disorder have different historical traditions, and still generate international differences in practice; however, they have succeeded in keeping research and clinical practice in touch with each other. This chapter takes a historical approach to describe the influences on the development of the concepts. Concepts are still changing, in response both to the historical context and to improving scientific knowledge. It may well be that recognition of heterogeneity at neural, psychological, and genetic levels will lead to more and better differentiated behavioural concepts. For the moment, however, the clinical utility of diagnosis based on observable behaviour is likely to maintain ADHD as the dominant idea organizing the field.


2008 ◽  
Vol 71 (10) ◽  
pp. 427-437 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tennille J Rowland ◽  
Louise Gustafsson

The aim of this paper was to review the psychometric properties and clinical utility of assessments of upper limb ability following stroke. Upper limb ability was defined as the use of the arm in meaningful activity. The database searches identified 13 assessments of upper limb ability. The inclusion criteria were (a) an evaluation of upper limb ability post-stroke, (b) a quantitative assessment yielding a numerical score, (c) able to be administered by an occupational therapist and (d) published information building on the results of a review in 2001. The assessments included were reviewed with respect to the ability measured, equipment required, evidence of reliability and validity, and advantages and disadvantages of use. Seven assessments satisfied the inclusion criteria. These assessments have undergone varying degrees of psychometric testing as outcome measures for upper limb recovery and all demonstrate at least adequate levels of reliability and validity. There is variation in the availability of instruction manuals and time commitments for test administration. All test items are generally available and inexpensive, enabling departments to set up the assessments with minimal financial outlay. The assessments described are regularly used in research and all demonstrate psychometric properties that suggest that they could be incorporated into clinical practice. Occupational therapists are encouraged to consider how they may include these assessments into their own clinical practice. An important step in this process may be further research into the clinical utility of these assessments.


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