Psychiatric disorders are often considered the leading cause of violence. This may be due to a stereotype created by media and general opinion.

The Modified Overt Aggression Scale (MOAS) was used to evaluate the severity of aggressive and violent behaviors in 400 patients who attended a post-acute psychiatric service in Milan from 2014 to 2016 and suffered from different psychiatric disorders. The psychopathological clinical picture was evaluated by Clinical Global Impression (CGI). The study also assessed the possible correlation between epidemiologic and sociodemographic factors, clinical variables, and aggression and violence.

Of the total number of subjects, 21.50% showed a MOAS score >0, 11.50% presented mild aggression (0–10 MOAS weighted score), 9% moderate aggression (11–20), and 1% severe aggression (MOAS >20). With respect to violent behaviors, 16% of patients showed a score >0 in one MOAS subscale other than verbal aggression according to violence definition. The severity of clinical picture seemed to be related to higher weighted MOAS score. Multivariate testing of different sociodemographic and clinical variables showed that violence was related to unemployment status, and significantly correlated to compulsory admission (TSO), suicide attempts (TS), and personality disorders, while the severity of clinical psychiatric picture seemed to play a secondary role.

Results have shown that personality disorders and sociodemographic factors, including economic factors, seem to be major determinants of violence among patients diagnosed with mental disorders.

To assess the prevalence of prediabetes and metabolic abnormalities among overweight or obese clozapine- or olanzapine-treated schizophrenia patients, and to identify characteristics of the schizophrenia group with prediabetes.

A cross-sectional study assessing the presence of prediabetes and metabolic abnormalities in schizophrenia clozapine- or olanzapine-treated patients with a body mass index (BMI) ≥27 kg/m2. Procedures were part of the screening process for a randomized, placebo-controlled trial evaluating liraglutide vs placebo for improving glucose tolerance. For comparison, an age-, sex-, and BMI-matched healthy control group without psychiatric illness and prediabetes was included. Prediabetes was defined as elevated fasting plasma glucose and/or impaired glucose tolerance and/or elevated glycated hemoglobin A1c.

Among 145 schizophrenia patients (age = 42.1 years; males = 59.3%) on clozapine or olanzapine (clozapine/olanzapine/both: 73.8%/24.1%/2.1%), prediabetes was present in 69.7% (101 out of 145). While schizophrenia patients with and without prediabetes did not differ regarding demographic, illness, or antipsychotic treatment variables, metabolic abnormalities (waist circumference: 116.7±13.7 vs 110.1±13.6 cm, P = 0.007; triglycerides: 2.3±1.4 vs 1.6±0.9 mmol/L, P = 0.0004) and metabolic syndrome (76.2% vs 40.9%, P<0.0001) were significantly more pronounced in schizophrenia patients with vs without prediabetes. The age-, sex-, and BMI-matched healthy controls had significantly better glucose tolerance compared to both groups of patients with schizophrenia. The healthy controls also had higher levels of high-density lipoprotein compared to patients with schizophrenia and prediabetes.

Prediabetes and metabolic abnormalities were highly prevalent among the clozapine- and olanzapine-treated patients with schizophrenia, putting these patients at great risk for later type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. These results stress the importance of identifying and adequately treating prediabetes and metabolic abnormalities among clozapine- and olanzapine-treated patients with schizophrenia.

Research suggests an association between metabolic disorders, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and schizophrenia. However, the risk of metabolic disorders in the unaffected siblings of patients with schizophrenia remains unclear.

Using the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database, 3135 unaffected siblings of schizophrenia probands and 12,540 age-/sex-matched control subjects were included and followed up to the end of 2011. Individuals who developed metabolic disorders during the follow-up period were identified.

The unaffected siblings of schizophrenia probands had a higher prevalence of T2DM (3.4% vs. 2.6%, p = 0.010) than the controls. Logistic regression analyses with the adjustment of demographic data revealed that the unaffected siblings of patients with schizophrenia were more likely to develop T2DM (odds ratio [OR]: 1.39, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.10–1.75) later in life compared with the control group. Moreover, only female siblings of schizophrenia probands had an increased risk of hypertension (OR: 1.47, 95% CI: 1.07–2.01) during the follow-up compared with the controls.

The unaffected siblings, especially sisters, of schizophrenia probands had a higher prevalence of T2DM and hypertension compared with the controls. Our study revealed a familial link between schizophrenia and T2DM in a large sample. Additional studies are required to investigate the shared pathophysiology of schizophrenia and T2DM.

With the increasing enthusiasm to provide cognitive remediation (CR) as an evidence-based practice, questions arise as to what is involved in implementing CR in a large system of care. This article describes the first statewide implementation of CR in the USA, with the goal of documenting the implementation issues that care providers are likely to face when bringing CR services to their patients.

In 2014, the New York State Office of Mental Health set up a Cognitive Health Service that could be implemented throughout the state-operated system of care. This service was intended to broadly address cognitive health, to assure that the cognitive deficits commonly associated with psychiatric illnesses are recognized and addressed, and that cognitive health is embedded in the vocabulary of wellness. It involved creating a mechanism to train staff to recognize how cognitive health could be prioritized in treatment planning as well as implementing CR in state-operated adult outpatient psychiatry clinics.

By 2017, CR was available at clinics serving people with serious mental illness in 13 of 16 adult Psychiatric Centers, located in rural and urban settings throughout New York state. The embedded quality assurance program evaluation tools indicated that CR was acceptable, sustainable, and effective.

Cognitive remediation can be feasibly implemented in large systems of care that provide a multilevel system of supports, a training program that educates broadly about cognitive health and specifically about the delivery of CR, and embedded, ongoing program evaluation that is linked to staff supervision.

Delusional parasitosis, or Ekbom syndrome, is a fixed false belief of being infested by parasites [Bellanger 2009]. With easy accessibility of the internet, serving as a vital tool in acquiring myriad information, these delusions typically arise and can be fueled by external sources as self-research [Bell2005]. For instance, garlic (allium sativum) has been reported to exhibit anthelmintic activity against cestodes (tapeworms), proving to be a natural treatmentoption [Abdel-Ghaffar 2010]. Without proper instructions, guidelines, or control of such information, psychopathological manifestations may be derived.

A young adult male presented with severe psychosis. He reports responding to an internal stimuli, non-command auditory hallucinations, and paranoid ideations specifically in regards to his body and health for several weeks. Prior to presentation, he experienced abdominal pain and constipation for five days, but attributed it to the belief of having tapeworms. He stated that he researched cures for several days using the internet and found garlic as a treatment option. He attempted to alleviate his symptoms by ingested 197 pills of 1,000 milligram (mg) garlic supplements, two 100mg bisacodyl laxatives, and five 100mg docusate stool softeners in one day. He denies any suicidal/homicidal ideations, illicit substance abuse, deja-vu, and jamais-vu.

Psychiatric examination is as follows: Mental Status Examination: awake, alert, and oriented x3. General Appearance: disheveled. Speech: soft, mumbling, and minimally non-responsive. Psychomotor Activity: moderately sedated. Eye Contact: poor. Mood: dysphoric. Affect: flat. Thought Process: flight of ideas. Thought Content: preoccupied. Judgement/Insight: poor. Immediate/Recent Recall: poor. Remote Memory: poor.

Delusional parasitosis and somatic parasitic infestation has dire consequences in which one's health can become compromised. For those suffering from parasitosis, addition of garlic in food as well as garlic supplements of 50mg/kg body weight has been reported as a possible naturopathic treatment option in Cryptosporidiosis and Schistosoma mansoni [Gaafar 2012; Nahed 2009]. In addition, it was found that a dose of 1.2mg for three days was efficient, safe, and shortens the duration of treatment for parasites [Soffar 1991]. However, this patient ingested 197,000mg of garlic supplements without experiencing symptoms of overdose. This may include burning sensation of the mouth or stomach, flatulence, nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, thrombocytopenia, and anaphylaxis [Bayan 2014]. The efficacy of garlic for treatment of true parasitosis is unknown, but can be found in common practice especially those who practice naturopathic medicine. In this case, it is unlikely to have a positive effect, especially when delusional in nature. The use of homeopathic medication in those with true parasitosis and delusional parasitosis should be queried.

Funding Acknowledgements: Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation

Buprenorphine (BUP)/samidorphan (SAM) combination is an opioid system modulator being investigated as an adjunctive treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD). BUP/SAM is a fixed-dose combination of BUP, a partial µ-opioid receptor agonist and κ-opioid receptor antagonist, and SAM, a µ-opioid receptor antagonist added to address the abuse and dependence potential of BUP.1,2

We assessed the effects of SAM on the abuse potential of BUP in the BUP/SAM combination in two ways: (1) a human abuse potential (HAP) study in volunteers; and (2) an evaluation of the clinical experience across studies of patients with MDD.

Study 212 (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT02413281) was a HAP study in nondependent, recreational, adult opioid users. Following a qualification period, participants were randomized to 6 treatments in a blinded, crossover design: placebo (PBO), BUP/SAM at the target therapeutic dose (BUP/SAM 2mg/2mg), at 8mg/8mg and 16mg/16mg , and BUP alone (8mg and 16mg). The primary endpoint was maximum effect (Emax) for “At The Moment” Drug Liking Visual Analog Scale (VAS).

The clinical program for BUP/SAM included 4 PBO-controlled studies of patients with MDD (n=961). Pooled safety data were evaluated for adverse events (AEs) that may be associated with abuse, dependence, or withdrawal, as well as for objective signs of withdrawal with the Clinical Opioid Withdrawal Scale (COWS).

In Study 212 (n=38), Emax Drug Liking VAS scores for the BUP/SAM 2mg/2mg dose were similar to those for PBO (median within-subject difference [90% CI]: 2.5 [0.0–9.0]). Emax Drug Liking VAS scores for all BUP/SAM dose groups, including supratherapeutic doses, were significantly lower than those observed for either of the BUP doses. The supratherapeutic doses of BUP/SAM (8mg/8mg and 16mg/16mg) had higher Emax Drug Liking VAS scores than PBO, but the differences were small.

In the MDD controlled studies, the incidence of euphoria-related AEs was low for BUP/SAM 2mg/2mg and PBO (1.6% vs 0.2%, respectively) and there was no evidence of abuse or dependence behavior. Euphoria-related events typically occurred with treatment initiation and resolved with continued treatment. There was minimal evidence of withdrawal by reported AEs or COWS assessment.

These findings indicate that SAM mitigates the abuse potential of BUP in the BUP/SAM combination.

Funding Acknowledgements: Alkermes, Inc.

Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a hyperkinetic movement disorder associated with antipsychotic treatment. RE KINECT (NCT03062033), a real-world study of outpatients prescribed antipsychotics, was designed to identify the presence of possible TD and characterize the impact of involuntary movements on functioning and quality of life. Data from RE-KINECT were used to compare the impact of possible TD in patients with schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder [SZD] versus mood/other psychiatric disorders [Mood].

Adults with ≥3months of lifetime exposure to antipsychotics and ≥1 psychiatric disorder were recruited. The presence of possible TD was based on clinicians’ observation of involuntary movements in 4 body regions (head, trunk, upper extremities, and lower extremities). Baseline outcomes included demographics, medication history, location/severity of abnormal movements, impact of abnormal movements on daily activities, the Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS), and the EuroQoL 5-Dimensional questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L).

Of 204 patients with clinician-confirmed possible TD, 111 (54.4%) had a SZD diagnosis and 93 (45.6%) had a mood/other psychiatric diagnosis. Significant differences found between groups (Mood vs SZD) included: mean age (56.9 vs 52.7 years; P=0.0263); male sex (33.3% vs 62.2%; P<0.0001); African-American race (7.5% vs 26.1%; P=0.0005); mean lifetime exposure to antipsychotics (9.5 vs 19.5 years; P<0.0001); and percentage of patients currently taking ≥2 psychiatric medications (93.5% vs 79.3%; P=0.0093). Based on clinician observation, there were no significant differences between diagnosis groups in the number of body regions impacted by abnormal movements, maximum severity score across all 4 regions, or patient awareness of possible TD. Over 30% of patients in both groups reported that involuntary movements had “some” or “a lot” of impact on their ability to continue usual activities, be productive, and socialize. No significant differences between the diagnosis groups (Mood vs SZD) were found for mean SDS total score (12.8 vs 10.8), SDS domain scores (work/school [4.1 vs 4.2], social life [4.3 vs 3.7], family life [4.1 vs 3.5]), EQ-5D-5L utility score (0.68 vs 0.74), or EQ-5D-5L health state VAS (64.8 vs 68.5).

In this cohort of outpatients with possible TD, those with Mood disorders were more likely to be older, female, and white than patients with SZD. The ability to function and quality of life were equally impaired in both groups. Further studies on the impact of TD are needed.

Funding Acknowledgements: Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc.

Although stimulants are commonly used for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), 10–30% of patients have an inadequate response, adverse events, or comorbidities preventing use. Thus, there is a need for safe, effective nonstimulant options. Extended-release viloxazine (SPN-812), a nonstimulant, is currently in development for the treatment of ADHD in children and adolescents. SPN-812 is a structurally distinct, bicyclic norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor with selective serotonergic activity. Results of the Phase 2 program demonstrated efficacy (improved mean ADHD Rating Scale-IV total score) and safety of SPN-812 in children (6–12 years), as well as an onset of action within 1–2 weeks.

Four ongoing Phase 3 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, outpatient, US studies are investigating the efficacy and safety of once-daily SPN-812 for ADHD in children (ages 6–11; 100–400mg) and adolescents (ages 12–17; 200–600mg). Two studies are enrolling children and two are enrolling adolescents. Eligible subjects are required to have minimum baseline scores of ≥28 for ADHD-RS-5 and ≥4 for Clinical Global Impression-Severity scale (CGI-S). These studies will randomize ∼1200 subjects, with ∼800 subjects receiving SPN-812 over a 1–3-week titration and 5-week maintenance period. The primary endpoint in all studies is mean change from baseline to end of study (EOS) in ADHD-RS-5 total score for SPN-812 vs. placebo. Secondary endpoints include change from baseline to EOS in 30% responder rate (% change: ADHD RS 5); Hyperactivity/Impulsivity and Inattention ADHD-RS-5 subscale scores; Conners 3 Rating Scale (parent and self-report); CGI-S/CGI-I (Improvement); Weiss Functional Impairment Rating Scale (parent report); Parenting Stress Index (children); and Stress Index for Parents of Adolescents (adolescents) after 6–8 weeks of treatment. Safety is assessed via adverse events, clinical laboratory tests, vital signs, electrocardiograms, physical examinations, and the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale. Phase 3 completers are offered the option of enrolling in an open-label extension study (OLE; up to 3 years) with a starting dose of 100/200mg (children/adolescents). Data will be summarized with descriptive statistics and analyzed using appropriate statistical methods.

As of August 2018, enrollment in 1 child study is complete, and the other 3 trials are at ∼89%; rollover into the OLE is ∼90%.

There is an unmet need for nonstimulant ADHD treatment for children and adolescents that is effective, long-acting, and well tolerated. SPN-812 is being investigated in four Phase 3 randomized, placebo-controlled studies for the treatment of children and adolescents with ADHD, based on demonstrated efficacy and safety in the Phase 2 program.

This study is an encore of a poster presentation at the 2018 Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Psychopharmacology (ASCP).

Funding Acknowledgements: Supernus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Despite increased nonmedical use of ADHD prescription stimulants, there are limited data to inform selection of intranasal doses for abuse-potential evaluations. This study determined a dose of amphetamine sulfate that is tolerable and distinguishable from placebo on pharmacodynamic (PD) measures.

In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-escalation study, healthy, nondependent, recreational stimulant users received a single intranasal dose of amphetamine sulfate (20, 30, or 40mg ; n=6 per group) or placebo (n=2 per group). PD and safety were assessed pre-dose and ≤24hours post-dose. Drug Liking was measured using a bipolar Visual Analogue Scale (VAS; 0–100). Dose selection criteria were complete dose insufflation (≥95%); demonstration of peak Drug Liking ≥75 points, and ≥15 points greater than placebo in ≥3 participants receiving active drug; and tolerability.

Peak Drug Liking criteria were met in the 20-, 30-, and 40-mg groups by 2, 0, and 6 participants, respectively. Mean (SD) peak Drug Liking was 62 (13.0), 71 (17.8), and 93 (8.7) for amphetamine sulfate versus 54 (3.5), 76 (34.6), and 51 (0) for placebo in the 20-, 30-, and 40-mg groups, respectively. Thirteen participants experienced mild AEs (n=1, 4, 6, and 1 in 20-, 30-, 40-mg, and placebo groups, respectively), there were no serious or clinically significant AEs. The most common AE was nostril burning sensation (active drug, n=7). There were no instances of an incompletely insufflateddose.

A 40-mg intranasal dose produced distinguishable PD effects and was well tolerated. This dose has been selected for further abuse-potential evaluations.

Funding Acknowledgements: This study was funded by Arbor Pharmaceuticals, LLC.