Memantine and Riluzole Exacerbate, Rather Than Ameliorate Behavioral Deficits Induced by 8-OH-DPAT Sensitization in a Spatial Task

Chronic sensitization to serotonin 1A and 7 receptors agonist 8-OH-DPAT induces compulsive checking and perseverative behavior. As such, it has been used to model obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)-like behavior in mice and rats. In this study, we tested spatial learning in the 8-OH-DPAT model of OCD and the effect of co-administration of memantine and riluzole—glutamate-modulating agents that have been shown to be effective in several clinical trials. Rats were tested in the active place avoidance task in the Carousel maze, where they learned to avoid the visually imperceptible shock sector. All rats were subcutaneously injected with 8-OH-DPAT (0.25 mg/kg) or saline (control group) during habituation. During acquisition, they were pretreated with riluzole (1 mg/kg), memantine (1 mg/kg), or saline solution 30 min before each session and injected with 8-OH-DPAT (“OH” groups) or saline (“saline” groups) right before the experiment. We found that repeated application of 8-OH-DPAT during both habituation and acquisition significantly increased locomotion, but it impaired the ability to avoid the shock sector. However, the application of 8-OH-DPAT in habituation had no impact on the learning process if discontinued in acquisition. Similarly, memantine and riluzole did not affect the measured parameters in the “saline” groups, but in the “OH” groups, they significantly increased locomotion. In addition, riluzole increased the number of entrances and decreased the maximum time avoided of the shock sector. We conclude that monotherapy with glutamate-modulating agents does not reduce but exacerbates cognitive symptoms in the animal model of OCD

Unmet needs of bipolar disorder patients

Miroslav Hajda,1 Jan Prasko,1 Klara Latalova,1 Radovan Hruby,2 Marie Ociskova,1 Michaela Holubova,1,3 Dana Kamaradova,1 Barbora Mainerova1 1Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc, University Hospital Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic; 2Outpatient Psychiatric Department, Martin, Slovak Republic; 3Department of Psychiatry, Regional Hospital Liberec, Liberec, Czech Republic Background: Bipolar disorder (BD) is a serious mental illness with adverse impact on the lives of the patients and their caregivers. BD is associated with many limitations in personal and interpersonal functioning and restricts the patients’ ability to use their potential capabilities fully. Bipolar patients long to live meaningful lives, but this goal is hard to achieve for those with poor insight. With progress and humanization of society, the issue of patients’ needs became an important topic. The objective of the paper is to provide the up-to-date data on the unmet needs of BD patients and their caregivers. Methods: A systematic computerized examination of MEDLINE publications from 1970 to 2015, via the keywords “bipolar disorder”, “mania”, “bipolar depression”, and “unmet needs”, was performed. Results: Patients’ needs may differ in various stages of the disorder and may have different origin and goals. Thus, we divided them into five groups relating to their nature: those connected with symptoms, treatment, quality of life, family, and pharmacotherapy. We suggested several implications of these needs for pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy. Conclusion: Trying to follow patients’ needs may be a crucial point in the treatment of BD patients. However, many needs remain unmet due to both medical and social factors. Keywords: bipolar disorder, unmet needs, stigma, treatment, medication, quality of life, family, psychotherap

Connection between self-stigma, adherence to treatment, and discontinuation of medication

Dana Kamaradova,1 Klara Latalova,1 Jan Prasko,1 Radim Kubinek,1 Kristyna Vrbova,1 Barbora Mainerova,1 Andrea Cinculova,1 Marie Ociskova,1 Michaela Holubova,2 Jarmila Smoldasova,1 Anezka Tichackova1 1Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital Olomouc, 2Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic Introduction: Self-stigma plays a role in many areas of the patient’s life. Furthermore, it also discourages therapy. The aim of our study was to examine associations between self-stigma and adherence to treatment and discontinuation of medication in patients from various diagnostic groups.Methods: This cross-sectional study involved outpatients attending the Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital Olomouc, Czech Republic. The level of self-stigma was measured with the Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness and adherence with the Drug Attitude Inventory. The patients also anonymously filled out a demographic questionnaire which included a question asking whether they had discontinued their medication in the past.Results: We examined data from 332 patients from six basic diagnostic categories (substance abuse disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorders, depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, and personality disorders). The study showed a statistically significant negative correlation between self-stigma and adherence to treatment in all diagnostic groups. Self-stigma correlated positively and adherence negatively with the severity of disorders. Another important factor affecting both variables was partnership. Self-stigma positively correlated with doses of antidepressants and adherence with doses of anxiolytics. Self-stigma also negatively correlated with education, and positively with a number of hospitalizations and number of psychiatrists visited. Adherence was further positively correlated with age and age of onset of disorders. Regression analysis showed that self-stigma was an important factor negatively influencing adherence to treatment and significantly contributing to voluntary discontinuation of drugs. The level of self-stigma did not differ between diagnostic categories. Patients suffering from schizophrenia had the lowest adherence to treatment.Conclusion: The study showed a significant correlation between self-stigma and adherence to treatment. High levels of self-stigma are associated with discontinuation of medications without a psychiatrist’s recommendation. This connection was present in all diagnostic groups. Keywords: self-stigma, adherence, discontinuation of drugs, mental disorder