Psychotropic drug

About: Psychotropic drug is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 2309 publications have been published within this topic receiving 54070 citations.

Design and reporting modifications in industry-sponsored comparative psychopharmacology trials.

Abstract: This review of recently published pharmaceutical industry-sponsored comparative psychotropic drug trials aims to classify apparent design and reporting modifications that favor the sponsor's product. The modifications have been grouped into 13 discrete categories, and representative examples of each are presented. Strong circumstantial evidence suggests that marketing goals led to these adjustments. The consequences of marketing influences on comparative psychopharmacology trials are discussed in terms of conflicts of interest, the integrity of the scientific literature, and costs to consumers, as well as their impact on physician practice.

Child and adolescent (early onset) schizophrenia: a review in light of DSM-III-R.

Abstract: Early onset schizophrenia (EOS) is defined as that beginning in childhood or adolescence (under 16 or 17). Studies of EOS are infrequent, and comparative adult figures not always available, but tentative conclusions may be drawn. EOS is more common in males; symptomatology is often undifferentiated; frequencies of homotypic family disorder, premorbid schizotypal personality, and neurodevelopmental abnormalities high; outcome poor but only slightly worse than in adults; response to psychotropic drug treatment probably similar though not properly tested; and confusion with psychotic bipolar disorder particularly common. Onset before language is developed presents special diagnostic difficulties. There are a few reports of autistic children developing schizophrenia but this requires replication. Differences from adult schizophrenia are more marked when onset is in childhood than in adolescence but all are quantitative rather than qualitative suggesting that the disorders are the same and that there should be no separate category for children or adolescents.

The reproductive safety profile of mood stabilizers, atypical antipsychotics, and broad-spectrum psychotropics

Abstract: There has been growing concern about the potential iatrogenic effects of several newer psychotropic drugs on reproductive health safety in women. Areas of particular concern in this regard include (1) controversies about a potential association between the use of valproate and development of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), (2) the safety of use of newer psychotropic medications during pregnancy, and (3) safety issues with these medications in women while breastfeeding. This review summarizes current information about each of these areas. In particular, existing data suggest that (1) PCOS very likely represents a complex neuroendocrine disorder with multiple determinants; (2) menstrual irregularities may be a frequently seen phenomenon in women with bipolar illness, at least partially independent of psychotropic drug therapy; (3) potential central nervous system teratogenicity remains substantial during first-trimester exposure to valproate or carbamazepine; (4) with newer agents used for bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, safety data during pregnancy, while not definitive, are most abundant with olanzapine and with lamotrigine; relatively less is known about systematic pregnancy outcomes with other atypical antipsychotics or newer anticonvulsants; and (5) risks for neonatal safety during lactation continue to appear substantial with lithium, are of potential concern with lamotrigine and clozapine, are quite likely minimal with valproate or carbamazepine, and are indeterminate with most other new anticonvulsants or atypical antipsychotics. Recommendations are presented for clinical management in each of these instances.