Nes Mental Pharmacy - Final

Pharmacy
Introduction to Pharmaceutical Care in Mental Health

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Introduction to Pharmaceutical Care
in Mental Health
2 Introduction to pharmaceutical care in mental health
Acknowledgements
This pack has been developed, with permission, using the majority of the material from a CPPE
Open learning course `Presentation and Management of Common Mental Disorders` published
in 2005. NES wishes to greatly thank CPPE as well as the contributors, editors and reviewers of the
CPPE pack.
However, members of the group of Scottish Pharmacy in Mental Health (SPMH) have been
involved in editing and reviewing the CPPE open learning course in order that we could develop
this NES pack which has a specific focus on legislation, guidance and issues relevant in Scotland.
Specialist Editors – Scotland (SPMH)

We gratefully acknowledge and thank the following specialist editors of this pack:
Liz Kelly and Joan Hoek, Senior Clinical Pharmacists (Mental Health) NHS Ayrshire and Arran
and Gazala Akram, Senior Clinical Pharmacist (Child Psychiatry) NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde /
Lecturer, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow.
Specialist Reviewers – Scotland (SPMH)

We gratefully acknowledge and thank the following reviewers of this pack:
Alyson Henderson, Senior Clinical Pharmacist (Mental Health), NHS Fife
Barrat Luft, Senior Clinical Pharmacist (Mental Health), NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.
Design and print

Shandwick Design, Glasgow
Meigle Print, Galashiels.
Disclaimer
While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of these materials, neither NHS Education
for Scotland nor external contributors shall have any liability to any person or entity with respect to
liability, loss or damage caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly by the information therein.
Introduction 3
Contents
About this pack 6
Chapter 1 Introduction to mental health and mental illness 11

1.1 Background 13
1.2 History of mental healthcare 14
1.3 Development of mental health law and social care 16
1.4 Definitions and controversy 24
1.5 Classification systems for mental and behavioural disorders 27
1.6 Mental health rating scales 29
1.7 Guidance on care in Mental Health 32
Chapter 2 Neurochemistry and neuroanatomy 39

2.1 Introduction 41
2.2 Revision points 41
2.3 Neurotransmitters 42
2.4 Receptors 43
Chapter 3 Schizophrenia 45
3.1 Introduction 47
3.2 History of schizophrenia 47
3.3 Epidemiology 48
3.4 Symptoms of schizophrenia 49
3.5 Course of schizophrenia 51
3.6 Aetiology of schizophrenia 52
3.7 Treatment of schizophrenia 57
3.8 Side-effects of antipsychotics 59
Chapter 4 Depression 71
4.1 Introduction 73
4.2 Epidemiology 73
4.3 Symptoms of depression 73
4.4 Aetiology of depression 75
4.5 Treatment of depression 78
4.6 Counselling points on depression 86
Chapter 5 Bipolar affective disorder 91

5.1 Introduction 93
5.2 Epidemiology 94
5.3 Symptoms of bipolar affective disorder 94
5.4 Course of bipolar affective disorder 95
5.5 Aetiology of bipolar affective disorder 96
5.6 Treatment of bipolar affective disorder 97
5.7 Adverse effects of medications used in bipolar disorder 101
5.8 Common drug interactions 105
Chapter 6 Anxiety disorders 111

6.1 Introduction 113
6.2 Prevalence of anxiety disorders 113
6.3 Symptoms 114
6.4 The neurobiological basis of fear and anxiety 115
6.5 Presentation of anxiety disorders 118
6.6 Management of anxiety 120
Chapter 7 Sleep disorders 135

7.1 Sleep 137
7.2 Insomnia 139
7.3 Management of insomnia 141
7.4 The presentation and management of other sleep disorders 148
Chapter 8 Dementias 153

8.2 Epidemiology 155
8.3 Symptoms 155
8.4 Diagnosing dementia 157
8.5 Classification of the dementias 159
8.6 Assessment tools in dementia 164
8.7 Management of cognitive features of dementia 165
8.8 Management of non-cognitive symptoms 170
8.9 Older people and their medicines 173
8.10 Communicating with patients 174
Introduction 5
Chapter 9 Multiple pathology, multiple problems 179

9.2 Psychotropic medication and physical illness 181
9.3 Dual diagnosis 183
9.4 Polypharmacy 185
9.5 Drug Interactions 190
9.6 Stopping medication 192
9.7 Changing medication 193
Chapter 10 The role of the pharmacist in managing mental health 203

10.2 Setting the scene 205
10.3 Information needs of patients and their carers 210
10.4 Patients at special risk 212
10.5 Concordance with medication 213
10.6 Stopping the medication 215
10.7 Prodromes for mental illness 216
10.8 An advocacy role for pharmacists 217
10.9 The specialist mental health pharmacist 218
10.10 What do users think? 219
Glossary and appendices 227

Glossary 229
Appendix 1 – Mental healthcare through the ages 234
Appendix 2 – Psychological treatments of mental illness 238
Appendix 3 – Support agencies, self-help groups and useful websites 241
Multiple choice questions 255

About this pack

Welcome to this distance learning pack, which provides an introduction
to the pharmaceutical care of people in Scotland who have mental
health problems.
Mental health is a significant issue in Scotland for individuals, for communities and for services.
The Scottish Executive Health Department stated in their key document on NHS reforms
Delivering for Health, that they would develop a national Mental Health Delivery Plan by
December 2006 in order to accelerate improvements in mental health services. As a result,
Delivering for Mental Health, was published in December 2006 with the ultimate aim of improving
the prevention and treatment of any mental health problems, for everyone living in Scotland. The
pharmacist in providing pharmaceutical care and public health services, have a key role to play in
this agenda.
Within this pack we have focused on the most common forms of mental health. As you work through
the pack, you will learn something about its incidence and impact and how, as a pharmacist, you can
make a significant contribution to tackling some of the problems that these create.
This course is aimed at any pharmacist, whether working in the community, primary care or in a
hospital, interested in updating and extending their knowledge about mental disorders and their
treatment. You may be newly qualified, a veteran in your field, or somewhere in the middle!
Successful completion will not qualify you to become an expert in mental health, but may
confirm your interest and point you in that direction. If you do want to take your learning further,
the Certificate or Diploma in Psychiatric Therapeutics, run by Aston University, may be your next
project. Alternatively you may want to seek accreditation from the College of Mental Health
Pharmacists (CMHP) www.ukppg.org.uk/cmhp.html
In addition there is a NES Core Course pack on ‘Pharmaceutical Care of People with Depression’
which provides background knowledge on depression and allows the pharmacist to implement
a Pharmaceutical Care Needs Assessment Tool with the use of an Aide Memoire. This can be
obtained from NES on the website at www.nes.scot.nhs.uk/pharmacy/resources
You can find a lot of information about the pharmacist’s role in mental health both within this
package (particularly Chapter 10) and from Scottish Pharmacy in Mental Health
www.spmh.co.uk (a specialist interest group for pharmacy staff), and the UK Psychiatric
Pharmacy Group www.ukppg.org.uk
Introduction 7
Format
The pack is organised into ten chapters.
The initial two chapters focus on the background to mental health problems and the
neuroanatomy/neurophysiology of mental health disorders. The next seven chapters individually
tackle the most common specific mental health disorders, with the final chapter focusing on the
role of the pharmacist in mental health.
Aim
The overall aim of this pack is to help you develop your knowledge and skills in relation to
pharmacy services, and in particular pharmaceutical care, in relation to mental health.
The package is designed to equip you to deliver care that is evidence based and up-to-date, while
providing you with many additional sources of useful information.
To prepare and support pharmacists, prescribing advisors and pharmacist prescribers working in
primary care, charged with providing pharmaceutical care to those suffering from the common
mental disorders.
Objectives of the pack

The objectives of this pack are to support:
1. Appreciation of the presentation and prognosis of the common mental disorders.
2. Appreciation of the management of the common mental disorders.
3. An understanding of the proposed mode of action of the commonly-used psychotropic
agents, including their potential for ADRs and interactions.
4. Knowledge of national guidance on the management of common mental disorders and the
use of psychotropic agents.
5. An understanding of the various methods of service delivery.
6. Awareness of national targets/issues surrounding the pharmaceutical care of people with
mental illness.
7. Appreciation of the potential role of the pharmacist in providing pharmaceutical care for
this group.
8. Appreciation of the service user perspective.
9. Appreciation of the importance of monitoring physical health in those with a mental disorder
and receiving psychotropic agents.
Learning Outcomes
Completing this course will enable pharmacists to:
1. Recognise the presentation and prognosis of some common mental disorders and advise or
refer as appropriate.
2. Initiate preparatory tasks for the management of the common mental disorders.
3. Understand the proposed mode of action of the commonly used psychotropic agents
including their potential for ADR and interaction.
4. Apply knowledge of national guidance on the management of common mental disorders
and the use of psychotropic agents.
5. Assist development of the various methods of service delivery.
6. Promote awareness of national targets/issues surrounding pharmaceutical care and people
with mental illness.
7. Initiate and promote pharmaceutical care for people with common mental health disorders
in the local area.
8. Empathise with the service user perspective.
9. Take appropriate steps to monitor the physical health in those with a mental disorder and
receiving psychotropic agents.
Activities
There are various activities detailed throughout the pack which are indicated by the following
icons in the margin:
Activity Key Facts Suggested Answers
Case Studies Learning Outcomes Assessment
Case studies
Case studies are used to demonstrate the context in which mental health problems are
experienced in practice. Cases are developed to prompt you to consider making queries,
developing plans and working with the inter-professional team. They are designed to offer
preparation for similar or related cases that you may face in your practice. Clinical governance
issues are integrated with the case studies and self-assessment activities.
Exercises
Throughout the sections you will come across exercises, which are intended to reinforce learning
and give you an opportunity to reflect on what you have read. They will also help you to meet the
objectives for this course.
Complete the exercises as fully as possible before comparing what you have written with the
answers at the end of the sections. You may wish to discuss your responses to the exercises with
a colleague. This can be an extremely useful way of consolidating your learning and expertise.
Introduction 9
Practice points
You will be prompted at various points throughout the text to consider whether you have
uncovered a learning need to be translated into a CPD record. This will help you to look for ways
of improving your practice once you have completed the pack. Use your CPD record sheets to
plan and record actions you have taken.
Multiple choice questionnaire

On completion of the package, the multiple choice questionnaire should then be attempted and
returned to the NES Pharmacy office, either as a paper copy or can be submitted electronically
online (see instructions on page 256).
Feedback
We hope that you find this pack a useful background and/or update for you to provide pharmacy
services in relation to patients with mental health disorders and as a useful reference point for the
main aspects of mental illness. Please help us to assess the value and effectiveness of the pack by
adding any comments in the relevant section of the MCQ answer sheet provided at the end of the
pack.
This course has been adapted for use in Scotland from the CPPE distance learning package. It
will take you approximately 10 hours to work through depending on your learning style and
experience. It is best to work your way through the chapters from the beginning to the end in
a logical order, completing the activities for each chapter as you go. However you may wish
to focus on particular chapters that are relevant to your practice. Some of the other distance
learning packages available from NHS Education for Scotland (Pharmacy) will complement this
package. A full list of these packages are available on the NES website
www.nes.scot.nhs.uk/pharmacy, or by telephoning 0141 223 1603.
How this package can assist your CPD

At the beginning of each chapter the objectives describe what you should be able to do when you
complete the particular chapter. This is designed to help you monitor how you are progressing
through the pack and to identify any further learning needs that you may have in relation to each
aspect. You should use your personal CPD record to record your learning, future learning needs
and changes to practice that you have implemented as a result of your learning. If the information
is not detailed in the pack we have also listed many useful reference websites which may provide
you with the relevant information.
Keeping up to date
Although the information is as up-to-date as possible at the time of publication there is always
new information, statistics, policy directives and research evidence becoming available. In
addition there is always information available which is pertinent to your local situation in relation
to services for patients with mental health problems – you should contact your local Mental
Health Specialist Pharmacist for local guidance. You should also endeavour to continue to review
recommended websites for further study. The CD ROM supplied with this programme also
contains helpful references for further study.
Notes
Chapter 1
Introduction to mental health and mental illness
Objectives
This chapter will enable you to:
● describe the relative contribution of various mental disorders to the global burden
of disease
● describe some of the practices which characterise mental healthcare
● identify key events in the development of mental health law and social care
● debate the definitions used in the field of mental health
● recognise the different classification systems and rating scales used to diagnose,
assess and monitor mental health disorders
● discuss the expectations of mental healthcare described in NHS QIS standards,
as well as in published SIGN and NICE guidance
Chapter 1
Introduction to mental health and mental illness
1.1 Background
Mental disorders are universal, affecting people of all countries and societies, individuals at all
ages, women and men, the rich and the poor, from urban and rural environments. They have an
economic impact on societies and on the quality of life of individuals and families.
At any point in time one in ten of the adult population is affected by a mental disorder and one in
four people will be affected at some time during their lives.
Around one in five of all patients seen by primary healthcare professionals have one or more
mental disorders.
Further reading: Office for National Statistics Website
www.statistics.gov.uk/cci/nugget.asp?id=1333
One in four families is likely to have at least one member with a mental disorder.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) measures the burden of disease in terms of years of life lost
(YLL), i.e. premature death, years of life lived with disability (YLD) and the composite measure,
disability-adjusted life years (DALY). One DALY is one year of ‘healthy’ life lost.
In 2000 the WHO estimated that mental and neurological disorders accounted for 12% of the
total DALYs lost due to all diseases and injuries and an estimate of 15% is projected for 2020.
More DALYs are lost to depression than to heart disease or stroke.
Suicide is common in many mental disorders, not just depression, and is a leading cause of
premature death. Unipolar depression is the leading cause of disability for men and women of all
ages, accounting for a staggering 12% of YLDs for all diseases and injuries.
Alcohol abuse, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia are in the top ten leading causes of disability
for both sexes of any age and together with unipolar depression they represent the four leading
causes of YLDs in younger men (aged 15 – 44 years).
Alzheimer’s disease is one of the top 20 causes of disability for men and women of all ages,
together with drug use disorders, panic disorders and obsessive compulsive disorders in the
15 – 44 age group.
The World Health Organisation Report 2001: Mental Health: New Understanding, New Hope can
be downloaded or viewed online at www.who.int/whr/2001/en/whr01_en.pdf
1.2 History of mental healthcare

Most histories of mental healthcare concentrate on the gruesome, featuring medieval witch
hunts, overcrowded wards in Victorian asylums, lobotomies and insulin coma therapy, but the
history of mental healthcare is by no means all bad. Practitioners from as long ago as 2 000 BC
clearly demonstrate that there is very little in our present day ‘enlightened’ approach that hasn’t
been said or done before!
A brief overview of mental healthcare through the ages and a summary of the development of
psychological therapies are included as Appendices 1 and 2 respectively. What is clear is that
throughout history, theories and beliefs about the cause of mental illness and how it should
be treated have been variably influenced by ignorance, fear, compassion and enlightenment.
Even today, personal perception about the nature of mental illness and the behaviours and
management of people suffering mental distress varies greatly.
The statements in Exercise 1 are an extract from Attitudes to Mental Illness 2007. Compare your
responses to the public responses documented in the report. This survey is commissioned by the
Department of Health and is currently conducted every three years. The report can be found at
dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/DH_076516
The National Scottish Survey of Public Attitudes to Mental Health is conducted every two years
and is commissioned by the Scottish Executive Health Department (SEHD). The survey in 2002
informed the work of the National Programme and provided relevant baseline data. Against this
backdrop a number of initiatives and campaigns were introduced including ‘See Me’ and ‘Choose
Life’. The survey measures the effects of actions taken to change public attitudes and covers:
● general health and lifestyle
● mental health and well-being
● experiences and attitudes to mental health problems
● sources of information about mental health issues and awareness of relevant promotional
activities across Scotland.
There were significant, positive changes in attitude towards people with mental health problems
between 2002 and 2004, particularly relating to perceived dangerousness and issues associated
with the protection of the general public. While it is difficult to be certain what brought about
these changes it may be that the National Programme work has helped to reduce the stigma
surrounding mental ill-health. The 2004 report can be viewed at
www.wellscotland.info/public-attitudes-survey.html or the summary at
www.wellscotland.info/uploads/file.php?serve=1133627307-public-attitudes-survey-
summary-2004.pdf&action=download
Unfortunately, this positive picture is not matched by the experiences of service users. One
explanation for this discrepancy is that there is a difference between people’s declared attitudes
and how they in fact behave.
Exercise 1
Examine your own thoughts about mental illness and the way it should be treated by considering
how strongly you agree or disagree with the following statements.
Score your responses as follows:
Agree strongly +2 Neither agree nor disagree 0 Disagree strongly – 2
Agree slightly +1 Disagree slightly – 1
Statement Score
We need to adopt a far more tolerant attitude to people

with mental illness in our society
We have a responsibility to provide the best possible care for people

with mental illness
People with mental illness don’t deserve our sympathy
People with mental illness are a burden on society
Virtually anyone can become mentally ill
Mental illness is an illness like any other
There is something about people with mental illness that makes it easy to tell them
from normal people
One of the main causes of mental illness is a lack of self-discipline and will-power
People with mental illness should not be given any responsibility
Most women who were once patients in a mental hospital

can be trusted as babysitters
As soon as a person shows signs of mental disturbance they should be hospitalised
The best therapy for many people with mental illness is to be part
of a normal community
Less emphasis should be placed on protecting the public from people with
mental illness
As far as possible, mental health services should be provided through community-

based facilities
It is frightening to think of people with mental problems living in residential

neighbourhoods
There are sufficient existing services for people with mental illness
Mental health professionals also hold negative attitudes to people with mental health problems.
Attitudes to self-harm, eating disorders and substance misuse are often particularly negative.
Tackling the role that health professionals play in maintaining stigma is one of the themes of
the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ ‘Changing Minds’ campaign. For more information, see their
website at www.changingminds.co.uk
In Scotland the ‘See Me’ campaign, was launched in October 2002 to challenge stigma and
discrimination around mental ill-health. www.seemescotland.org.uk. A survey conducted in
2006 explored people’s changing experience of stigma and their views on the contribution of
the ‘See Me’ campaign. The public has become more aware and accepting of mental health
problems, but the report exposed continuing problems with stigma and discriminations
particularly among friends and family, the community, in employment and when accessing
services. Worries and fears about experiencing stigma continue to damage people’s confidences,
life chances and recovery prospects. The report A Fairer Future: Building Understanding – Moving
Forward Together can be accessed at
www.seemescotland.org.uk/media/include/downloads/16823%20Hear%20Me%20report.
pdf
Concerns have also been raised about the misleading and stigmatising nature of advertisements
for antipsychotic medication in professional journals. See Haley C J, ‘The “Hitchcock factor” in
advertising’. Psychiatric Bulletin (2000) 24: 315–316. Downloadable at
pb.rcpsych.org/cgi/content/full/24/8/315-b
1.3 Development of mental health law

and social care
Public and professional opinions have a considerable impact on how mental illness is perceived
and managed, but law determines the framework for delivery. Legislation in health and social
care has evolved over time to reflect changing attitudes, enabling the restructuring of mental
healthcare provision and increasing social support for people with mental illness. Although
mental health law and social care are probably of less interest to pharmacists than psychotropic
drugs, they have all played an important role in the transition from overpopulated asylums to
community-based care.
Check out the history of mental health provision in your area online by accessing The Index of
Lunatic Asylums and Mental Hospitals at
www.mdx.ac.uk/WWW/STUDY/4Asylums.htm#Dundee
In 1579 the basis of the system of poor relief in Scotland for the following three centuries was
laid by an act of the Scottish Parliament ‘for Punishment of Strange and Idle Beggars, and Relief
of the Pure and Impotent’. A further act in 1597 shifted the administration of poor relief to the
church authorities in each parish, the Kirk Session. An act of 1672 ordered magistrates to erect
‘correction houses’ or workhouses in which beggars could be detained and made to work. These
were funded by a variety of means including collections at church doors, incomes from rents,
private donations, hiring of hearses and benefit plays at theatres.
The asylums and beyond

In the 18th century people with mental health problems were cared for in a number of ways:
within their own families, looked after within their own homes by minders or ‘keepers’, boarded
out with another family, placed in the custody of men and women who operated private
‘madhouses’, or incarcerated in an infirmary, poor relief institution, asylum or prison. The first
public asylum in Scotland was opened in 1782 in Melrose.
An important landmark in the care of the mentally ill was the 1815 ‘act to regulate madhouses
in Scotland’ which required annual licensing of private asylums with twice yearly inspections by
the Sheriff-Depute and medical practitioners. New legal structures were put in place to ensure
that people were not confined without a reception order from a sheriff and that this was: ‘by the
certificate or report of medical persons, and otherwise as the circumstances of the case may seem
to require’.
By the 1840s the demand for relief exceeded supply. The systems of administration were variable
and, following the Disruption in 1843 when 40% of the clergy of the Church of Scotland left to
form the Free Church, no longer effective. A Commission of Enquiry was set up in 1843 to review
the system of poor relief in Scotland and to suggest improvements. The Commission’s report in
1844 noted that poor relief in Scotland was generally confined to the old, infirm, disabled and
mentally ill. The recommendations were put into effect in the 1845 Act for ‘The Amendment
and better Administration of the Law Relating to the relief of the Poor in Scotland’. Around 70
poorhouses were eventually in operation, but the majority of paupers continued to receive out-
relief. Poorhouses provided medical and nursing care for the elderly and sick when there were few
hospitals and private medical treatment was beyond the means of the poor.
The terms ‘lunatic’ and ‘insane’ were used to describe people suffering from various degrees
of mental disturbance. In 1857, the Lunacy (Scotland) Act was passed by Parliament, which
established the General Board of Commissioners in Lunacy, who became responsible for the care
and treatment of lunatics and provision, maintenance and regulation of lunatic asylums. These
hospitals were provided and paid for out of local rates. People considered insane were quickly
removed from society and shut away behind locked doors – ‘out of sight, out of mind’. The Act
laid down conditions for certification and provided powers to keep a patient under observation
for six months without certification and to board out harmless lunatics with private persons.
Carers received payment for their services, which became known as ‘guardianship’ by 1913.
The Board survived until 1913 when the Mental Deficiency and Lunacy (Scotland) Act replaced
it by the General Board of Control for Scotland and voluntary admissions were simplified. Care
of the ‘mentally handicapped’ was provided separately from the asylums which henceforth
concentrated on the treatment of the mentally ill. Parish councils were abolished in 1930,
thereafter poor law authorities were the county councils, large burghs and the four cities acting
through Departments of Public Assistance or Public Welfare. The 1930s saw the introduction
of physical treatments, such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), lobotomy and insulin coma
treatment, allowing the discharge of some people back to the community. ECT was developed in
Italy and was first introduced in the UK in Dundee in 1939.
A number of poorhouses were used during the First World War for the treatment of military
casualties or for military accommodation. In 1946 many former poorhouses were assessed in
preparation for the setting up of the National Health Service and consequently refurbished or
upgraded, or condemned, sold off or demolished.
The Poor Law was entirely abolished in 1948 and replaced by the National System (National
Insurance Act 1948). By then hospitals had largely replaced the medical function of poorhouses,
however, various welfare functions including care of the mentally and physically handicapped
remained with local authorities. In 1949 Dingleton Hospital, Melrose was the first hospital
worldwide to fully implement an open-door policy. Integration of the ‘mental hospitals’ into the
NHS was one of the main factors, which led to a general move away from institution care policies
in the 1950s.
From 1955 onwards, psychiatric inpatient numbers began to slowly decrease due to the
introduction of social methods of rehabilitation and resettlement in the community, and the
availability of welfare benefits, as well as the introduction of effective treatment with antipsychotic
and antidepressant medication.
The Mental Health (Scotland) Act 1960 set up a Mental Welfare Commission (MWC) as an
independent body appointed by the Crown to exercise protective functions in regard to patients;
encouraged community care; reduced powers of compulsory detention but retained the role
of sheriffs; and repealed the 1857 and 1913 acts. When the MWC was established the existing
General Board of Control for Scotland ceased and its property passed to the MWC and its rights,
liabilities and obligations passed to the Secretary of State.
In 1984 the Mental Health (Amendment) (Scotland) Act required that mental health officers who
were experienced, trained and accredited personnel were involved in the compulsory detention
of people with mental disorders. The powers of the Mental Welfare Commission were also
strengthened.
The Framework for Mental Health Services in Scotland (Scottish Office, 1997) set out the vision for
comprehensive community-based services, shaped to meet identified local needs. This policy was
an important landmark in requiring local health and social work planning partners to develop joint
strategies for mental health and accelerating the shift from hospital to community based care.
A White Paper Towards a Healthier Scotland (1999) proposed a sustained attack on inequality,
social exclusion and poverty by investing in housing, education and employment opportunities;
and particular initiatives were to be directed at the detection and prevention of disease,
improving nutrition and increasing physical activity.
Audit Scotland’s report: A shared approach – developing adult mental health services in Scotland
(October 1999) provided an overview of the needs of service users and their carers, and analysed the
expenditure on mental health services by local authorities and the NHS. It also looked at how existing
resources were being used and targeted, and ways that joint working was involved in the planning
and provision of services. www.audit-scotland.gov.uk/publications/pdf/1999/99hs_08.pdf
Outpatients, day-care and after-care

The National Association for Mental Health (NAMH, now MIND) was formed in 1946 and lobbied
for better services for people with mental health problems, set up day centres and hostels and
provided training services for social workers and residential care staff. During the 1950s day
hospitals began to be established, increasing flexibility in psychiatric services and reducing
the use of hospital beds. Hostels and therapeutic social clubs were set up to provide support
for discharged patients. In 1954 the first outpatient nurses were appointed at Warlingham
Park Hospital, Croydon. Their duties included visiting outpatients, supporting inpatients who
had been discharged, helping find jobs and accommodation for them, and being available
to give advice at outpatient clinics or therapeutic social clubs. By the 1960s such work was
commonplace. The introduction of depot antipsychotic injections in the 1960s and 1970s
further encouraged the development of community psychiatric nursing. Multidisciplinary teams
(Community Mental Health Teams) began to emerge in the 1980s with other disciplines offering
services which complimented, or sometimes, duplicated those of Community Psychiatric Nurses
(CPNs).
Social policy and community care

In December 1942, the Government published the report on Social Insurance and Allied Services,
better known as the Beveridge Report. This watershed publication would shape Government
social policy for the rest of the century.
In 1946 Parliament passed the National Health Service Acts, by which the Minister of Health
and the Secretary of State for Scotland were to promote a comprehensive health service for the
physical and mental health of the people of England, Wales and Scotland, and for the prevention,
diagnosis and treatment of illness. The NHS in Scotland is a separate and distinct body and was
founded by the National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1947. The National Assistance Act of 1948
stated that ;
‘it shall be the duty of every local authority to provide residential accommodation for
persons who, by reason of age, illness, disability or any other circumstances are in need of
care and attention which is not otherwise available to them’.
This, together with the introduction of welfare benefits, encouraged the beginning of the move
from institutional to community-based care.
By 1968 the progress in modernising the organisation of mental health services was lagging
behind progress in applying modern methods of treatment. In 1970 the Chronically Sick and
Disabled Person’s Act required local authorities to find out the needs of people in their local
populations and to provide certain services for them and the Local Authority Social Services Act
created social services departments as we now know them. This Act was extended to Scotland by
the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons (Scotland) Act 1972.
In 1985 the Scottish Office Report ‘Mental Health in Focus’ acknowledged that there was a
shortfall in community alternatives to enable the development of locally-based mental health
services and care in the community to become a reality. Closure of beds proceeded at a slower
rate in Scotland than in England.
The Care Programme Approach (CPA) was introduced in Scotland in 1991 and aims to ensure
that people with severe and enduring mental illness, including dementia, who also have complex
social needs, are provided with co-ordinated care and supervision.
Developing the policy for community care

for those with mental health problems in Scotland
The Framework for Mental Health Services in Scotland (Scottish Office, 1997) was produced
following the Scottish Affair’s Committee Report on the closure of psychiatric hospitals in
Scotland (1995). It was intended as an aid to health, social work and housing agencies for
improving joint working and promoting the implementation of existing policy. Service users,
their carers and staff involved in voluntary and other agencies were recognised as partners and
stakeholders. The framework sets out in a tiered system, the essential features of a local mental
health strategy for people with severe and/or enduring mental health problems, including
those with dementia. However, it does not address the needs of those with learning disabilities,
or alcohol and/or substance misuse, unless there are concomitant mental health problems.
Supporting initiatives were introduced to promote the implementation of existing policy and the
development of mental health services in Scotland: Scottish Development Centre for Mental
Health (providing training, information sharing and learning, research and evaluation), Mental
Health Development Fund, Local Care Partnerships, Scottish Needs Assessment Programme
Reports and Making it Happen (a working guide).
Our National Health: a plan for action, a plan for change (2000) endorsed the Framework
for Mental Health Services in Scotland, setting new objectives including in the areas of person
centred care, reducing stigma, liaison psychiatry, investment in improvement through grant
schemes and investment in crisis services. www.show.nhs.uk/sehd/onh/onh-00.htm
The National Programme for Improving Mental Health and Well-being, launched in October
2001, is the key catalyst as part of the Scottish Executive’s commitment to health improvement
and social justice, aiming in 2003– 06 to:
● Raise awareness and promote mental health and well-being
● Eliminate stigma and discrimination around mental ill health
● Prevent suicide and support people bereaved by suicide
● Promote and support recovery from mental health problems.
In collaboration with Scotland’s major mental health charities (including Highland Users Group,
National Schizophrenia Fellowship (Scotland), and Penumbra), the Royal College of Psychiatrists
(Scottish Division) and public health bodies, a range of campaign organisations have been
created and supported which address the priority areas. The initiatives include:
See Me
‘See Me’ was set up in 2002 to eliminate the stigma and discrimination associated with mental
ill health by running a national campaign to improve public attitudes. The campaign provides
posters and postcards for distribution or display, and along with the website offers resources,
information and personal stories around stigma. www.seemescotland.org
Choose Life
The ‘Choose Life’ strategy was launched in 2002 and is a 10-year plan aimed at reducing suicide
in Scotland by 20% by 2013. It draws on the experience and expertise of a broad range of
partners including the family members of people who had attempted or completed suicide,
health and social care workers, teachers, young people, suicide survivors, public health specialists,
voluntary and community agencies. Research and training (including ASIST and STORM) is
available via the Choose Life website. www.chooselife.net
Breathing Space
Breathing Space is a free and confidential phoneline service available from 6pm to 2am daily
for any individual who is experiencing low mood or depression, or is unusually worried and in
need of someone to talk to (Telephone 0800 838 587). It was launched in Glasgow in 2002 and
extended nationally in 2004. Breathing Space is aimed specifically, but not exclusively, at young
men between 16 – 40 years – a particularly vulnerable at-risk of suicide group within Scottish
society. The service is operationally managed by NHS 24 and delivered from its contact centre in
Clydebank. www.breathingspacescotland.co.uk
Scotland’s Mental Health First Aid

Scotland’s Mental Health First Aid (SMHFA) course was launched in 2004 and improves people’s
confidence, knowledge, ability to help others, and also reduces negative and stigmatising
attitudes. The course helps people recognise the signs and symptoms of mental health problems
and how to offer initial assistance, support and guidance. www.smhfa.com and
www.healthscotland.com
The Scottish Recovery Network

The Scottish Recovery Network was launched in 2004 and aims to raise awareness that people
can and do recover from long-term and serious mental health problems, and to support recovery.
The website includes information about recovery including personal testimony, research and
international models of recovery. www.scottishrecovery.net
HeadsUpScotland
HeadsUpScotland and Scottish Development Centre organises training courses for frontline staff
working with children and young people,aiming to develop an understanding of the mental
health needs of children and young people. www.headsupscotland.com
Well Scotland
Positive mental health is essential if Scotland is to enjoy a healthier future. Well?, a magazine
distributed to approximately 80,000 people in Scotland twice a year, highlights mental
health improvement work, contacts and news. WellScotland have a website for mental health
improvement work in Scotland and acts as a main source of news, research and information.
www.wellscotland.info
National Resource Centre for Ethnic Minority Health

National Resource Centre for Ethnic Minority Health,a network of agencies across Scotland,
is concerned with improving the mental health of people within black and minority ethnic
communities. It is aimed at community groups, frontline mental health staff, planners, BME
communities and service users. www.nrcemh.nhsscotland.com
Mind the gaps

Meeting the needs of people with co-occurring substance misuse and mental health problems.
Report of the joint working group, Scottish Executive, 2003 can be found at
www.scotland.gov.uk/library5/health/mtgd-00.asp
The Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003

The Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003, was passed by the Scottish
Parliament in March 2003. It came into effect in October 2005.
The new Act is based on a set of 10 principles (the ‘Millan Principles’) which are:
1. Non-Discrimination
2. Equality
3. Respect for Diversity
4. Reciprocity
5. Informal care
6. Participation
7. Respect for Carers
8. Least Restrictive Alternative
9. Benefit
10. Child Welfare.
In keeping with the above principles several main changes have resulted. The biggest change is
the replacement of Sheriff Courts by Mental Health Tribunals. Under the previous Mental Heath
(Scotland) Act 1984, any detention hearings were made in a sheriff court under the direction of
a sheriff. It is hoped that the new tribunals will be less intimidating and encourage service users
to engage with tribunal members. The tribunal will consist of three members: a legally qualified
person, a doctor with experience in mental health and a relevant third person with skills and
experience of the subject such as a service user or carer.
The Act also puts into place the concept of a Named Person. Any individual aged over 16 years
has the right to choose a ‘named person’ to support them and their rights. This named person
can attend tribunal hearings and represent the wishes of the individual service user.
Advance statements are also a new concept introduced under the Act. An advance statement is
basically a written statement containing details of the nature of treatment an individual wished to
receive or not receive in the event they become mentally unwell. Particular types of medication;
psychology interventions etc. can be cited.
The new legislation also supersedes the previous Act which regards to powers of detention and
subsequent treatment plans. These have been altered in light of changes that have occurred in
the NHS since the early 1980s. The authority of the new Act is intrinsically concerned with three
types of compulsory treatment.
● Emergency detention
● Short term detention
● Compulsory Treatment Order (CTO).
Emergency detention
Allows an individual to be detained in hospital for assessment up to a maximum period of
72 hours. Detention is dependent on the recommendation of a doctor and (if possible) a Mental
Health Officer (usually a social worker trained in mental health issues). (Under this detention, an
individual cannot be treated without their consent, unless there is an urgent requirement or they
are being treated under the Adults with Incapacity Act).
Short term detention

An individual can be detained for a maximum period of 28 days for the assessment and treatment
of a mental disorder. This detention can only be recommended by a psychiatrist and agreed by a
Mental Health Officer (MHO)
Compulsory Treatment Order (CTO)

As the name suggests this is a treatment order which stipulates the details of an individual’s
treatment plan. It is usually put into place to allow discharge into the community. The plan will
lay out details such as: where the individual must live, where and what time they must attend
particular services; or attend a particular place for treatment. (It is envisaged that this may
include details of community pharmacies who agree to instalment or supervised dispensing of
psychotropic medication e.g. antidepressants or antipsychotics.)
The CTO can only be approved by a Tribunal, which must be applied for by a MHO. The CTO
initially lasts for 6 months but can be extended for another 6 month period. After this time and if
it is considered necessary, a CTO can be extended for another 12 months at a time.
Other significant amendments include: duration an individual can be given pharmacological
treatment without their consent. Previously an individual detained under the MHA (Scotland)
(1984) could be given treatment for a period of 90 days. After this time, all treatment had to
be written down in a detailed ‘treatment plan’ which if the individual consented to would be
detailed in a Form 9 and if they did not, would be detailed in a Form 10. In order for treatment to
be given without consent, a second opinion doctor from the Mental Welfare Commission would
have to agree with the prescribed plan and hence sign off the form 10.
In the new act, the period of non consensual treatment has been shortened to 56 days and the
forms are now referred to as T2 (previous Form 9) and T3 (previous Form10). Again a second
opinion doctor from the Mental Welfare Commission must agree and be prepared to sign off the
prescribed treatment plan.
Further detailed information about the new Act can be found at
www.scotland.gov.uk/health/mentalhealthlaw and www.mwcscot.org.uk/web/site/home
1.4 Definitions and controversy

‘Mental disorder’ according to the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003
means any mental illness, personality disorder, or learning disability, however caused or
manifested. The Act specifically states that a person is not mentally disordered by reason only of
any of the following:
● sexual orientation; sexual deviancy; trans-sexualism; transvestism
● dependence on, or use of, alcohol or drugs
● behaviour that causes, or is likely to cause, harassment, alarm or distress to any other person;
or by acting as no prudent person would act.
The positive dimension of mental health is stressed in WHO’s definition of health:
‘Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely
the absence of disease or infirmity. Mental health is a state of well-being in which the
individual realises his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work
productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.’
There is no universally agreed cut-off point between normal behaviour and that described as
mental illness.
What is considered abnormal behaviour or an abnormal reaction to circumstances differs
between cultures, social groups within the same culture, and even different social situations.
Use of the term mental illness may be misleading if it is taken to imply that all mental health
problems are solely caused by medical or biological factors. In fact, most mental health problems
result from a complex interaction of biological, social and personal factors. For example, some
people may be biologically vulnerable to experiencing depression, yet strong social support
during difficult times can reduce their risk of becoming severely depressed. Similarly, in people
genetically predisposed to schizophrenia, a particular psychotic episode may be triggered by
stressful life events and circumstances.
For many people the existing systems of categorising illnesses do not relate closely enough to
their experiences. Some people, including some professionals, prefer not to accept diagnoses that
may be misleading or stigmatising, for example ‘personality disorder’ or ‘schizophrenia’. They
find these terms unhelpful and prefer to talk about ‘psychotic experiences’.
The label mental illness is highly stigmatising. It encourages people to think of ‘the mentally
ill’ as an entirely separate category from ‘people like us’, rather than as ordinary people who
have, for whatever reason, severe emotional or psychological difficulties to cope with. Popular
misconceptions, fuelled by the media, depict mentally ill people as violent and dangerous. These
stereotypes are not representative of ordinary people’s experiences of mental health problems
affecting themselves, their family members, friends or work colleagues.
Some psychiatrists attribute mental illness to organic/neurochemical causes that can be treated
with psychiatric medication, psychotherapy, lifestyle adjustments and other supportive measures.
However, it is important to note that the existence of mental illness and the legitimacy of the
psychiatric profession are not universally accepted. For many years some professionals, notably
Doctor Thomas Szasz, Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry at Syracuse, have been profoundly
opposed to the practice of labelling ‘mental illness’ as such. Szazs’s first book Mythical Mental
Illness was published in 1960. The movement, known as anti-psychiatry, argues against a
biological origin for mental disorders, suggesting that all human experience has a biological
origin and so no pattern of behaviour can be classified as an illness per se. Unfortunately it is often
essential to have a diagnosis as a precondition for access to services, treatment and benefits.
Advocacy organisations have been trying to change the common perception of psychiatric
disorders as a sign of personal weakness and something to be ashamed of to one of an illness
with a physical cause, like arthritis or a stomach ulcer. However, even if one excludes the views
of ‘anti-psychiatry’, the subject remains controversial. For example, homosexuality was once
considered a mental illness and this perception varies with cultural bias and theory of conduct.
At the start of the 20th century there were only a dozen recognised mental illnesses. By 1952
there were 192, and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder, Fourth Edition
(DSM-IV) (see Section 1.5) today lists 374. Depending on an individual’s perspective, this could
be seen to be the result of:
● A century of research resulting in more effective diagnosis and better characterisation of
mental illness.
● Increased incidence of mental illness, due to some causative agent such as diet or the
ever-increasing stress of everyday life.
● Over-medicalisation of human thought processes, and an increasing tendency on the part of
mental health experts to label individual ‘quirks and foibles’ as illness.
● Healthcare systems where a disorder has to be characterised before treatment can be funded.
● The influence of the pharmaceutical industry in finding new indications for their products,
e.g. paroxetine in social phobia.
Exercise 2
For each of the following vignettes try to decide whether the behaviour represented:
● deviates from statistical norms
● deviates from social norms
● displays dysfunctional behaviour
● displays personal distress
● displays unpredictable behaviour
● displays irrational behaviour
● causes observer discomfort
● constitutes mental illness
John once walked from John O’Groats to Land’s End together with his dog, and in his bare
feet, wearing pyjamas. He later lived mostly in a cave for ten years, saying he enjoyed the
‘cathedral-like silence, which helps me to think’.
Simon, happily married to Ann, suddenly started to make random life-changing decisions about
meeting new partners and travelling abroad, and claimed to see religious visions that other
people do not.
Caroline describes depression as ‘like falling into a deep, dark hole that you cannot climb out
of. You scream, but it seems like no-one hears you’. She shies away from personal relationships,
including family and friends and has attempted suicide.
Note your thoughts below before reading on.
Turn to the end of the chapter for suggested answers

1.5 Classification systems for mental and

behavioural disorders
Two major classification systems dominate the field of psychiatry:
● DSM-IV
Mental Illness: Criteria and Treatment, DSM-IV Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental
Disorders.
● ICD-10
Tenth Revision of the International Classification of Diseases.
DSM-IV
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, published by the American Psychiatric
Association (APA), is the classification system used most often in diagnosing mental disorders in
the United States and other countries.
While widely accepted among psychologists and psychiatrists, the manual has, at times, proved
controversial in its listing of certain characteristics as mental disorders. The most notorious
example being the listing in the DSM-II of homosexuality as a mental disorder, a classification
that was removed in 1973. Controversy aside, DSM-IV remains an internationally accepted gold
standard in psychiatric diagnosis.
The first edition (DSM-I) was published in 1952, with about 60 different disorders. DSM-II was
published in 1968. Both of these editions were strongly influenced by the psychodynamic
approach – the interaction of various conscious and unconscious mental or emotional processes,
especially as they influence personality, behaviour, and attitudes. There was no sharp distinction
between normal and abnormal, and all disorders were considered reactions to environmental
events. Mental disorders existed on a continuum of behaviour. That way, everyone was
considered more or less abnormal. People with more severe abnormalities have more severe
difficulties with functioning.
DSM-III was published in 1980, when the psychodynamic view was abandoned in favour of the
medical model and a clear distinction between normal and abnormal was introduced. The DSM
effectively became ‘atheoretical’, since it had no preferred aetiology for mental disorders. In 1987
DSM-III-R appeared as a revision of DSM III and finally evolved into DSM-IV in 1994, currently in
its fourth edition. The most recent version is the ‘Text Revision’ of the DSM-IV, also known as the
DSM-IV-TR, published in 2000. This text revision (TR) includes very few changes in diagnostic
criteria, and mainly corrects what were perceived as errors in the original text.
There are thirteen different categories in DSM-IV. Some categories contain many illnesses and
others only a few.
Table 1
DSM Group Examples
Disorders usually first diagnosed in infancy, Mental retardation, autism, ADHD

childhood or adolescence
Delirium, dementia, and amnestic and other Alzheimer’s disease

cognitive disorders
Mental disorders due to a general medical AIDS-related psychosis

condition
Substance-related disorders Alcohol abuse
Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders Delusional disorder
Mood disorders Clinical depression
Anxiety disorders Generalised anxiety disorder
Somatoform disorders Somatisation disorder
Factitious disorders Munchausen syndrome
Dissociative disorders Dissociative identity disorder
Sexual and gender identity disorders Dyspareunia, gender identity disorder
Eating disorders Anorexia nervosa
Sleep disorders Insomnia
Impulse-control disorders not elsewhere Kleptomania

classified
Adjustment disorders Adjustment disorder
Personality disorders Narcissistic personality disorder
Other conditions that may be a focus Tardive dyskinesia, child abuse

of clinical attention
Note
DSM-V is scheduled for publication in 2010.
ICD-10
ICD-10 is the classification system used routinely in the UK. The Tenth Revision of the
International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, published by the
World Health Organisation, is the latest in a series that was formalised in 1893 as the Bertillon
Classification or International List of Causes of Death. While the title has been amended to make
clearer the content and purpose and to reflect the progressive extension of the scope of the
classification beyond diseases and injuries, the familiar abbreviation ‘ICD’ has been retained.
Chapter 5 of ICD-10 is exclusively devoted to mental and behavioural disorders. As well as
giving the names of diseases and disorders, Chapter 5 has been further developed to give clinical
descriptions and diagnostic guidelines as well as diagnostic criteria for research. The broad
categories of mental and behavioural disorders covered in ICD-10 are as follows:
Table 2
Category Examples
Organic, including symptomatic, Dementia in Alzheimer’s disease, delirium

mental disorders
Mental and behavioural disorders due to Harmful use of alcohol, opioid dependence
psychoactive substance use syndrome
Schizophrenia, schizotypal and delusional Paranoid schizophrenia, delusional disorders,

disorders acute and transient psychotic disorders
Mood (affective) disorders Bipolar affective disorder, depressive episode
Neurotic, stress-related and somatoform Generalised anxiety disorders,

disorders obsessive-compulsive disorders
Behavioural syndromes associated with Eating disorders, non-organic sleep disorders

physiological disturbances and physical factors
Disorders of adult personality and behaviour Paranoid personality disorder, transsexualism
Mental retardation Mild mental retardation
Disorders of psychological development Specific development disorders of scholastic

skills, childhood autism
Behavioural and emotional disorders with onset Hyperkinetic disorders, conduct disorders,
usually occurring in childhood and adolescence tic disorders
Unspecified mental disorder
Diagnoses that proceed from these classification systems are not merely symptom-based, but
rely on a combination of course and syndrome, and knowledge of differential diagnoses. These
systems have had an enormous impact on improving diagnostic accuracy and consistency. Accurate
diagnosis is important. It is the gateway to both appropriate treatment and services and benefits.
1.6 Mental health rating scales

DSM-IV and ICD-10 define diagnostic criteria. Rating scales measure changes in the severity of
mental illnesses. Rating scales are not diagnostic tools. Their main use is in research to evaluate
the effectiveness of treatments. Many are seldom used in clinical practice because they take too
long to work through. However, they can serve as checklists, allowing clinicians to be certain
that all items addressed by the scale have been covered in the clinical interaction. In structured
or semi-structured interviews, their use allows some certainty that items will be addressed in
a consistent way in successive interviews. Finally, when used over time, scales may provide
information about the longitudinal course of a patient’s illness.
There are an increasing number of scales being introduced to the clinician with resulting
confusion as to which rating scale(s) to use in which clinical situation. Ratings scales in psychiatry
feature several items with directions on how to score each item, together with anchor points
to enable differentiation between severity scores and basic information on what the score(s)
returned means in a clinical context.
The most commonly used scales are shown in Table 2.
Table 3 The most commonly used rating scales

Disorder Most commonly used rating scales
Depression Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D)1

Montgomery–Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS)2
Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS)3
Hospital Anxiety and Depression Rating Scale (HAD)4
Edinburgh Post-natal Depression Scale (EPDS)5
Mania Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS)6
Anxiety Hamilton Anxiety Rating (HAM-A) Scale7
Schizophrenia Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS)8

Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS)9
Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS)10
Dementia/Alzheimer’s Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE)11
Disease Alzheimer’s disease assessment scale – cognitive subscale

(ADAS-cog)
General rating Scales Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF)12

Clinical Global Impression (CGI)13
Side-effects (dyskinesias) Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS)

Barnes Akathisia Scale (BAS)14
Simpson-Angus Scale (SAS)15
References for Table 2

1
Hamilton M. A rating scale for depression. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 1960; 23: 56–62.
2
Montgomery SA, Åsberg M. A new depression scale designed to be sensitive to change. Br J
Psychiatry 1979; 134: 382–389.
3
Sheikh JI, Yesavage JA. Geriatric Depression Scale: recent evidence and development of a shorter
version. Clin Gerontol. 1986; 5: 165-172
4
Zigmond AS, Snaith RP: The hospital anxiety and depression scale. Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica
1983; 67: 361–370.
5
Cox JL, Holden JM and Sagovsky R. Detection of postnatal depression: development of the
10- item Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Br J Psychiatry 1987; 150: 782-876.
6
Young RC, Biggs JT, Ziegler VE, Meyer DA. A rating scale for mania: reliability, validity and
sensitivity. Br J Psychiatry 1978; 133: 429–435.
7
Hamilton M. The assessment of anxiety states by rating. Br J Med Psychol 1959; 32: 50–55.
8
Kay SR, Fiszbein A, Opler LA. The positive and negative syndrome scale (PANSS) for schizophrenia.
Schizophr Bull 1987; 13: 261–276.
9
Overall JE, Gorham DR. The Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale. Psychol Rep 1962; 10: 799–812.
10
Addington D, Addington J, Maticka-Tyndale E. Assessing depression in schizophrenia: the Calgary
Depression Scale. Br J Psychiatry 1993; 22: Suppl 39–44.
11
Folstein MF, Folstein SE, McHugh PR: ‘Mini-mental State’. A practical method for grading the
cognitive state of patients for the clinician. Journal of Psychiatric Research 1975; 12: 189–198.
12
Luborsky L. Clinicians’ Judgements of Mental Health. Archives of General Psychiatry 1962; 7:
407–417.
13
Guy W. ECDEU Assessment manual for psychopharmacology. Rockville, MD. US Department of
Health and Human Services publication (ADM) 1976; pp 218–22.
14
Barnes TRE A Rating Scale for Drud-induced Akathisia. Br J Psychiatry 1989; 154: 672–6
15
Simpson GM, Angus JWS: A rating scale for extrapyramidal side-effects. Acta Psychiatrica
Scandinavica 1970; 212: 11–19.
Unlike the rating scales detailed above, the Health of the Nation Outcome Scales (HoNOS) was
developed to measure outcomes of mental healthcare within the NHS.
In 1993 the UK Department of Health commissioned the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ Research
Unit (CRU) to develop scales to measure the health and social functioning of people with severe
mental illness. The initial aim was to provide a means of recording progress towards the Health
of the Nation target ‘to improve significantly the health and social functioning of mentally ill
people’. The twelve item scale is completed after routine clinical assessments in any setting
and has a variety of uses for clinicians, researchers and administrators, in particular healthcare
commissioners and providers.
The scales were developed using stringent testing for acceptability, usability, sensitivity,
reliability and validity, and have been accepted by the NHS Executive Committee for Regulating
Information Requirements for entry in the NHS Data Dictionary.
The scales also form part of the English Minimum Data Set for Mental Health. HoNOS is
probably the outcome measure most widely used by English mental health services. A survey
commissioned by the NHS Executive (October 1997– May 1998) found that about two-thirds of
trusts currently use it in one or more settings, or have active plans to do so. The use of HoNOS is
recommended by the English National Service Framework for Mental Health and by the working
group to the Department of Health on outcome indicators for severe mental illnesses.
Examples of rating scales and their applications can be viewed at
www.cnsforum.com/resources/ratingpsychiatry
In Scotland there is currently no national consensus on the assessment to follow an individual
service user’s progress. HoNOS, FACE/CORE or AVON are used in different parts of Scotland.
The Scottish Executive’s National Programme for Improving Mental Health and Well-being has
commissioned NHS Scotland to establish a core set of national, sustainable, mental health and
well-being indicators for Scotland. It is expected that an indicator set for adults will be identified
by 2007. The progress can be viewed at www.phis.org.uk/info/mental.asp?p+bg
1.7 Guidance on care in Mental Health

Delivering for Mental Health
The Scottish Executive Health Department (SEHD) stated in Delivering for Health that they would
‘develop a national Mental Health Delivery Plan by the end of December 2006 and in so doing,
accelerate improvements in mental health service’. The document Delivering for Mental Health
published in December 2006 by the SEHD, fulfils the first part of this commitment.
It applied the general principles of Delivering for Health to Mental Health – to deliver NHS services
as locally as possible, provide systematic support for people with long-tem conditions, reduce the
health inequality gap and actively manage admissions to, and discharges from, hospital.
Although much of the document
‘…relates to NHS services, it is also about what happens in non-health settings and can only
be delivered by partnerships between the NHS and local authorities, between the statutory
and voluntary sectors and between service providers and users and carers’.
The vision for the document relates to the following:
● Good mental health is important to everyone living in Scotland. It underpins the Executive’s
vision for a healthier, more successful Scotland.
● We must work to promote health and prevent illness and where illness occurs, to treat it or
minimise the damage that it causes.
● It is not just about severe and enduring mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder
and dementia, but also about a wider range of disorders and illnesses including depression
and anxiety.
● Population and social inclusion approaches are important in reducing the number of people
who develop mental illnesses and in addressing inequalities in mental health.
● The need to continue to address the stigma still attached to mental illness and ensure that
patients, their carers and all who work with them are treated with dignity and respect.
● Delivery on SEHD commitments in respect of equality, social inclusion, recovery and rights as
central to SEHD vision and success of the plan.
● Use and build on evidence in order to produce better outcomes in relation to what works in the
delivery and organisation of care, the treatment available to those suffering from mental illness
and the importance of other interventions and supports such as exercise, good diet, better
physical health and good relationships in promoting mental health and recovery.
Within the document, the SEHD makes 14 key recommendations and three targets for
improvement in care. These can be reviewed in detail in the document found at
www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/157157/0042281.pdf
Through these key commitments (along with other subsidiary commitments) and targets in
Delivering for Mental Health it is hoped that this will provide the direction to improve mental
health in Scotland. Both hospital and community pharmacists have a role to play in these
commitments and targets for the coming years, for example in relation to the target to reduce
the annual rate of increase of defined daily dose per capita of antidepressants to zero by 2009–10.
Integrated Care Pathways:

Assessment of Quality of Care and Treatment – NHS QIS
The Clinical Standards Board for Scotland (CSBS) was established in 1999 and in 2001
published the Clinical Standards for Schizophrenia to assess the quality of clinical services in
community and hospital settings throughout Scotland for people with schizophrenia. CSBS has
now come under the umbrella of the special health board NHS Quality Improvement Scotland
(NHS QIS) www.nhshealthquality.org/nhsqis/files/Schizophrenia%20jan%2001.pdf
NHS QIS was set up in 2003 to take the lead in improving the quality of healthcare and treatment
delivered by NHSScotland by:
● Providing guidance and advice on effective clinical practice
● Setting clinical and non-clinical standards of care
● Reviewing and monitoring performance of NHS services
● Supporting patient safety and implementation of clinical governance.
NHS QIS have been tasked with developing Integrated Care Pathways (ICPs) for schizophrenia,
bipolar disorder, depression, dementia and personality disorder. They are taking this work
forward in conjunction with clinicians, social care professionals, service users and others. www.
nhshealthquality.org
An ICP sets out the process of assessment, care and treatment for service users with similar
diagnoses or symptoms, as well as let service users know what they should expect from services.
NHS QIS Integrated Care Pathways will describe the functions of the services and set standards
which individual boards will need to meet to be accredited. The standards will address the
process of developing and implementing an ICP, handling information, treatment and outcomes,
based on research evidence and good practice in relation to the condition specific ICPs.
Each profession will be involved in identifying their role within the individual ICPs and agree
implementation plans. Pharmacists in all sectors of care should be aware of their role and that of
the other healthcare professionals they need to link with in order that these can be delivered at a
local level.
Guidelines
An important recent trend has been the advent of guidelines to provide evidence-based direction
to clinical decision-making. These guidelines are drawn up by a number of organisations -the
most influential of which are the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) providing
guidance for Scotland and the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE). The SIGN
guidelines which are relevant to Mental Health can be found at www.sign.ac.uk
NICE is part of the NHS. It is the organisation responsible for providing national guidance on the
clinical- and cost-effectiveness of treatments for those using the NHS in England and Wales. NICE
guidance is for healthcare professionals and patients and their carers to help them make decisions
about treatment and healthcare. The Institute supports the work of those who make the complex
treatment decisions – doctors, nurses, and other health professionals. The needs of the patient
are central to NICE’s work, and the Institute has forged strong links with patient groups and
representatives of service users. Their website is www.nice.org.uk
NICE Guidance is issued in Scotland with advice on the implications for Scotland given by NHS
Quality Improvement in Scotland (NHS QIS). The contextual differences between Scotland and
England and Wales which are considered include:
● Principles and values of NHSScotland
● Epidemiology (frequency, distribution and stage at presentation)
● Structure and provision of services in Scotland
● Other implications to NHSScotland e.g. rural issues, predicted uptake, existing advice from the
Scottish Medicines Consortium.
NICE produces guidance in three domains:
● Technology appraisals
The use of new and existing medicines and treatments within the NHS in England and Wales.
● Clinical guidelines
The appropriate treatment and care of patients with specific diseases and conditions within the
NHS in England and Wales.
● Interventional procedures
The safety and usefulness of an interventional procedure, for example a new type of surgery.
Topics for the NICE work programme are selected by the Department of Health and the National
Assembly for Wales. NICE advises the NHS on how these technologies can best be used. It is also
responsible for the production of national clinical guidelines, promoting best practice throughout
the NHS. To support and assess the implementation of such guidelines, audit tools are produced
for use in the clinical setting.
Health professionals are expected to consider NICE guidance when exercising their clinical
judgement for individual patients. This guidance does not, however, override the individual
responsibility of health professionals to make appropriate decisions in the circumstances of
the individual patient, in consultation with the patient and/or guardian or carer.
Practice point
● Consider any learning needs you have identified to do with the work of NICE and SIGN
● Make the appropriate notes in your RPSGB CPD portfolio.
Table 4 NICE and SIGN guidance in psychiatry
Title, Published technology appraisals (TA) Completed Review
Alzheimer’s Disease – Donepezil, Nov 2006 Sept 2009

galantamine, rivastigmine (review) (TA111)
Bipolar disorder – new drugs (TA66) Sep 2003 Aug 2006

(replaced by Clinical Guideline 38)
Depression and anxiety – computerised cognitive Feb 2006 Sept 2008

behaviour therapy (CCBT) (TA97)
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) (TA59) Apr 2003 Nov 2005
Insomnia – newer hypnotic drugs (TA77) Apr 2004 Apr 2007
Schizophrenia – atypical antipsychotics (TA43) Jun 2002 May 2005
Published NICE clinical guidelines
Anxiety (CG22) Dec 2004 Dec 2008
Depression (CG23) Dec 2004 Apr 2007

(amended)
Eating disorders (CG9) Jan 2004 Jan 2008
Schizophrenia (CG1) Dec 2002 Dec 2006
Self harm (CG16) Jul 2004 Jul 2008
Violence (CG25) Feb 2005 Feb 2009
Depression in children and young adults (CG28) Sep 2005 Sept 2009
Bipolar disorder (CG 38) Jul 2006
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) Nov 2005 Nov 2009
Antenatal and postnatal mental health Feb2007
Dementia Nov 2006 Nov 2010

Table 4 (continued) NICE and SIGN guidance in psychiatry
Published SIGN guidelines Completed
Management of patients with dementia Feb 2006
Bipolar affective disorder May 2005

(updated July 2005)
The management of harmful drinking and alcohol Sept 2003

dependence in Primary Care (updated Dec 2004)
Postnatal depression and puerperal psychosis June 2002
Attention Deficit and Hyperkinetic disorders in June 2001

young people (updated Aug 2005)
Psychosocial interventions in the management of Oct 1998

schizophrenia (updated Aug 2005)
Interventions in the management of behavioural Feb 1998

and psychological aspects of dementia (under review, recommendations
being updated)
Technology appraisals (in development) Anticipated
Dementia (non-Alzheimer) – (currently Jan 2008

new pharmaceutical treatments suspended)
Idiopathic and drug induced Parkinson’s disease (scheduled

in adults 2007– 08)
National Service Framework

There is also a National Service Framework for Mental Health with seven key standards, however
these standards are only really applicable for England. It was developed in 1999 and includes a
10-year programme to address the mental health needs of working age adults up to age 65.
The seven standards have been set involving the following areas:
● Mental Health promotion
● Primary care and access to services
● Effective services for people with severe mental illness
● Caring about carers
● Preventing suicide.
The executive summary can be downloaded from the Department of Health website.
Summary
The burden of mental illness is substantial in both personal and global terms. Despite this,
many mental disorders remain poorly understood and sufferers are often stigmatised and
marginalised. Historically treatment of the mentally ill has variously demonstrated ignorance and
enlightenment, cruelty and compassion, structure and chaos and changes in mental healthcare
provision were often driven by political and social agendas, with little regard for the needs of the
individual.
In order to provide high quality care for people suffering from mental disorders, it is essential to
understand the nature and characteristics of their disorders, the burden of their illness, the value
of treatments and the most appropriate methods of service delivery.
The history of mental healthcare outlines the evolutionary processes that have brought us to the
present day and teaches some valuable lessons while documents such as the National Service
Framework for Mental Health (in England and Wales) and Clinical Standards (in Scotland) offer
guidance for the future.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this chapter you should be able to:
1. Describe the relative contribution of various mental disorders to the global burden of disease.
2. Describe some of the practices which characterise mental healthcare.
3. Identify key events in the development of mental health law and social care.
4. Understand and use the definitions used in the field of mental health.
5. Recognise the different classification systems and rating scales used to diagnose, assess and
monitor mental health disorders.
6. Adapt practice to meet expectations of mental healthcare described in the Clinical Standards
and in published NICE and SIGN guidance.
Further reading
American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth
edition. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association; 1994.
Bowl R. Involving service users in mental health services: Social Services Departments and the
NHS and Community Care Act 1990. Journal of Mental Health 1996;5(3):287-303.
Leader A. Direct power. A resource pack for people who want to develop their own care plans and
support networks. London: Community support Network/Brixton Community Sanctuary/ Pavilion
Publishing/MIND, 1995.
Lewis D, Shadish W, Lurigio A. Policies of inclusion and the mentally ill: long term care in a new
environment. J Soc Issues 1989;45(3):173-86.
Mental Health Task Force User Group. Appendix 1. Guidelines for a Local Charter for Users of Mental
Health Services. London: HMSO, 1994.
World Health Organization. The ICD-10 classification of mental and behavioural disorders: clinical
descriptions and diagnostic guidelines (1992b). Geneva, World Health Organization.
World Health Organization. The ICD-10 classification of mental and behavioural disorders: diagnostic
criteria for research (1993a). Geneva, World Health Organization.
World Health Organization. International statistical classification of diseases and related health
problems, Tenth revision 1992 (ICD-10). Vol.1: Tabular list. Vol.2: Instruction manual. Vol.3:
Alphabetical index (1992a). Geneva, World Health Organization.
Suggested answers
Exercise 2 (page 26)

John is an ‘eccentric’. Eccentric behaviour deviates from established patterns, ie: from social and
statistical norms and by its very nature is unpredictable. Although eccentric behaviour may appear
irrational to the observer, and possibly even cause them distress, it is usually quite rational to the
eccentric who would probably not pursue it if it caused them personal distress. Eccentrics usually
function adequately, if a little differently, and are generally mentally well.
Simon suffers from schizophrenia. Loss of a reality that is common to the rest of society may lead
to deviation from social and statistical norms. Disrupted thinking and blunted emotions can lead
to unpredictable, irrational and dysfunctional behaviour – though it is often rational to the sufferer.
The extent of personal or observer distress is variable. Most aspects of schizophrenia compromise
mental health.
Caroline. Depression is common and it is the extent of the suffering that determines whether
an individual deviates from statistical or societal norms. In severe depression behaviour is often
dysfunctional and, depending on the view of the observer, it may be irrational and unpredictable,
particularly if they cannot identify a ‘cause’ for the depression. Observer distress is variable, but
personal distress is usually substantial and severely compromises mental health.
Hopefully you will appreciate that someone who is different, unpredictable, even seemingly
irrational and who makes others feel uncomfortable is not necessarily mentally ill.
Mental illness is about individuals, their inability to function adequately in a normal environment
and their level of personal distress.
Chapter 2 Neurochemistry and neuroanatomy
Objectives
● discuss the mechanisms of synaptic transmission
● relate clinical actions of psychoactive drugs to cellular mechanisms
● describe the extent to which mechanisms of drug action inform our understanding of the
causes of mental illness
Chapter 2
Neurochemistry and neuroanatomy
2.1 Introduction
Psychopharmacology is complex and sometimes contentious. A basic understanding of the
structure and function of neurons and synapses is essential if one is to understand the mechanism
of action of psychotropic drugs.
This chapter assumes a basic knowledge of the processes of communication in the nervous
system and offers some revision points. Detailed neurochemistry, specific to individual agents,
is discussed in the context of each chapter.
The CD ROM enclosed in the front pocket of this pack contains the CPPE course, ‘Neurochemistry
and Neuroanatomy’ which offers excellent revision of synaptic transmission.
Further reading
The recommended textbook on this subject is Rang, Dale, Ritter and Moore. Pharmacology,
sixth edition. Churchill Livingstone, 2007. ISBN 0443 069115
The Lundbeck Institute provides an excellent online neurochemistry and neuroanatomy resource,
free from any company or product promotional material, at www.brainexplorer.org
2.2 Revision points
The action potential

● The action potential is self-propagating and does not diminish as it travels along the neuron.
● The mechanisms responsible for the action potential are essentially the same in all nerves.
This means that drug effects exerted by interference with action potentials are likely to be
non-specific, e.g. anaesthetics; local action is only achieved by local administration.
Synaptic transmission
● Neurotransmitters are stored in vesicles at the nerve terminals.
● Arrival of a sequence of action potentials causes influx of calcium ions (Ca2+) into the nerve
terminal.
● Vesicles bound to the presynaptic membrane release their contents by a process called
exocytosis.
● Released transmitter diffuses across the synaptic cleft and binds to post-synaptic receptors.
● Neurotransmitters are inactivated either by enzymatic breakdown outside the cell

(acetylcholine and all peptide transmitters) or by active transport back into the presynaptic
neuron (serotonin [5HT], dopamine, glutamate, gamma-aminobutyric acid [GABA] and
noradrenaline.
For an excellent online animation of this sequence of events see
www.brainexplorer.org/anim/anim1.html
2.3 Neurotransmitters
Most psychoactive drugs affect synaptic mechanisms involving one or more of the small molecule
transmitters in the CNS. The important small molecule transmitters are:
● 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT, serotonin)
● Acetylcholine (ACh)
● Dopamine (DA)
● Noradrenaline (NA, norepinephrine)
● Glutamic acid (glutamate)
● Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).
In addition to these small molecule neurotransmitters, a range of larger peptide molecules also
function as neurotransmitters. More than 80 peptide transmitters have so far been identified.
Prominent among them are:
● Opioid peptides (enkephalins, endorphins, dynorphins)
● Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP)
● Somatostatin
● Cholecystokinin (CCK)
● Substance P and other tachykinins
● Vasopressin
● Neuropeptide Y.
Comparison of small molecules and peptides in neurotransmission

The similarities between the small molecules and peptide neurotransmission outweigh
the differences. Many neurons simultaneously release more than one neurotransmitter
(co-transmission). In the most common form of co-transmission a small molecule transmitter and
a peptide transmitter are released together. Peptide transmission is generally slower than that
mediated by small molecules. Peptides tend to act as neuromodulators, altering the background
activity against which the more rapid effects of the small molecule transmitters are seen.
The clinical potential of peptide transmitters

The clinical potential of peptide transmitters and co-transmission has not yet been realised;
currently available psychoactive drugs affect only small molecule neurotransmission.
An example of the possible involvement of peptides in mental illness and its treatment is
cholecystokinin (CCK) and anxiety. There is good evidence that in many areas of the brain CCK
is co-released with 5-HT and it is known that synthetic analogues of CCK induce panic attacks,
particularly in susceptible individuals. CCK antagonists are anxiolytic in animal models, but are
not yet available clinically.
In a similar way, interest has been shown in neurotensin, a peptide co-released with dopamine, as
a possible target in psychosis.
2.4 Receptors
Receptors are the key to specificity in the nervous system. Different cells respond differently to the
same neurotransmitter because there are different populations of receptors on their cell surfaces.
This specificity provides a valuable target for developing pharmacological selectivity. Much of the
effort involved in the search for new psychotropic drugs is directed at producing selective agonists
and antagonists for specific types of receptor.
Because of the recent advances in molecular biology, the structure of many receptors is now
known. Often the receptors have been cloned and can be replicated in vitro. Unfortunately there
are many instances where receptor types and subtypes have been identified by the molecular
biologists without any corresponding physiological differentiation. The true significance of these
findings will only emerge if, and when, functional differences are demonstrated.
Another factor that defines the specificity of a population of receptors is the sequence of events
triggered by the binding of the neurotransmitter to the receptors. There are two kinds of
mechanism involved:
● receptors linked to ion channels in the cell membrane (ionotropic)
● receptors linked to G-proteins in the cell membrane (metabotropic).
Receptors linked to ion channels

The receptors may be linked to ion channels that penetrate the postsynaptic cell membrane.
Activation of the receptor opens the ion channels allowing specific ions into or out of the cell.
This is a very rapid process and provides the fastest form of neurotransmission. Receptors
linked to sodium or calcium ion channels are excitatory; opening these channels allows the
positively charged ions to rush into the postsynaptic cell down the concentration gradient, thus
depolarising the cell. An example of an excitatory receptor type linked to a positively charged ion
(or ‘positive ionophore’) is the nicotonic acetylcholine receptor.
Conversely, movement of the negatively charged chloride ion into the neuron will hyperpolarise
the cell. The GABA receptor is an example of a receptor linked to Cl-channels.
Receptors linked to G-proteins

Receptors may activate a biochemical cascade that sends a signal through the cell membrane into
the internal environment of the neuron. The essential links between the receptor and the inside
of the cell are membrane-bound G-proteins, so called because of their interactions with guanine
nucleotides. G-proteins, in turn, interact with specific protein targets or ‘second messengers’.
The two most common second messengers are:
Adenylate cyclase An enzyme producing cAMP from ATP. cAMP can, in turn, activate a
multitude of intracellular pathways. Dopamine D1 and D5 receptors are linked to G-proteins that
activate adenylate cyclase whereas D2, D3 and D4 receptors inhibit adenylate cyclase.
Phospholipase C An enzyme that acts on phosphatidylinositol (PI) within the cell membrane,
generating diacylgycerol (DAG) within the membrane and inositol 1,4,5,triphosphate (IP3)
within the cell. IP3 in turn controls release of intracellular calcium. Lithium blocks IP3 turnover
and there is evidence that this may contribute to its clinical effectiveness in mania. 5-HT2 receptor
subtypes activate IP3 turnover.
Autoreceptors
Most receptors are located on the dendrites or cell bodies of postsynaptic cells, but receptors are
also found on the cell membranes of presynaptic nerve terminals. Often, these receptors respond
to the neurotransmitter released from the same presynaptic nerve terminal. Since they serve a
self-regulatory function they are called autoreceptors. Usually this feedback is inhibitory in nature,
serving to turn off further synthesis and release of the neurotransmitter when the concentration in
the synaptic cleft reaches a critical level. However, some presynaptic autoreceptors are excitatory;
for example acetylcholine nicotinic receptors on cholinergic neurons.
Autoreceptors are important in regulating synaptic transmission and are therefore a potential
target for drug action. See, for example the discussion about enhancing cholinergic transmission
in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.
Summary
The study of the effect of psychotropic drugs on neurotransmission informs our understanding
of the pathophysiology underpinning some mental disorders. It also enables us to appreciate the
complexities of neuromodulation and better understand the limitations of current therapies.
Learning Outcomes
1. Discuss and describe the mechanisms of synaptic transmission.
2. Relate clinical actions of psychoactive drugs to cellular mechanisms.
3. Appreciate the extent to which mechanisms of drug action inform your understanding of the
causes of mental illness.
Chapter 3 Schizophrenia
Objectives
● describe the key symptoms of schizophrenia
● discuss the proposed mechanisms of action of antipsychotic medication
● differentiate between typical and atypical antipsychotics
● state the side-effects of antipsychotic medication and options for their management
● discuss the NHS Quality Improvement Scotland Clinical Standards for Schizophrenia
Chapter 3
Schizophrenia
3.1 Introduction
Psychosis is a broad term used for forms of mental illness where psychotic symptoms such as
hallucinations and delusions occur.
The umbrella term, psychotic disorders, is not particularly useful as it includes conditions that
have little in common, e.g. schizophrenia and acute mania. The term psychotic episode is more
appropriate as it relates to a group of symptoms rather than a specific illness. Almost anyone
can have a brief psychotic episode. It may result from a lack of sleep (through severe jet lag,
perhaps), illnesses and high fevers (including malaria, pneumonia, ‘flu and other viral infections)
or substance misuse (alcohol, street drugs and prescription medication, including steroids).
This section focuses specifically on schizophrenia, but the use of antipsychotics obviously extends
to the treatment of non-schizophrenic psychotic episodes.
3.2 History of schizophrenia

Clinical descriptions first became apparent at the beginning of the 19th century. However, the
modern conceptualisation of schizophrenia dates from the end of the nineteenth century with
the description of ‘dementia praecox’, i.e. precocious or early onset dementia, by Emil Kraepelin.
Kraepelin attempted to classify diseases according to aetiology, symptoms, course and outcome.
He was the first person to distinguish between the psychotic disorders, dementia praecox and
manic-depressive disorder, based on differing symptoms and course. Characteristic symptoms
of dementia praecox included delusions, hallucinations, disordered thinking and behaviour, and
affective flattening. A chronic course and a poor outcome were thought to be important features
of the illness.
Eugen Bleuler realised that dementia praecox was neither a dementia, nor did it necessarily
occur at a young age. While Bleuler acknowledged Kraepelin’s contribution to the identification
of individual symptoms and grouping them together to form the disease entity, he emphasised
the fragmentation of mental functioning, particularly loosening of associations, as the essential
characteristic of the illness. He observed that the person with schizophrenia lost the capacity for
their thought processes to follow concepts that were properly linked together; hence he coined
the name, schizophrenia, from the Greek ‘schizo’ – split and ‘phrene’ – mind. Bleuler described a
chronic, remitting and exacerbating illness that, although it may improve, would never fully resolve.
In the 1950s, Kurt Schneider emphasised the importance of distinct phenomenological features
that were later to provide the framework for diagnostic classification systems such as the ICD
and DSM. Schneider was concerned with improving the method of diagnosis in psychiatry.
He particularly championed diagnoses based on the form, rather than the content of a sign or
symptom, e.g. a delusion should not be diagnosed by the content of the belief, but by the way
in which a belief is held. Schneider was also concerned with differentiating schizophrenia from
other forms of psychotic illness, by listing the psychotic symptoms particularly characteristic of
schizophrenia. These became known as ‘Schneiderian First Rank Symptoms’ or simply, ‘first rank
symptoms’. They are:
● auditory hallucinations of a specific type
● audible thoughts (thought echo)
● voices heard arguing
● voices heard commenting on one’s actions
● experience of influences playing on the body (passivity phenomena)
● thought alienation
● delusional perception.
Other symptoms such as other disorders of perception, mood changes, and emotional
impoverishment were described as ‘second-rank’ symptoms. The reliability of ‘first rank
symptoms’ for the diagnosis of schizophrenia has been questioned, but the term is still used
descriptively.
3.3 Epidemiology1–3
● Point prevalence is 0.5%.
● The lifetime risk of developing schizophrenia is 1%.
● There is roughly an equal incidence in both sexes (but onset is earlier in males – see Figure 1).
● It often manifests in the second and third decade, but can occur at any age.
Increased rates are found in deprived socially isolated areas of large cities. This may be due to
social drift, i.e. the sufferer drifts to these areas as a result of their illness.
Figure 1 Ages of onset of schizophrenia

Incidence of schizophrenia
20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55
Age years
Male Female Paranoid schizophrenia Male and female

Male onset median age 25 years Female onset median age 28 years
Source: www.abpi.org.uk
3.4 Symptoms of schizophrenia1–3

Although symptoms can be broadly divided into positive and negative psychotic symptoms,
it is important to consider cognitive and affective symptoms too, as these are common in
schizophrenia and can be particularly disabling.
It is relatively easy to discuss the burden of side-effects of anti-psychotic drugs, but it is often
much more difficult to convey the benefits of treatment. To fully appreciate the therapeutic
value of anti-psychotic drugs it is essential to appreciate the intense distress that schizophrenia
causes; distress of such magnitude that 50% of sufferers attempt suicide and one in ten
sufferers’ lives end in completed suicide.
Positive symptoms – the presence of abnormal behaviour

Hallucinations
Most commonly auditory, which may take the form of a running commentary on the
individual’s actions, a dialogue about the person or hearing their own thoughts spoken out
loud, but may occasionally be visual, tactile, olfactory (smell) or gustatory (taste).
Delusions
False beliefs which persist in spite of incontrovertible evidence to the contrary and which are out
of keeping with the individual’s cultural and religious background. Delusions may be primary, i.e.
‘out of the blue’, or secondary, i.e. arising from some other psychotic event such as hallucinations
or thought disorder. Delusions of reference occur when sufferers connect external events to
themselves in a way that is not real. Although some sufferers have grandiose delusions of divine
powers, many more experience persecutory delusions that leave them terrified.
Thought disorder
Examples include feelings that thoughts are being inserted, withdrawn or broadcast (collectively
called thought alienation) or the train of thought is broken. Thought alienation is often validated
by a secondary delusion and was described by Schneider as passivity phenomena. A common
example is the insertion or withdrawal of thoughts being attributed to aliens.
Disorganised speech
Jumbled words may be spoken with normal intonation (word salad) and new words
invented (neologism) resulting in incoherent speech. Thought dissociation is often evident in
disorganised speech when conversation meanders pointlessly or constantly changes direction.
Catatonic behaviour
Psychomotor activity is either grossly exaggerated or retarded. Sufferers may appear
unresponsive to normal stimuli or highly excitable.
Negative symptoms – the absence of normal behaviour

Avolition
An inability to initiate and persist in goal-directed activities. When severe enough to be considered
pathological, avolition is pervasive and prevents the person from completing many different
types of activities, e.g. work, intellectual pursuits, self-care.
Blunted affect
A flattening of mood or feelings that makes it difficult to interact with others. Facial expression is
often minimal or absent. Inappropriate affect, i.e. laughing at something sad, is also a common
symptom, particularly in hebephrenic schizophrenia.
Anhedonia
A failure or inability to feel pleasure. Depression is a common feature of schizophrenia either as a
co-morbid condition or a residual symptom.
Alogia
An impoverishment in thinking that is inferred from speech and language behaviour. There may be
little spontaneous speech (poverty of speech) or an adequate amount of speech that conveys little
information because it is too abstract, too concrete, repetitive, or stereotyped (poverty of content).
Negative symptoms are often present at onset but only become prominent when the florid,
positive symptoms of acute illness are relieved by treatment. With the benefit of hindsight,
negative symptoms can often be identified as features of a prodromal illness before onset of the
first acute episode. Many sufferers have residual negative symptoms between acute psychotic
episodes and they are associated with a high level of functional disability.
Cognitive symptoms
Although intellect is generally preserved in schizophrenia, cognitive deficits often occur,
particularly in the areas of executive function (higher level cognitive functions such as attention,
decision-making, planning, sequencing and problem-solving), working and long-term memory.
Affective symptoms
Blunted or inappropriate affect is a commonly-occurring negative symptom in schizophrenia,
but sufferers can experience clinical depression and mania. If symptoms sufficient to meet
the diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia occur concurrently with an uninterrupted period of
depression, mania or mixed state then a diagnosis of schizo-affective disorder is appropriate.
Loss of insight
Insight is the ability to recognise, understand and accept that one is suffering from a particular
condition. Loss of insight is a feature of any psychotic episode where delusional symptoms are
present, be it psychotic depression, acute mania or schizophrenia. Clearly this can be a significant
barrier to successful treatment.
All patients diagnosed with schizophrenia fulfil the basic diagnostic criteria, but the condition
is further subdivided on the basis of the most prominent symptom(s). For example, paranoid
schizophrenia is characterised by delusions of perception, i.e. persecution or grandeur, but there
is often little evidence of disorganised thinking. On the other hand, hebephrenic schizophrenia
is characterised by grossly disorganised thinking, silly behaviour and inappropriate affect, e.g.
laughing at bad news.
3.5 Course of schizophrenia1–3

Schizophrenia does not follow the same course in everyone. In schizophrenia, there are many
courses. The commonest patterns are illustrated in Figure 2.
In the five longest studies reported in the literature, no researcher found fewer than eight
individual courses.
Figure 2 Patterns of schizophrenia

Percentage
Onset Course Outcome with this pattern
A acute episodic mild or recovered 25%
B acute continuous moderate or severe 8%
C gradual episodic mild or recovered 10%
D gradual continuous mild or recovered 10%
E gradual continuous moderate or severe 24%
F Other patterns 23%
Source: www.abpi.org.uk
Onset in women is generally later than in men and they tend to have fewer hospitalisations,
respond better to antipsychotics and have a more favourable prognosis.
In either sex, onset may be acute or gradual and the course of symptoms episodic or continuous.
The degree of functional impairment can range from mild to severe and recovery can vary from
complete, partial or minimal.
3.6 Aetiology of schizophrenia1–3
Psychological factors
Schizophrenia is a complex disorder, and probably results from a combination of genetic,
behavioural, developmental and other factors. The exact cause is not known but stress, trauma
and viral infection at an early age are factors thought to be involved. The onset of illness is often
associated with a stressful period in life and it may be that stress can trigger the onset of illness in
those people with a genetic predisposition to the disease.
Genetic factors
A genetic predisposition to schizophrenia exists and the prevalence rates depend on the genetic
relationship to the sufferer.
● one schizophrenic parent – 12%
● two schizophrenic parents – 46%
● sibling – 8%.
In twin studies the concordance rates are:
● dizygotic twins 9%
● monozygotic twins 42% .
Monoamine hypothesis4 –9
The areas of the brain implicated in schizophrenia are the forebrain, hindbrain and limbic system.
It is thought that schizophrenia may be caused by a disruption in some of the functional circuits
in the brain, rather than a single abnormality in a discrete part of the brain. Although the brain
areas involved in this circuit have not been defined, the frontal lobe, temporal lobe, limbic system,
(specifically the cingulate gyrus, the amygdala and the hippocampus) and the thalamus are thought
to be involved. The cerebellum, which forms part of the hindbrain, also appears to be affected.
The dopamine hypothesis of schizophrenia postulates that schizophrenia is caused by an
overactive dopaminergic system; excessive dopamine and reduced striatal activity can disrupt
all aspects of motor, cognitive and emotional functioning and can result in acute psychosis. An
excessive dopamine concentration in the brains of people with schizophrenia was originally
thought to be associated with increased activity of the D2 dopamine receptors in the prefrontal
cortex. Recent studies indicate that reduced numbers of the D1 dopamine receptors may
contribute to the rise in dopamine concentration.
Other neurotransmitters, including serotonin (5HT), glutamate, GABA and acetylcholine may
also be involved in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia, not as causal agents, but as modulators of
dopaminergic activity.
Dopaminergic pathways
There are four major dopaminergic pathways in the brain, see Figure 3.
Figure 3 Dopaminergic pathways in the CNS
Nucleus Corpus
accumbens striatum
Substantia
nigra A
B
C
D Hypothalmus
A Nigrostriatal
B Mesolimbic
C Mesocortial
Tegmentum D Tuberofundibular
Neurons in the nigrostriatal pathway connect the substantia nigra to the caudate nucleus and
putamen of the basal ganglia (also known as the corpus striatum). The nigrostriatal pathway is an
integral part of the motor pathways responsible for initiation and control of voluntary movement.
These pathways have been traditionally divided on anatomical grounds into pyramidal and
extrapyramidal tracts. The nigrostriatal tract is part of the extrapyramidal system. Although the
division is no longer sustainable on functional grounds, the term extrapyramidal is still used to
describe the motor side-effects of psychotropic drugs.
Loss of the dopaminergic neurons of the nigrostriatal pathway gives rise to the symptoms of
Parkinson’s disease. Blockade of the dopamine receptors in the striatum effectively mimics the
degenerative changes of Parkinson’s disease. The extrapyramidal side-effects associated with
typical antipsychotic drugs are therefore totally predictable.
The cell bodies of the mesolimbic and mesocortical dopaminergic pathways lie in the midbrain
close to, but distinct from the cell bodies of the nigrostriatal pathway. Their axons run to some
of the basal ganglia (the amygdala and nucleus accumbens) that form part of the limbic system
and to the cerebral cortex (the outer layer of the cerebral hemispheres) respectively. The limbic
system generates emotional responses while the cerebral cortex is responsible for higher thought
processes. It is generally believed that the clinical efficacy of antipsychotic drugs is related to
blockade of dopamine receptors of the mesolimbic pathways.
The dopaminergic neurons of the tuberofundibular pathway lie entirely within the hypothalamus.
Dopamine released from these cells acts on the anterior pituitary gland as prolactin inhibitory
factor (PIF). Blocking dopamine receptors here leads to enhanced prolactin secretion, causing a
number of distressing symptoms in men and women.
In addition to these four major pathways, dopamine receptors are also found in the
chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ). The CTZ lies on the floor of the IVth ventricle in the area
postrema, a part of the pons. The blood–brain barrier in this region is particularly weak. The
emetic properties of dopamine receptor agonists, such as apomorphine and levodopa and the
anti-emetic properties of metoclopramide and antipsychotics are caused by action at D2 receptors
in the CTZ.
Dopamine (DA) receptors

There are five distinct dopamine receptors grouped into two ‘families’, the ‘D1-like’ receptors
(D1 and D5) and the ‘D2-like’ receptors (D2 , D3 and D4 ) – see Figures 4 and 5. The functional
significance of these different receptors is not fully understood.
Figure 4 Dopaminergic transmission
DOPA dihydroxyphenylalanine
D2 D1
DA dopamine
D2
pre-synaptic post-synaptic
DA DA D3 HVA homovanillic acid
neuron neuron
E1 D4 E1 dopa decarboxylase
DOPA E2 D5
E2 monoamine oxidase
HVA
Figure 5 Dopamine receptor characteristics

D1 Like D2 Like
Receptor coupling Positive coupling to cAMP Negative coupling cAMP

Receptor activation increasing
Positive coupling to IP3
cAMP formation
Main synaptic function Post-synaptic inhibition Pre- and post-synaptic inhibition
D1 D5 D2 D3 D4
Mesolimbic
+++ +++ + ++
stereotypy and psychosis
Mesocortical arousal ++ ++
Nigrostriatal motor ++ + +++ + +
Tuberofundibular
+++
pituitary
Clinically effective psychotropic drugs act predominantly by blocking inhibitory D2 receptors.

D2 receptors also function as presynaptic inhibitory autoreceptors.
There is good evidence that blocking postsynaptic D2 receptors in the mesolimbic system is
responsible for the reduction in positive symptoms of schizophrenia by typical and atypical
antipsychotic drugs. Whilst it is predictable that blocking D2 receptors in the nigrostriatal
pathway will give rise to extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), not all patients experience them.
More controversial is the role of the mesocortical dopamine pathway. It is likely that D2 receptor
blockade in the cortex aggravates or even precipitates negative symptoms of emotional blunting
and cognitive deficits.
The atypical antipsychotics are so called because they generally produce fewer of the side-effects
typical of the older antipsychotics. They may be more effective at reducing negative symptoms,
but evidence is mixed and it is possible that they merely aggravate negative symptoms less than
older antipsychotics.
Early work with clozapine indicated that the drug preferentially blocked the D4 receptor. This
was encouraging because there is evidence that the density of D4 receptors is relatively high
in the mesolimbic pathway, and because of reports of higher density of D4 receptors in brain
tissue obtained post mortem from patients with schizophrenia, compared with normal controls.
Unfortunately it has also been demonstrated that some potent D4 receptor antagonists lack
antipsychotic activity.
More recent work has concentrated on the relationship between serotonin and dopamine in
the different areas of the brain innervated by dopaminergic neurons. This interest has stemmed
largely from the observation that a common feature of the newer atypical antipsychotic agents
is a mixed pharmacology involving antagonism of D2 and 5-HT2 receptors. The relationship
between serotonin and dopamine is complex, but in general serotonergic neurons inhibit
dopamine release.
To make sense of the clinical findings it is necessary to assume that the ratio of D2 and 5-HT2A
receptors varies in the regions of the brain that give rise to the beneficial and unwanted effects
of the drug.
The hypothesis assumes there are relatively few 5-HT2A receptors in areas controlled by the
mesolimbic pathway. Blockade of what few receptors there are will have little effect on local
dopamine concentrations and will not diminish the beneficial effect of D2 receptor blockade. The
hypothesis also assumes there is a higher density of 5-HT2A receptors in the nigrostriatal pathway
and blockade of these receptors will enhance dopamine release, thus overcoming the detrimental
effect of postsynaptic D2 receptor blockade on motor function. Similarly, a high density of 5-HT2A
receptors in the cerebral cortex means that atypical antipsychotics will enhance dopamine release
and nullify the detrimental effects of postsynaptic D2 receptor blockade on executive function.
The latest refinement to the dopamine hypothesis (the ‘fast-of’ hypothesis) suggests that it is how
antipsychotics bind to D2 receptors that predicts an atypical profile. The hypothesis proposes that
65% binding to the D2 receptor is necessary for efficacy, but if a drug binds tightly to over 80% of
D2 receptors extrapyramidal side-effects will occur. It is also suggests that binding to D2 receptors
in excess of 72% predicts hyperprolactinaemia. Older antipsychotics bind tightly to a higher
proportion of D2 receptors, whilst atypical antipsychotics bind loosely and to a lower proportion
of D2 receptors.
Loose binding allows atypical antipsychotics to dissociate quickly from the receptor allowing
stimulation by endogenous dopamine itself, and a more rapid response to natural surges in
dopamine concentration.
There are anomalies to this hypothesis: both risperidone and olanzapine are tightly bound to
D2 receptors. While clozapine and quetiapine have fast on-off properties and are associated
with placebo levels of EPS and prolactin, other atypicals cause EPS in a dose-dependent way.
Olanzapine causes moderate rises in prolactin and risperidone and amisulpiride raise prolactin to
the same extent as older antipsychotics.
Aripiprazole introduces yet another dimension. It is a partial dopamine agonist with a high affinity
for D2 receptors and an antagonist at 5-HT2A receptors. As an agonist, aripiprazole is less potent
than endogenous dopamine. If all D2 receptors are occupied by aripiprazole the net effect is a
30% reduction in activity compared to dopamine. In areas of the brain where there is excess
dopamine, aripiprazole will attenuate activity and conversely in areas where there is too little
dopamine activity aripiprazole will augment it.
Glutamate and schizophrenia

Glutamate (Glu) is the principal excitatory neurotransmitter in the CNS. It also plays an important
metabolic role and concentrations are high throughout the central nervous system. Glutamate
is synthesised from glucose or glutamine, predominantly in glial cells. Many receptors have been
identified for glutamate, both ionotropic (linked to Na+ and Ca2+ ion channels) and metabotropic
(linked to G proteins).
Most attention has focused on the N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors as possible sites for
clinically useful drug action. As well as a glutamate binding site, the NMDA receptor complex
includes facilitator sites for glycine, polyamines and zinc ions (Zn2+), and further binding
sites within the ion channel for magnesium ions (Mg2+) and compounds like ketamine and
phencyclidine.
The observation that drugs that block the NMDA receptor, such as phencyclidine and ketamine,
induce hallucinations and other positive symptoms of schizophrenia, sparked interest in the
possible involvement of glutamate in the aetiology of schizophrenia.
We know that not all the sensory information that constantly bombards the nervous system
actually reaches the higher levels of the brain. The thalamus performs an essential function in
filtering out unwanted, inappropriate information. One hypothesis links many of the positive
symptoms of schizophrenia to an abnormality in this filtering or gating process.
Normal sensory filtering by the thalamus is inhibited by dopamine and promoted by glutamate.
According to the hypothesis, enhanced dopamine activity and/or reduced glutamate activity
leads to impaired filtering resulting in psychotic symptoms. The clinical evidence is contradictory
and far from complete, but it has been reported that glutamate concentrations are lower in post
mortem brain tissue from schizophrenics compared to controls.
According to this hypothesis, direct stimulation of NMDA receptors should be associated with
an antipsychotic effect. In practice this is difficult to achieve because overstimulation of NMDA
receptors can cause cell death (excitotoxicity). Some reports suggest that a more successful
approach is to enhance activity at NMDA receptors by targeting their facilitator sites such as the
glycine binding sites.
3.7 Treatment of schizophrenia10–17

The management of schizophrenia involves a comprehensive package of care with the aim
of addressing all of the person’s clinical, emotional and social needs. The Clinical Standards for
Schizophrenia (2001) published by NHS Quality Improvement Scotland are intended to promote
best practice in information gathering, diagnosis, assessment and care planning, transferring care,
information and support for carers, prescription of antipsychotic drugs (Standards 8 and 9), social
and psychological approaches to care, and misuse of alcohol and illict drugs. Partnership working is
a central theme with mutual understanding and respect between people who use services and their
carers, and those people who provide services. Guidelines and algorithms will be in place locally
for prescribing antipsychotic drugs for people who have a diagnosis of schizophrenia. For further
information contact your local specialist mental health pharmacy team.
The Clinical Standards for Schizophrenia are available online:
www.nhshealthquality.org/nhsqis/files/Schizophrenia%20jan%2001.pdf
Pharmacological management centres on antipsychotic drugs, although drug therapy currently
accounts for less than 5% of total healthcare costs for schizophrenia.
Psychological interventions are also employed in the management of schizophrenia. Cognitive
behavioural therapy (CBT) can aid the development of coping strategies for managing resistant
psychotic symptoms and together with family interventions should be available as a treatment
option. See: SIGN Guideline 30, Psychological Interventions in the Management of Schizophrenia
(1998) www.sign.ac.uk/guidelines/published/index.html
Antipsychotic drugs have been available to treat symptoms of schizophrenia since the
introduction of chlorpromazine in 1952. All are equally effective in the treatment of positive
symptoms, with the exception of clozapine, which is effective in treatment-resistant
schizophrenia. The more recently introduced ‘atypical’ antipsychotics (amisulpride, aripiprazole,
clozapine, olanzapine, quetiapine, risperidone, sertindole and zotepine) generally have a more
favourable side-effect profile with respect to EPS and raised prolactin levels but there is still
considerable variability (see Sections 3.6 and Section 3.8 for further information).
Exercise 3
Read the NICE summary guidance on the use of atypical antipsychotics.
www.nice.org.uk/pdf/43_Antipsychotics_summary.pdf
● When should an atypical antipsychotic be offered?
● How is treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS) defined?
Antipsychotic drugs may take several weeks to control acute psychotic symptoms, although
some drugs such as haloperidol and olanzapine injection are effective for rapid tranquillisation of
seriously disturbed patients. Six weeks’ treatment at a therapeutic dose is considered a reasonable
trial for efficacy against psychotic symptoms.
Antipsychotics are of value in the alleviation of positive symptoms during an acute psychotic
episode and in the prevention of relapse. Efficacy in the acute phase is objectively assessed using
appropriate rating scales (Section 1.6). Chronic illness generally predicts a poorer response to
antipsychotics but careful drug selection may relieve some negative symptoms.
About 50% of patients with schizophrenia do not comply fully with treatment. This is similar to
compliance levels for other chronic illnesses such as hypertension and diabetes. Concordance is
generally better if the treatment is perceived to be effective, lacking in distressing side-effects,
and tailored to the needs of the individual. The involvement of the patient in the choice of
medication, based on an understanding of potential benefits, risks and differences in side-effect
profiles of antipsychotics is of vital importance.
NICE guidance recommends depot antipsychotics as a treatment option if the patient prefers an
injection, or if it is a clinical priority to avoid covert non-compliance with therapy. However patients
can still default from treatment by failing to turn up or refusing administration. Until recently,
only typical antipsychotics were available as a depot formulation. These usually consist of esters
of the drug dissolved in thin vegetable oil, allowing release of the active constituent over a period
of several weeks. Initial release from all depot preparations is slow and it is therefore necessary to
cover the initial treatment period with additional antipsychotic medication. Risperidone is now
available as a long-acting injection, containing microspheres that degrade to release the drug after
about three weeks. Patients should have a trial of oral risperidone before the long-acting injection is
prescribed, and should be continued for at least three weeks after the first injection.
It is important that patients of all ethnic backgrounds and cultures are offered equal access to
treatment and information about medication and that their preferences for treatment are taken
into account. Consideration should be given to potential differences in drug metabolism due to
ethnic variations in cytochrome P450 enzymes.
Choice of antipsychotic is obviously governed by a number of factors including efficacy,
tolerability, patient acceptability, route of administration, co-morbid conditions, e.g. epilepsy
(antipsychotics lower convulsive threshold) and concurrent therapy. There are many clinically
important drug interactions associated with antipsychotics; some examples are listed below.
● Any drug that increases QT interval, e.g. anti-arrhythmics, erythromycin, tricyclic
antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or any drug that decreases potassium
levels (e.g. diuretics) increases the risk of ventricular arrhythmias with antipsychotics.
● Drugs that induce cytochrome P450 enzyme, e.g. carbamazepine accelerate the metabolism
of many antipsychotics.
● Drugs that inhibit cytochrome P450 1A2 can increase clozapine levels. Examples include some
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (particularly fluvoxamine which can increase clozapine
levels 4-10 fold), erythromycin and some antiviral agents.
● Drugs which carry a significant risk of neutropenia should not be used with clozapine, e.g.
carbamazepine, penicillamine, co-trimoxazole and cytotoxics.
● The use of benzodiazepines with clozapine requires care because of rare reports of postural
hypotension, respiratory depression and respiratory arrest with the combination.
3.8 Side-effects of antipsychotics18 – 41
Extrapyramidal side-effects
These are a common feature of the older antipsychotics and variably occur with the newer
atypical antipsychotics.
Exercise 4
Use the BNF to determine the relative likelihood of extrapyramidal side-effects for the
following antipsychotics:
chlorpromazine, haloperidol, pericyazine, flupentixol, trifluoperazine
most likely
moderately likely
least likely
Movement disorders are characterised in four domains:

● Parkinsonism
● Akathisia
● Dystonias
● Tardive dyskinesias.
Parkinsonism
Approximately 20% of patients treated with typical antipsychotics will develop the parkinsonian
side-effects of rigidity, tremor, akinesia (lack of movement) and bradykinesia (slowness
of movement). Onset is usually early in treatment (within days or weeks) and options for
management include reducing the dose of antipsychotic, prescribing an anticholinergic drug or
switching to an atypical antipsychotic.
Akathisia
Commonly occurs in patients treated with conventional antipsychotic medication (over a quarter
of patients). It manifests as an irresistible urge to perform a repetitive movement, e.g. pacing up
and down or crossing and uncrossing legs. It may be misinterpreted as psychotic agitation, leading
to an inappropriate increase in the dose of the offending drug. Akathisia has been linked to both
suicide and aggressive behaviour. It responds poorly to anticholinergic medication and treatment
options are generally limited to dose reduction or change to an atypical antipsychotic, although
small studies suggest propranolol, benzodiazepines and cyproheptadine may be helpful.
Dystonias
Acute dystonic reactions occur when a group of muscles go into spasm, e.g. torticollis (neck),
oculogyria (eyes). They are sudden in onset (90% occur within the first five days of treatment),
terrifying for the patient and may constitute a medical emergency if, for example, respiratory
muscles are affected. Up to 10% of patients treated with typical antipsychotics will develop a
dystonia of one form or another. Risk factors include young age, male, high dose or high potency
preparations and use of the intramuscular route. Immediate treatment is with an anticholinergic,
usually given intramuscularly, followed then by changing to an atypical antipsychotic.
Tardive dyskinesias
Tardive dyskinesias develop over months or even years following chronic exposure to
antipsychotics. They are characterised by the involuntary orofacial movements such as chewing,
lip smacking or pursing and tongue movements. Occasionally there is limb involvement, which
can result in rocking, pelvic thrusting, and ‘guitar-playing’ movements of the fingers. They are
not responsive to anticholinergics and may in fact be unmasked. Tardive dyskinesias may resolve
on stopping the drug. However this can take up to six months, but in some cases it is irreversible.
There is some evidence to suggest a lower risk of tardive dyskinesias with atypical antipsychotics.
However, clinical data on the use of clozapine and some other atypicals has indicated no proven
case of tardive dyskinesia and there is evidence to support the use of clozapine to diminish
involuntary movements in patients with severe tardive dyskinesia. Clozapine is only indicated
for the management of schizophrenia in patients who fail to respond to an adequate trial of two
antipsychotics or who are neuroleptic intolerant, so is not a first-line treatment for tardive dyskinesia.
Hormonal side-effects
Typical antipsychotics cause increased levels of the hormone prolactin. Hyperprolactinaemia
is also a dose-related and transient side-effect of the atypical antipsychotics amisulpiride,
olanzapine, risperidone and zotepine. Hyperprolactinaemia can cause gynaecomastia (breast
enlargement) and galactorrhoea (secreting breast milk), ovarian dysfunction, infertility, reduced
libido, atrophic changes in the urethra and vaginal mucosa, reduced vaginal lubrication and
dyspareunia (pain on intercourse). Acne and mild hirsutism can develop, due to the relative
increase of androgenic compared with oestrogenic activity.
Women with prolonged premenopausal oestrogen deficiency secondary to hyperprolactinaemia
may be at increased risk of osteoporosis. In addition, chronically elevated prolactin levels may
have a number of as yet unknown effects. Binding sites for prolactin are widely distributed in the
body and several hundred different actions have been described in animals, e.g. prolactin is a
known immunomodulator and has been linked to tumour growth.
Hyperprolactinaemic symptoms in patients treated with antipsychotic drugs are poorly
researched, reflecting the low priority given to this phenomenon. Many treatment trials simply
regard hyperprolactinaemia as a biochemical anomaly and do not comment on whether there

were associated symptoms.
The short duration of randomised controlled trials (several weeks) means that it is an impossibility
to identify amenorrhoea (absence of periods) or oligomenorrhoea (scanty periods), as these are
usually defined as occurring over a period of at least three months. Existing cross-sectional studies of
women on long-term medication can only identify an association between raised prolactin level and
symptoms. Proving a causal relationship requires a follow-up study to determine whether reversal of
hyperprolactinaemia is accompanied by symptom resolution. There are no formal studies, only case
reports of amenorrhoeic women with schizophrenia who resumed menstruation after antipsychotic
medication was discontinued or switched to a prolactin-sparing atypical.
Counselling point
Women of childbearing age may need contraceptive advice when switching from a typical to an
atypical antipsychotic.
In women treated with conventional antipsychotic agents spontaneous galactorrhoea of
varying severity has been reported to have a prevalence of 10 –57%. It is more likely to occur in
premenopausal women who have had children.
Sexual dysfunction is difficult to investigate in patients with schizophrenia, as there are so many
interrelated factors, not least the illness. However, the impact on self-esteem and personal
relationships is yet another factor to consider when addressing issues of concordance.
Cardiovascular side-effects
The QT interval on an ECG represents the time between the start of ventricular depolarisation and
the end of ventricular repolarization. It is useful as a measure of the duration of repolarisation.
Prolongation of the QT interval may lead to Torsade de Pointes, an unusual ventricular
arrhythmia associated with ventricular fibrillation and sudden death. High dose antipsychotics
and antipsychotic polypharmacy increase the risk of a prolonged QT interval and is therefore
not advised. Prolonged QT interval has also been linked to specific antipsychotics and was the
basis for withdrawal of droperidol, and the restrictions on thioridazine and sertindole; regular
monitoring is essential for both these drugs.
Postural hypotension can occur with antipsychotics due to alpha-receptors blockade. Clozapine,
risperidone, quetiapine and sertindole all require dose titration to minimise risks of postural
hypotension.
Tachycardia is a dose-related side-effect of clozapine managed by slower titration, dose reduction
or introduction of a beta-blocker. Myocarditis and cardiomyopathy have been reported with
clozapine and are the subject of a CSM warning. Symptoms that resemble those of a myocardial
infarction are of particular concern, as are unexplained symptoms of heart failure such as
breathlessness or ankle oedema. ECG changes can also occur. If clozapine-induced myocarditis
or cardiomyopathy is suspected, treatment must stop immediately and the patient jointly
re-evaluated by a cardiologist and a psychiatrist.
Haematological effects
Clozapine – neutropenia and agranulocytosis

Clozapine is associated with a greater risk of neutropenia (incidence of 2.9%) and
agranulocytosis (incidence of 0.8%). This side-effect is not dose-related, and although it
can occur at any time, the first 18 weeks are considered the period of highest risk. Mortality
rates due to agranulocytosis have fallen from 1% to 0.01% due to regular blood monitoring.
Other blood dyscrasias associated with the use of clozapine include eosinophilia, leucopenia,
leucocytosis, thrombocytopenia and thrombocytosis. Monitoring is essential and a condition
of treatment. A full blood count must be performed weekly for 18 weeks, fortnightly up to 52
weeks and 4-weekly thereafter.
Particular attention must be paid to flu-like symptoms, sore throat, temperature and
unexplained bruising as they may indicate a blood dyscrasia. A full blood count should be
checked immediately if patients present with such symptoms.
The risk of developing agranulocytosis with typical antipsychotics is estimated between
0.01% and 0.14%, with the highest risk associated with use of chlorpromazine. There
have been isolated reports of blood dyscrasias such as agranulocytosis, neutropenia and
thrombocytopenia with atypical antipsychotics such as risperidone, olanzapine and quetiapine.
Hyperlipidaemia, diabetes and weight gain

Hyperlipidaemia can occur with any antipsychotic. High potency conventional antipsychotics and
the atypical antipsychotics risperidone,amisulpride and aripiprazole are associated with a lower
risk of hyperlipidaemia. Low potency conventional antipsychotics and the atypical antipsychotics
clozapine, olanzapine and quetiapine are associated with a higher risk of hyperlipidaemia. Possible
mechanisms include weight gain and the development of glucose intolerance.
People suffering from schizophrenia are at increased risk of developing diabetes. A review of
untreated patients with schizophrenia showed that more than 15% of patients had impaired
glucose tolerance, compared to controls that did not have schizophrenia. It is unclear whether
this is directly linked to schizophrenia or lifestyle factors associated with the illness, e.g. poor diet.
Typical antipsychotics have long been associated with an increased risk of hyperglycaemia and
development of diabetes. Recent attention has focussed on the emergence of diabetes in patients
treated with atypical antipsychotics and relative risk of developing diabetes follows a similar
pattern to that observed for hyperlipidaemia, i.e. low relative risk of diabetes with risperidone and
a high relative risk with clozapine and olanzapine.
The mechanism by which atypical antipsychotics induce diabetes is not clear. Reports suggest
that it may be related to increased insulin levels, insulin resistance, effects on 5-HT1A receptors or
effects on insulin sensitive glucose transport.
Careful consideration should be given to the choice of atypical antipsychotic in patients who
already have diabetes. If patients develop diabetes whilst on treatment, consideration should be
given to changing the antipsychotic. If this is not practical, e.g. if the patient is taking clozapine
for treatment-resistant illness, the diabetes should be treated with hypoglycaemic agents.
Weight gain is associated with all antipsychotic medications, particularly the atypicals, although
this is not the case with aripiprazole. Weight monitoring is an integral part of antipsychotic
treatment monitoring. Mechanisms underlying weight gain are unclear, although many have
been suggested:
● Sedative effects reducing physical activity.
● Direct action at a receptor level in appetite control systems – dopamine, histamine and
serotonin receptors have all been implicated increase in leptin levels.
● Increased prolactin levels affecting gonadal-adrenal steroids and insulin sensitivity.
Again atypical antipsychotics follow a similar pattern for relative risk of weight gain to that for
hyperlipidaemia and diabetes. Clozapine and olanzapine present the greatest risk with weight
gains in excess of 10 kg over a year in some people. Risperidone, amisulpride and aripiprazole are
associated with a much lower level of risk.
There is limited evidence on the impact of diet, exercise and drug treatment in the management
of antipsychotic-induced weight gain. A moderate level of physical activity should be
recommended and dietary advice given, preferably before or early in treatment. Pharmacological
interventions should not be routinely used; sibutramine in particular should not be given to
patients taking any antipsychotic. Counselling on lifestyle, calorie-restriction in a controlled
setting and structured counselling, combined with cognitive behavioural therapy may be helpful.
Other side-effects
Constipation
Secondary to use of clozapine, there has been a Committee on Safety of Medicines warning
following cases of gastrointestinal obstruction, including three fatalities. Prompt recognition
and management of constipation is vital.
Hypersalivation
This can occur with clozapine and, if problematic, may be managed by drugs such as hyoscine
hydrobromide e.g. sucking or chewing Kwells® (off-label use).
Photosensitivity
This commonly occurs with chlorpromazine, so patients need to be advised about using high
protection sunscreens.
Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)

NMS is a rare but serious side-effect of all antipsychotics and can be fatal if not recognised early.
It is thought to occur in approximately 1% of patients treated with antipsychotics.
The syndrome occurs when dopamine blockade in the hypothalamus interferes with temperature
regulation, and is most likely to occur after an increase or change of medication. The primary symptom
is raised temperature together with severe muscle rigidity, possibly with labile blood pressure and/or
pulse, incontinence, confusion and sweating. Factors such as dehydration, current infection and lithium
treatment increase the risk of NMS. Management requires prompt recognition, immediate withdrawal
of antipsychotic medication and supportive treatment. Hospitalisation is usually necessary.
Exercise 5
Read the Broad Spectrum article Bland J, ‘Are atypical antipsychotics always better than
traditional typical ones?’ Pharmaceutical Journal 2005: 274;358 available online at:
www.pjonline.com/pdf/spectrum/pj_20050326_antipsychotics.pdf
Case study 1
Alan
Alan is 18 years old and he and his family have been coming into the pharmacy since he was
a toddler. His mother has recently taken him to see his GP as she has become increasingly
worried about him. He has become more isolated, though is still managing to attend his
college course. He is locking himself in his room feeling that he is not safe and has accused
his mum of poisoning his food. Consequently he has lost a significant amount of weight. She
hears him shouting things like ‘stop talking to me’ and ‘stop tormenting me’ when he is alone
in his bedroom. The GP has said that he may be suffering from a psychotic illness, possibly
schizophrenia, and has prescribed haloperidol 10 mg three times daily. Alan suffers from
asthma, smokes and drinks alcohol socially. He has never taken illicit substances.
1. How appropriate is the prescription for haloperidol?
His mother comes into your pharmacy and explains that he took the haloperidol for about
eight weeks but stopped it last week as he had a tremor and was finding it very hard to sit
still through an entire lecture. The GP referred him to the local hospital and he has an urgent
appointment with a psychiatrist the following day. She wants to know whether there is any
other medication that would be more suited to him.
2. What advice would you give about alternative options?
Many months later Alan comes to the pharmacy to get his inhalers. He asks to speak to the
pharmacist in private. In the course of the conversation he explains that after the haloperidol he
was given risperidone, which was increased to 6 mg daily. Six months later this was swapped to
quetiapine as the side-effects of risperidone were affecting his relationship with his girlfriend.
He has been taking quetiapine 750 mg daily for about four months now but things are still
difficult and he is finding it hard to come to terms with the fact that the doctors are saying
he has schizophrenia. He feels that neither risperidone nor quetiapine have been particularly
helpful. At his last appointment, the doctor mentioned the option of clozapine in passing and
has arranged for him to see the consultant about this. He wants more information about it as he
has heard it ‘kills blood cells’ and causes other nasty side-effects.
3. Comment on the mechanisms by which risperidone may cause sexual dysfunction.
Was quetiapine a reasonable alternative?
4. What information would you give Alan about clozapine?
Six months later, Alan’s mum presents a prescription for erythromycin for Alan. She says that
overall he is much better since starting the clozapine although he feels lousy at the moment as
he has a sore throat, temperature and chest infection.
5. What action would you take on hearing this information and seeing the prescription?
Summary
Schizophrenia is a complex disorder primarily characterised by well-defined patterns of psychotic
behaviours.
Current therapies are most effective in relieving positive symptoms of psychosis. However
negative, cognitive and affective symptoms contribute significantly to the burden of illness in
many sufferers and are often challenging to manage.
Atypical antipsychotics reduce the risk of antipsychotic-induced movement disorders but are
associated with an increased risk of developing other long-term health problems such as diabetes
and coronary heart disease.
Learning Outcomes
1. Describe the key symptoms of schizophrenia.
2. Discuss and evaluate the proposed mechanisms of action of antipsychotic medication.
3. Differentiate between typical and atypical antipsychotics.
4. Describe the side-effects of antipsychotic medication and appreciate options for their
management.
Further reading
Mueser KT, McGurk SR. Schizophrenia. The Lancet 2004;363:2063–2072
dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(04)16458-1 (Athens log-in required)
Clinical Evidence. Schizophrenia
www.clinicalevidence.com/ceweb/conditions/meh/1007/1007.jsp
Maj M. Schizophrenia. Second edition. An e-book available at
www.myilibrary.com/MyiLibrary/Browse/open.asp?ID=10150 (Athens log-in required)
Clinical Standards: Schizophrenia. January 2001, standards 8 and 9.
www.nhshealthquality.org/nhsqis/files/Schizophrenia%20jan%2001.pdf
National Institute for Clinical Excellence. Schizophrenia: Core interventions in the treatment
and management of schizophrenia in primary care. NICE Clinical Guideline No 1. 2002. London:
National Institute for Clinical Excellence. www.nice.org.uk/pdf/CG1NICEguideline.pdf
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Suggested answers

When should an atypical antipsychotic be offered?
● First choice treatment for newly diagnosed schizophrenia.
● As an option for individuals currently receiving typical antipsychotic drugs who, despite
adequate symptom control, are experiencing unacceptable side-effects, and for those in
relapse who have previously experienced unsatisfactory management or unacceptable
side-effects with typical antipsychotic drugs.
● It is not recommended that, in routine clinical practice, individuals change to one of the oral
atypical antipsychotic drugs if they are currently achieving good control of their condition
without unacceptable side-effects with typical antipsychotic drugs.
How is treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS) defined?
TRS is suggested by a lack of satisfactory clinical improvement despite the sequential use of
the recommended doses for six to eight weeks of at least two antipsychotics, at least one of
which should be an atypical.

Use the BNF to determine the relative likelihood of extrapyramidal side-effects for the
following antipsychotics:
Most likely haloperidol, flupentixol, trifluoperazine
Moderately likely chlorpromazine
Least likely pericyazine
Case study 1 – Alan (page 64-65)

1. Haloperidol is no longer advocated as a first-line antipsychotic. NHS QIS Clinical Standards
and NICE Guidance advocate the use of an atypical antipsychotic for people newly
diagnosed with schizophrenia. The dose of 30 mg is also much too high and puts him
at increased risk of extrapyramidal side-effects. The BNF states that whilst 30 mg can be
employed in treatment resistant schizophrenia, initial doses should be 1.5–3 mg two or three
times daily or 3–5 mg two or three times daily in severely affected patients. There is evidence
to suggest that there is no additional benefit in using doses above 12 mg for the treatment
of psychosis, and that in newly diagnosed patients doses as low as 4 mg daily may be as
effective as higher doses.
2. Alan has obviously experienced extrapyramidal side-effects secondary to the use of
haloperidol. An atypical antipsychotic would be the preferred option and you should inform
his mother of their advantages and side-effects, the medications available and some of the
differences between them. Appropriate printed information could be given to Alan’s mother.
3. Risperidone can cause hyperprolactinaemia, particularly at higher doses, and this is
one mechanism by which it may induce sexual dysfunction. Hypotension can also be a
contributory factor. Was he experiencing any other side-effects related to increased prolactin
levels e.g. gynaecomastia, that he has not mentioned? Quetiapine does not raise prolactin
levels at any dose and so is a suitable alternative.
4. It is obvious that Alan requires more information about clozapine. Explain that clozapine can
reduce the number of white blood cells in the body, therefore affecting its ability to fight
infection. Stress that this is why regular blood tests are taken to pick up signs of a problem
early. Explain that with blood test monitoring only about 3 per 100 patients develop this
side-effect, and if it happened it would be picked up at the earliest possible opportunity.
Reinforce that he has a part to play, in making sure that he reports any signs of infection,
temperature, and sore throat so that an additional blood test can be done.
Tell Alan about some of the other possible side-effects and how they are managed,
e.g. weight gain, sedation, hypersalivation, tachycardia, and constipation.
5. Alan is displaying some signs suggestive of neutropenia, although they could also be purely
secondary to a chest infection. It is important to check whether a blood test has been taken
and if not, advise that one is needed. The prescription for erythromycin should also be
queried as this may increase clozapine levels and induce adverse effects such as seizures.
Suitable alternatives would be a penicillin or clarithromycin (lower risk than erythromycin).
Chapter 4 Depression
Objectives
● describe the major symptoms associated with depression in adults
● discuss the NICE guideline on treatment of depression in adults
● discuss the SIGN guideline on the treatment of postnatal depression
and puerperal psychosis
● discuss the non-pharmacological management of depression in adults
● describe the mode of action and side-effects of the antidepressants.
This chapter does not cover the symptoms or management of depression in children
and adolescents under the age of 18 years.
Chapter 4
Depression
4.1 Introduction
Defining depression as simply being low or unhappy is inappropriate as it negates the emotional
depths that sufferers feel. Everybody has their own way of describing what their depression is like,
but this description gives some insight into how it feels:
‘When I am depressed it is like I am stuck at the bottom of a deep dark well. The sides of the well
are slippery, almost glass like. I am unable to claw my way back up the well as when I try I just
slide back down to the bottom again.’
4.2 Epidemiology
In the UK it is estimated that at any one time 21 out of 1000 individuals aged between 16 and 65
years are suffering with depression (17 males, 25 females). If a broader diagnosis of depression
with anxiety is used, these figures rise to 98 in 1000 (71 males, 124 females).
These figures highlight the gender differences in depression rates, with pre-menopausal women
having an increased likelihood of developing depression. However after the age of 55 the gender
difference is reversed, with widowed men showing a higher incidence.
Depressive disorders are ranked as the fourth leading cause of disability and disease burden
among all diseases worldwide. It is expected that the trend will continue to rise and that by 2020
depressive disorders are expected to become the second most important. One in four women
and one in ten men will have depression serious enough to require treatment at some point in
their lives. About two-thirds of adults will experience depressed mood severe enough to interfere
with their normal activities at some time.
Depression is the third most common reason for consultation in general practice and is more
common in people with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease and cardiovascular disease. Socio-economic factors such as unemployment,
divorce or separation, poor housing and poverty are strongly associated with depression.
4.3 Symptoms of depression

The clinical diagnosis of depression recognises the wide range of symptoms that can be present.
The core symptoms are:
● depressed mood
● anhedonia (lack of interest or pleasure in normal activities)
● lack of energy.
Other symptoms are:

● changes in weight and appetite
● sleep disturbance
● low self-esteem
● psychomotor agitation or retardation
● guilt or self-reproach
● poor concentration
● suicidal thoughts or plans.
Just as there is a wide range of depressive symptoms, there is also a broad range of disease
severity. It is now common practice to define depression as mild, moderate or severe. The
classification of severity depends upon the number of symptoms that an individual presents with.
● For mild depression to be diagnosed, four symptoms must be detectable, two of which are
core symptoms.
● For moderate depression to be diagnosed, six symptoms must be detectable, two of which are
core symptoms.
● For severe depression to be diagnosed, eight symptoms must be detectable, including all three
core symptoms.
In all cases the symptoms should have been present for at least two weeks, and there must be a
clear difference between current and pre-morbid functioning.
Despite these clear diagnostic guidelines, it can still be difficult to distinguish the mood changes
between depressive illness and those occurring ‘normally’. Persistence, severity and the degree
of social or functional impairment can aid diagnosis. Frequently, in depression, mood will remain
unaffected by daily circumstances, i.e. it will remain low throughout the day. In some people
there may be a diurnal variation in their mood; typically a gradual improvement during the day
with a return to low mood the next morning.
Dysthymia is a milder, but more persistent mood disorder term, involving long periods over
many years during which the individual experiences depressive symptoms but not of sufficient
intensity to satisfy a diagnosis of major depression. Low mood or loss of interest must be present
and delusions and hallucinations are absent. The individual could almost be regarded as having a
depressive ‘personality style’.
While this disorder may interfere with social or occupational functioning, the disturbance is
not severe enough to qualify for a diagnosis of major depressive disorder. Nevertheless, some
individuals with dysthymia can experience co-morbid major depressive episodes during the
course of the dysthymic disorder, although DSM-IV, (see Chapter 1) requires that there have been
no major depressive episodes during the initial two years of the disorder.
Case study 2a
Penny
Penny Gunn is a 26-year-old insurance claims assessor. Over the last few weeks her colleagues
have noticed a change in her appearance. She used to be immaculately turned out but now
looks distinctly unkempt. Her boss has noticed a deterioration in her work. When he approaches
her about this, she says that she just feels so tired and run down at the moment. No matter what
time she goes to bed in the evening, she never seems to get more than a couple of hours sleep.
During the discussion Penny becomes quite tearful and apologetic. She says she is really trying
hard but cannot get things together at the moment.
List the symptoms of depression that Penny is demonstrating.
4.4 Aetiology of depression

Untoward events can frequently be a trigger for depression in somebody’s life, e.g. bereavement,
separation, redundancy or physical ill-health. Precisely why different people will respond
differently to each situation is not clear. However, the likelihood of developing depression will, to
some extent, depend upon how psychological and biological factors interrelate. In turn it allows
them to move forward and stop seeking a simple reason for their depression.
Overall the causes of depression are probably multifactorial. This provides reassurance to
patients as it is impossible to blame a single factor.
Adverse circumstances that can increase the likelihood of developing depression include:
● Developmental experiences, such as abuse, separation from one or both parents or failure of
the parents’ relationship.
● Psychological stressors, such as relationship problems or problems at work.
● The lack of a confiding, supportive friendship.
● A number of major life events, particularly in the months before the depressive episode,
e.g. bereavement, loss, separation, illness, marriage or a new baby.
Getting through these events and stresses requires good coping mechanisms. Some people
offload their worries or concerns by confiding in a friend. Others have close relationships with
parents or partners. Watching a good role model cope well with life issues can reduce the impact
of life events.
Genetic factors1
It is increasingly accepted that there is a genetic link to an individual’s depressive illness.
Studies involving identical and non-identical twins find that the likelihood of a twin developing
depression when the other is affected is substantially greater for identical twins. These sorts
of studies help to rule out the effect of social environment on the development of depression.
Sometimes it may seem that depression runs in a family, but this could be due to the family
having a similar, poorly adapted, coping mechanism for stress.
How genetic loading contributes to an increased risk of developing depression is not clear, but it
may involve an increased sensitivity or greater production of cortisol. The body’s natural reaction
to stressful events is to produce cortisol (the major stress hormone). Depressed patients have
been found to have higher than normal cortisol levels. In turn cortisol can alter the expression of
many genes, which may lead to altered levels of circulating neurotransmitters.
The monoamine theory is based on an observation which fits with accepted ideas about the
possible effect of cortisol but does not account for the impact of psychological experience.
Monoamine hypothesis2
For many years, it has been assumed that because antidepressant drugs enhance the functional
levels of the neurotransmitters noradrenaline and serotonin in the brain, depression results from
a deficiency of one or other of these monoamines. Clinical evidence to back up this hypothesis is
still far from clear cut, although the weight of evidence now suggests that the primary deficit is at
serotonergic synapses.
Serotonergic pathways
Cell bodies of serotonergic neurons are found in clusters lying close to the midline (or raphe) in
the pons and lower midbrain. Unlike dopaminergic neurons (see Section 3.5) the axons from
these raphe nuclei are not discretely localised. Serotonergic terminals are widely distributed
throughout the brain and spinal cord.
Serotonin is involved in a variety of physiological functions, including control of food intake,
sexual activity, mood, pain control and blood pressure. Blocking reuptake of the neurotransmitter
back into the presynaptic nerve terminal is not a selective mechanism and the action of 5-HT
will be enhanced throughout the brain wherever serotonergic terminals are found. It is therefore
not surprising that enhancing serotonergic transmission, by blocking reuptake of 5-HT, results
in side-effects which include changes in appetite and body weight, nausea and vomiting, sleep
disturbance and sexual dysfunction.
Efforts to identify the region(s) of the brain where augmentation of serotonergic transmission
leads to an antidepressant effect have not yet been conclusive, but most theories have
concentrated on the hippocampus and the amygdala. Both of these structures are part of the
limbic system.
The amygdala is a dense complex of nuclei embedded in the white matter of the temporal lobe of
the cerebral hemispheres. Overactivity in pathways involving the amygdala probably generates
anxiety. There is a significant serotonergic input to the amygdala and blockade of 5-HT receptors
in the amygdala may be anxiolytic; for instance, the anxiolytic properties of buspirone are
probably related to the fact that it is a partial agonist at 5-HT1A receptors.
The hippocampus is part of the cortex of the temporal lobe of the cerebral hemispheres.
It rolls inwards, so that much of its surface abuts the lower parts of the lateral ventricle. The
hippocampus is involved in many complex functions, including memory. It is important for
motivation and for so-called ‘coping mechanisms’. It has been suggested that depression results
from a failure of these coping mechanisms. This failure may be related to a deficiency in the
serotonergic input to the hippocampus.
Noradrenergic pathways
The cell bodies of nerves that release noradrenaline as a neurotransmitter are found in clusters
in the pons and medulla. The most prominent of these is the locus coeruleus. Terminals of
noradrenergic neurons are found throughout the cortex, hippocampus and cerebellum. In
the CNS the mechanisms of transmission – synthesis, storage, release and inactivation of
noradrenaline is essentially the same as in the autonomic nerves of the peripheral nervous
system. Both a and b adrenoreceptors are found in the CNS. The effects of noradrenaline are
predominantly inhibitory via activation of b-adrenoreceptors.
Given the hypothesis that depression is related to serotonergic deficiency, it is important to account
for the efficacy of drugs that do not significantly affect the 5-HT reuptake transporter. These drugs
include reboxetine, which selectively blocks noradrenaline reuptake and mirtazapine which has no
effect on either noradrenaline or serotonin receptors nor does it inhibit re-uptake of either.
Current hypotheses suggest that these agents act indirectly to increase 5-HT release. Increasing
levels of noradrenaline (by re-uptake inhibition, e.g. reboxetine, high dose venlafaxine and
some TCAs) results in increased stimulation of α1 noradrenergic receptors on the cell bodies of
serotonergic neurons, enhancing serotonergic activity. Blocking inhibitory α2 noradrenergic
receptors on the terminals of noradrenergic and serotonergic neurons (mirtazapine) increases
the release of 5-HT which will act directly and noradrenaline which will act indirectly via the
mechanism already described.
Serotonin (5-HT) receptors

There are seven subtypes of serotonin receptor, 5-HT1-5-HT7 and several subsets, e.g. 5-HT1A–1D.
The distribution and function of some of these receptor subtypes explains the delay in onset of
the clinical effects of SSRIs and other antidepressant drugs.
It is assumed that depression is linked to a functional deficiency of 5-HT at serotonergic synapses
in the hippocampus. The rationale for using an SSRI is that blocking reuptake of 5-HT at the
terminal will increase 5-HT concentration in the synaptic cleft, resulting in increased stimulation
of post-synaptic 5-HT1A receptors and correct the functional deficiency.
If an SSRI also blocks reuptake in the cell body region, the resulting increase in extracellular 5-HT
will increase stimulation of the 5-HT1A cell body autoreceptors. As these receptors are inhibitory,
the firing rate of the serotonergic neuron will be decreased, resulting in less 5-HT released into the
synaptic cleft – effectively making things worse, not better!
However, the theory supposes that with time cell body autoreceptors become desensitised
(downregulated) and the normal firing rate of the serotonergic neuron is restored. Thus
5-HT release returns to normal, is potentiated by inhibition of post-synaptic reuptake and the
therapeutic effect is finally evident.
There is evidence from animal studies that blocking 5-HT1A autoreceptors accelerates the onset
of antidepressant action. However clinical evidence is more equivocal. Human studies have relied
mainly on pindolol, which is a non-selective 5-HT1A receptor antagonist. The definitive answer
may have to await the availability of more selective antagonists.
4.5 Treatment of depression3

Guidance on the management of depression has been issued by NICE. Psychological therapies
are receiving increasing prominence as options for the treatment of depression, but the use of
anti-depressant medication remains important.
NICE guidance – CG23 Depression: the management of depression in primary and secondary
care was amended and published in April 2007. However due to revised prescribing advice by the
Medicines Healthcare Regulatory Authority (MHRA) in May 2007 on Venlafaxine, the guideline
has been updated in relation to this drug. A full update will be discussed later in 2007.
www.guidance.nice.org.uk/CG23
The guideline on depression recognises that whilst medication has an important role to play
in treating depression, there are also many effective alternatives. It recommends that for mild
and moderate depression, psychological treatments specifically focused on depression (such
as cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), computerised CBT (CCBT) and counselling) can be as
effective as drug treatments and should be offered as treatment options.
The guideline also recommends that:
● Antidepressants should not be used for the initial treatment of mild depression, because the
risk-benefit ratio is poor.
● Where antidepressants are prescribed for moderate or severe depression it should be a selective
serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), because SSRIs are as effective as tricyclic antidepressants
and their use is less likely to be discontinued because of side-effects.
● All patients prescribed antidepressants should be informed that, although the drugs are not
associated with tolerance and craving, discontinuation/withdrawal symptoms may occur on
stopping or missing doses or, occasionally, on reducing the dose of the drug.
● There should be screening for all high risk groups – for example, those with a past history of
depression, significant physical illnesses causing disability, or other mental health problems
such as dementia.
● For severe depression, psychological treatment (CBT) should be used in combination with
antidepressant medication.
The full amended guideline can be downloaded at
www.guidance.nice.org.uk/CG23/guidance/pdf
Antidepressants are the major contributor to the costs associated with mental health problems in
the community with an annual cost of around £44 million per year in Scotland.
Non-pharmacological treatment of depression

Medication is not necessarily the best option for treating cases of mild depression. Studies of mild
depression frequently fail to demonstrate that antidepressants have a significant effect, largely
as a result of high placebo response rates. Patients tend to express a preference for non-drug
therapies; particularly favouring practical support and problem-solving approaches.
Research evidence supports the use of time-limited psychological interventions to address mild to
moderate mental health problems in primary care and mechanisms to link people to non-medical
sources of support. Unfortunately the availability of non-drug therapies is patchy in many areas,
as a result of their cost and the level of support required.
However, the Scottish Executive, through its Centre for Change and Innovation (CCI), has funded
a three year ‘Doing Well by People with Depression’ initiative which aims to improve wellbeing
for people with depression and improve access to evidence-based interventions. During 2003 – 06
local development projects have been looking at approaches to improve access to a range of
community based services and support including self-help and psychological interventions, the
assessment of depressive symptoms and associated problems, and the development of pathways
through services and supports. A national team will evaluate the work that has been done and its
impact on the management of mild to moderate depression in primary care.
Further information is available on the CCI website www.cci.scot.nhs.uk
NHS QIS will ultimately incorporate this work into an evidence-based practice guide on
depression for primary care, together with proposals on how the approach can be rolled out
across Scotland.
Two examples of non-drug approaches are guided self-help and computerised cognitive
behavioural therapy (CCBT).
Guided self-help
This constitutes more than simply giving patients literature to read, but represents a form of
cognitive or behavioural psychology where individuals are taught how to respond differently to
feelings or emotions that they might feel in a given circumstance. As healthcare professionals
are only needed to introduce the concept and to review the outcome, it could help make
psychological therapies more widely available. The major limitation of this approach is the ability
of an individual to progress through a self-help work book. Motivation is important to success.
Computerised cognitive behavioural therapy (CCBT)

As well as using guided self-help, attempts have been made to increase the availability of
psychological therapies by means of information technology. Studies have found that patients
accept computer-based treatments, with recovery rates being similar to those seen with
face-to-face therapies. Such approaches engage patients in a structured programme of care
which replicates the care offered by a therapist in standard CBT. Once more, CCBT requires little
direct staff input apart from initial introduction of the programme and evaluation of clinical
outcomes.
You can read the NICE evaluation of CCBT at http://guidance.nice.org.uk/TA97

To try out CCBT for yourself, visit the MoodGYM at moodgym.anu.edu.au
Electroconvulsive therapy 4
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has been used as a treatment for depression since the 1930s.
Many healthcare professionals consider it a safe and effective treatment for severe depression.
This is particularly true in cases that have failed to respond to other interventions. Many patient
groups consider ECT to be an out-dated and potentially harmful treatment.
ECT is now referred to as ‘modified’ ECT because of the use of anaesthesia and muscle relaxants
to reduce the risk to patients undergoing the procedure. During treatment, an electrical current is
passed briefly through the brain via electrodes. It is not the current itself that provides the benefit
but the seizure that accompanies it. Some of the cognitive side-effects, such as memory loss, can
be reduced by the use of unilateral ECT, where the electrodes are placed on one side of the head,
usually the non-dominant side. However, bilateral ECT is thought to be more effective.
A course of ECT will usually involve six to 12 sessions, given once or twice weekly in either the
inpatient or outpatient setting. Apart from memory loss, the other main side-effect of ECT is a
transient headache lasting for a few hours after the session. As long-term benefits or risks have not
been established, maintenance ECT is no longer recommended.
In May 2003, NICE issued guidance on the use of electroconvulsive therapy. In summary, the
guidance recommends that ECT is used only to achieve rapid and short-term improvement
of severe symptoms after other treatment options have failed and/or when the condition is
considered to be potentially life-threatening, in individuals with:
● severe depressive illness
● catatonia
● a prolonged or severe manic episode.
The decision to use ECT should be made jointly by the individual and the clinician(s) responsible
for treatment, on the basis of an informed discussion. Valid consent should be obtained in all
cases where the individual has the ability to grant or refuse consent. Consent should be obtained
without pressure or coercion, and the individual should be reminded of their right to withdraw
consent at any point.
You can read the NICE guidance on ECT at www.nice.org.uk/pdf/59ectfullguidance.pdf
Pharmacological treatments for depression5 –13

There is a wide range of antidepressant agents currently available in the UK. They are
classified according to their mechanism of action e.g. selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
(SSRIs), or their chemical structure, e.g. tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). Recently introduced
antidepressants are sometimes referred to as ‘third generation’ antidepressants. They have a
mechanism of action that is broader than the SSRIs and are better tolerated than most of the
TCAs. Examples include venlafaxine, duroxetine, mirtazapine and reboxetine. Some of the
third generation agents are marketed as if they have unique mechanisms of action. This is not
necessarily true; many TCAs have a mechanism of action similar to those of the third generation
agents, e.g. lofepramine is predominantly a noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor (like reboxetine),
imipramine has roughly equal affinity for noradrenaline and serotonin (similar to venlafaxine or
duloxetine), and clomipramine is predominantly a serotonin reuptake inhibitor (like the SSRIs).
Tricyclic antidepressants
These are amongst the oldest antidepressants currently available, so there is a wide range of
experience in their use. They are believed to work as monoamine reuptake inhibitors with
different agents having varied specificity for either noradrenaline or serotonin. Their use is now
limited by a range of associated problems.
Poor tolerability
Patients will frequently stop taking TCAs as they cannot tolerate the side-effects. These include:
sedation (can be beneficial at first but might impede long-term concordance); hypotension
(postural hypotension is particularly a problem in elderly patients or those prescribed concurrent
antihypertensives), anticholinergic side-effects (especially dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation
and confusion).
Toxicity in overdose
TCAs (with the exception of lofepramine) are considerably more toxic in overdose than SSRIs. The
reasons for this are two-fold: their anticholinergic effects result in significant tachycardia and they
possess quinidine-like effects which can result in cardiac conductance abnormalities and possibly
fatal arrhythmias. It should be remembered that TCAs may cause cardiotoxicity at normal
treatment doses as well.
Use of low doses
Studies have found that less than 15% of patients prescribed a TCA, excluding lofepramine, will
receive an effective dose (more than 125 mg/day). The same study found 99.9% of SSRIs to be
prescribed at an effective dose.
However this figure may be misleading as some evidence suggests that there is no difference, in
terms of clinical outcome, between low dose and high dose TCAs. Current recommendations
are that patients started on low doses of TCAs, who have a clear clinical response, should be
maintained on that dose with close monitoring. The problem remains that some patients may
be started on low doses of TCA, fail to be monitored properly, and remain on a dose that is
ineffective for them. This is not necessarily a problem of drug therapy but highlights a poor level
of monitoring.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

There are currently six SSRIs available in the UK. Fluoxetine was not the first, but is the most
widely prescribed. SSRIs work by blocking the post-synaptic reuptake of serotonin. Although this
mechanism of action is selective for serotonin they are not serotonin-specific; some SSRIs also
block, to a lesser extent, the reuptake of noradrenaline and dopamine.
There is little clinical difference between the SSRIs, especially in terms of efficacy. Product licences
include indications for the treatment of depression plus a range of anxiety disorders, which vary
between SSRIs. On the whole they are well tolerated with an efficacy that is comparable to other
antidepressant groups. SSRIs are particularly favoured for those patients with a clear suicidal
intent, due to their lower risk in overdose, however there has been evidence of the risk of suicide
ideation in those who take SSRIs, e.g. Seroxat.
Side-effects
On the whole, the SSRIs are well tolerated, but there are a number of well-characterised side-effects:
gastrointestinal effects (including nausea and vomiting, constipation, diarrhoea, dyspepsia),
headaches (due to central effects of serotonin), sexual dysfunction (although not exclusively
associated with SSRIs it may be more prevalent) and occasionally movement disorders.
The use of SSRIs has been associated with an increased risk of gastric bleeding. This is probably
due to the antiplatelet effect of serotonin. The bleeding risk appears to be greatest in the elderly,
and in those taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Although SSRIs are indicated for a range of anxiety disorders they can initially increase levels of
anxiety, but this is usually transient. This can be managed by starting at a low dose (10 mg fluoxetine
or citalopram, or 50 mg sertraline), or by using a short two-week course of a benzodiazepine.
Third generation antidepressants

This is a disparate group of antidepressants, which includes venlafaxine, mirtazapine, reboxetine
and duloxetine. In common with all other antidepressants, they work by increasing the
availability of monoamines, either noradrenaline or serotonin or both. This is achieved by
blocking pre-synaptic reuptake of the neurotransmitter or in the case of mirtazapine, by an
indirect mechanism.
Venlafaxine
Venlafaxine blocks the pre-synaptic reuptake of both serotonin and noradrenaline, although it
has a greater effect on serotonin reuptake, especially at lower doses. It has a lower incidence of
sedation and anticholinergic side-effects, compared with TCAs, but it does cause a considerable
amount of nausea. There is also the risk of dose-related hypertension which can become
significant when venlafaxine doses are titrated upwards for additional therapeutic response. This
can cause additional problems for patients as venlafaxine is less well tolerated at higher doses.
The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is now advising that only
specialist mental health practitioners, should initiate venlafaxine therapy in those severely
depressed or hospitalised who require doses of 300mg daily or above.Venlafaxine is not
recommended and should be used with caution in those patients with existing heart disease
or uncontrolled hypertension. Regular blood pressure monitoring throughout therapy is
recommended. Venlafaxine may be more dangerous in overdose than the other SSRIs.
Mirtazapine
Mirtazapine is described as being a noradrenergic and specific serotonergic antidepressant
(NASSA). It has a low incidence of central serotonin side-effects, such as nausea and headache
and sedation may occur at lower doses, which may be a reason to choose mirtazepine for some
patients. At higher doses, the arousing effect from increased noradrenergic activity counteracts
the sedative effect from central histamine inhibition. A problem with mirtazapine is its association
with weight gain; this tends to be more than with other antidepressants but less than with
atypical antipsychotics. Mirtazapine is structurally similar to the antidepressant mianserin, which
has caused some concern as mianserin is associated, albeit rarely, with neutropenia. If patients
taking mirtazapine develop an unexpected sore throat, their neutrophil count should be
measured to rule out neutropenia.
Reboxetine
Reboxetine is a specific noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor (NARI) and does not have side-effects
normally associated with interaction with other neurotransmitters. However, increasing
noradrenaline activity in the brain is associated with an increased level of arousal/alertness, which
is unopposed by any central sedative effect seen with other antidepressants. Therefore reboxetine
is associated with insomnia, which limits its acceptability to patients. In addition its short half-life
means that it is only licensed for twice daily dosing.
Exercise 6
The following side-effects can all be attributed to antidepressants.
For each, decide which (there may be more than one) of the antidepressants listed are most
commonly associated with the side-effect.
Antidepressants: amitriptyline, fluoxetine, lofepramine, venlafaxine, mirtazapine
Side-effect Antidepressant(s)
Drowsiness
Postural hypotension
Constipation
Nausea
Weight gain
Headache
Sweating
Muscle tremor
Delayed onset of action

Although side-effects of antidepressants are usually seen at once, therapeutic effect is not
apparent for several weeks. In some patients this may take up to four to six weeks, therefore a
six-week trial is needed, particularly in the elderly, before claiming that therapy has not been
successful. A patient is not always the best judge of improvement in mood. The gradual response
to antidepressant therapy makes it almost impossible to detect changes day-by-day. The best
course of action is to advise patients at the start of therapy that they may have to wait a few weeks
before experiencing any benefit.
Choosing an antidepressant
Mild depression
Lack of therapeutic evidence for antidepressants in mild depression leads to a poor risk to benefit
ratio. NICE guidance recommends consideration be given to non-pharmacological intervention
such as practical help and support, guided self-help, regular exercise or watchful waiting (where
the individual is reassessed after two weeks to see if there has been any change in mental state).
Antidepressant medication should only be considered for those individuals whose depression
persists, despite other interventions, or where the depression is associated with psychosocial and
medical problems.
If a patient with a history of moderate or severe depression presents with mild depression,
antidepressant drug therapy can be considered as a first-line option.
Moderate or severe depression

In moderate to severe depression, antidepressant drugs should be offered to patients as first-line
treatment options, before any psychological interventions. As antidepressants are generally of
equal efficacy, the choice of which to use depends more on patient factors, e.g. previous drug
treatment, side-effect preferences, risk of suicide, consequences of impaired functioning or the
presence of co-morbid medical conditions, pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Frequently an SSRI will be the first-choice antidepressant. If substantial anxiety is present, or if
this develops in the early stages of treatment, then an alternative antidepressant may be needed,
or a short (two week course) of a benzodiazepine might be necessary. Diazepam 5 mg may be a
suitable choice as the long half-life allows daily dosing.
Discussion of prescribing issues in pregnancy and lactation is available in SIGN Guideline 60
Postnatal Depression and Puerperal Psychosis (June 2002). It is recommended that up-to-date
advice for individual women who are (or planning to be) pregnant or breastfeeding should be
sought from a specialist medicines information pharmacist.
Relapse prevention
Depression is frequently a long-term illness with recurring episodes. Currently it is recommended
that patients take antidepressants for at least six months (twelve months for older people) after
the resolution of all depressive symptoms. However, it is thought that some patients may benefit
from longer treatment with antidepressants. One study found that patients treated for one year
after all symptoms resolved, approximately halved their risk of relapse.
To reflect this, it is now recommended that six months (twelve months for older people)
after symptoms have resolved, prescribers and patients should review the need for continued
treatment. Factors such as presence of residual symptoms, numbers of previous episodes or
continued psychosocial difficulties indicate potential benefit from continued antidepressant
therapy. Continued therapy may need to be reviewed again after two years. The antidepressant
dose should not be reduced during this continued therapy phase.
Discontinuation symptoms
Antidepressants are not addictive. They do not cause tolerance or a craving for bigger doses.
However, concerns have been raised about withdrawal reactions, especially if high doses are
stopped abruptly. Discontinuation symptoms have been reported for most antidepressants but
they are more likely if:
● the drug has a short half-life e.g. paroxetine, venlafaxine
● antidepressants are taken for longer than eight weeks
● anxiety symptoms were exacerbated at the start of therapy
● discontinuation symptoms have been experienced before, either on stopping treatment or
missing doses during treatment.
Often the symptoms experienced are vague and non-specific, but they can include ‘flu-like
symptoms, excessive sweating, myalgia, shock-like sensations, dizziness, irritability or crying
spells. Occasionally, movement disorders, mania and problems with concentration or memory
have been reported.
Discontinuation symptoms can be minimised by withdrawing the antidepressant gradually over
a four-week period, particularly the shorter acting agents. Alternate day dosing as a means of
tapering is inappropriate for drugs with a particularly short half-life, e.g. paroxetine. Fluoxetine
has a half life of several weeks and tapering is often unnecessary at doses of 20 mg daily.
Case study 2b
Penny
Penny Gunn is a 26-year-old insurance claims assessor. Over the last few weeks her colleagues
have noticed a change in her appearance. She used to be immaculately turned out but now
looks distinctly unkempt. Her boss has noticed a deterioration in her work. When he approaches
her about this, she says that she just feels so tired and run down at the moment. No matter what
time she goes to bed in the evening, she never seems to get more than a couple of hours sleep.
During the discussion Penny becomes quite tearful and apologetic. She says she is really trying
hard but cannot get things together at the moment.
1. Would you recommend an antidepressant be prescribed at this stage?
2. What additional information might be useful?

Penny tells you that she had a ‘breakdown’ about five years ago, for which her GP gave her
some tablets. She said she only took them for a few weeks because her mother had once been
prescribed some tablets, which she had ended up taking for the rest of her life. Penny describes
herself as normally a confident person.
3. Which antidepressant would be most suitable for Penny and why?
4. What information would you give Penny about her medication?
You should also look on the NES Pharmacy website www.nes.scot.nhs.uk/pharmacy for the
Core Pack Pharmaceutical Care of People with Depression as well as the additional supporting
material under resources on the NES website above.
4.6 Counselling points on depression

All patients suffering from depression would benefit from the following points being reinforced in
a positive manner:
● Depression is an illness, just like diabetes, asthma or heart disease.
● Taking medication for depression is not a sign of weakness, but is an important part of the
treatment of depression.
● All antidepressants take around four weeks to have an effect on depression.
● Side-effects are common, but feelings of anxiety, restlessness or suicidal ideas (on initiation,
after dose increase or a change of drug) require prompt medical attention.
● Antidepressant drug therapy should be continued for at least six months after all symptoms
have resolved.
● Some patients, particularly those with a history of recurrent episodes, may benefit from longer
continued therapy.
● Antidepressants are not addictive; they do not cause tolerance or cravings.
● Antidepressants can cause a withdrawal reaction if stopped abruptly, so any decision to cease
therapy needs to be made in conjunction with the prescriber.
Summary
Depression is more than just ‘feeling blue’. For many sufferers it is a debilitating condition
associated with significant functional impairment and profound personal distress.
Treatment options include a variety of psychological and problem-solving therapies as well as
drug therapy and in severe cases ECT.
Antidepressant drug therapy should be selected on the basis of severity of the illness and safety
and tolerability of the agent. SSRIs are the preferred antidepressants for the drug treatment of
moderate to severe depression.
Learning Outcomes
1. Identify the major symptoms associated with depression in adults
2. Apply or advise on the NICE guideline on treatment of depression in adults
3. Apply or advise on the SIGN guideline on the treatment of postnatal depression and
puerperal psychosis
4. Take account of the non-pharmacological management of depression in adults in the context
of your practice
5. Advise on the mode of action and side-effects of the antidepressants.
Further reading
Delgado PL. How antidepressants help depression: mechanisms of action and clinical response. J
Clin Psychiatry 2004:65(suppl 4):25-30
National Institute for Clinical Excellence. NICE Clinical Guideline No.23. Depression: management of
depression in primary and secondary care. 2004. London: National Institute for Clinical Excellence.
www.nice.org.uk/pdf/CG023NICEguideline.pdf
MeReC Briefing No 31. Management of depression in primary care. September 2005.
www.npc.co.uk/MeReC_Briefings/2005/Depression%20Briefing%20Final%20RGB.pdf
SIGN Guideline 60. Postnatal Depression and Puerperal Psychosis. June 2002.
www.sign.ac.uk/guidelines/fulltext/60/index.html
References
1
Tsaung MT. Genes, environment and mental health wellness. Am J Psychiatry 2000;157:489-491.
2
Lambert G, Johansson M, Ågren H, Friberg P. Reduced brain norepinephrine and dopamine
release in treatment-refractory depressive illness: evidence in support of the catecholamine
hypothesis of mood disorders. Arch Gen Psychiatry 2000;57:787-93.
3
National Institute for Clinical Excellence. NICE Clinical Guideline No.23. Depression: management
of depression in primary and secondary care. 2004. London: National Institute for Clinical
Excellence.
4
National Institute for Clinical Excellence. NICE Technology Appraisal Guidance. No.59. Guidance
on the use of electroconvulsive therapy. London: National Institute for Clinical Excellence.
5
Khan A, Leventhal R, Khan S et al. Severity of depression and response to antidepressants and
placebo. An analysis of the FDA database. J Clin Psychopharmacology 2002;22:40-45.
6
Gunnell D, Ashby D. Antidepressants and suicide: What is the balance of benefit and harm.
BMJ 2004;329:34-38.
7
Donoghue J, Tylee A. The treatment of depression: Prescribing patterns of antidepressants in
primary care in the UK. Br J Psychiatry 1996;168:164-168.
8
Dalton SO, Johansen C, Mellemkjaer L et al. Use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and
risk of upper gastrointestinal tract bleeding: a population based cohort study. Arch Intern Med
2003;163:59-64.
9
Furukawa T, Streiner D, Young L. Antidepressant plus benzodiazepine for major depression.
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2001; Issue 3.
10
SPC for Efexor from www.medicines.org.uk. Accessed August 2006.
11
Anderson I, Nutt D, Deakin J. Evidence-based guidelines for treating depressive disorders with
antidepressants: A revision of the 1993 British Association for Psychopharmacology guidelines. J
Psychopharmacology 2000;14:3-20.
12
Ballesteros J, Callado LF. Effectiveness of pindolol plus serotonin uptake inhibitors in depression:
a meta-analysis of early and late outcomes from randomised controlled trials. J Affect Disord
2004;79:137-47.
13
Geddes JR, Carney SM, Davies C et al. Relapse prevention with antidepressant drug treatment in
depressive disorders: A systematic review. Lancet 2003;361:653-661.
Suggested answers

Side-effect Antidepressant(s)
Drowsiness Amitriptyline, lofepramine, mirtazapine
Postural hypotension Amitriptyline, lofepramine (minimal)
Constipation Amitriptyline, venlafaxine
Nausea Venlafaxine, fluoxetine
Weight gain Mirtazapine
Headache Venlafaxine, fluoxetine
Sweating Amitriptyline, venlafaxine
Muscle tremor Fluoxetine
Case study 2a – Penny (page 75)

● Anhedonia (demonstrated by poor self-care and deteriorating work)
● Lack of energy
● Sleep disturbance
● Low self-esteem
● Guilt
● Poor concentration
This could possibly constitute a moderate depressive episode.
Case study 2b – Penny (page 85-86)

1. At this stage it is hard to distinguish between mild or moderate depression. There are possibly
enough symptoms present to indicate moderate depression, although it is difficult to
establish if all of the symptoms represent a big enough change from pre-morbid functioning.
2. Additional information that might aid diagnosis would include: past psychiatric history,
previous treatment with medication and information about pre-morbid personality.
3. An SSRI would probably be the most suitable first-line antidepressant in this case. Fluoxetine,
paroxetine or citalopram would be good choices as they are all available as generic medicines.
4. Penny would need the following information:
● reassurance about the effectiveness of antidepressants
● warning that they take about four weeks to have an effect
● emphasis of the importance of taking them regularly
● explanation of the need to keep taking them, even after she feels better.
Notes
Chapter 5 Bipolar affective disorder
Objectives
● describe the key symptoms of bipolar affective disorder
● discuss the treatment for the different phases of bipolar affective disorder
● describe the treatment of bipolar affective disorder in pregnancy
● list key side-effects and interactions for the different treatments
● explain the need for monitoring with long-term treatment
● discuss SIGN guideline 82. Bipolar Affective Disorder
Chapter 5
Bipolar affective disorder
5.1 Introduction1,2
Bipolar affective disorder (BAD) or ‘manic-depression’, is a disorder characterised by extremes of
emotion, ranging from euphoria to despair.
As leading causes of disability adjusted life years (DALY) in men and women aged 15-44 (see
Section 1.1: Background), schizophrenia is ranked eighth and BAD ninth, accounting for 2.6%
and 2.5% of the global burden of disease respectively.
If the burden of premature death and disabling disease associated with bipolar disorder is
virtually the same as it is for schizophrenia, why does BAD remain poorly understood and
under-diagnosed? Even the Royal College of Psychiatrists ‘Changing Minds’ campaign doesn’t
include bipolar disorder.
Kraeplin was the first person to differentiate between manic psychosis and schizophrenia;
however many sufferers are diagnosed with bipolar disorder without ever having a psychotic
episode.
Although the initial presentation of bipolar disorder may be one or more major depressive
episodes, a diagnosis of BAD can only be made when a patient has had a manic or hypomanic
episode – often referred to by patients as a ‘high’.
Mania is a ‘high’ severe enough to disrupt normal functioning; psychotic features such as
delusions and hallucinations may or may not be present. If the sufferer retains full functional
capability during a ‘high’ it is termed hypomania.
Sometimes patients present symptoms sufficient to satisfy the diagnostic criteria for mania
and a major depressive episode (either simultaneously or rapidly alternating between them),
a condition known as mixed state. Mixed symptomatology of varying degrees is common.
Isolated mania is rare and the term unipolar mania is no longer used. The term ‘single manic
episode’ applies to a first episode of mania with no previous history of major depression, but
it is usually only a matter of time before a patient experiences a depressive ‘low’. Recurrence is
necessary for a diagnosis of BAD. So, an abnormal behavioural episode may be designated a
bipolar disorder after consideration of the frequency and type of abnormal mood.
An important difference between the ICD-10 and DSM-IV classification of BAD is the DSM-IV
subdivision of the illness into bipolar I and bipolar II. Bipolar I is diagnosed if the patient has
ever experienced a manic or mixed episode and bipolar II is diagnosed if the patient has only
experienced hypomania.
Individual episodes are characterised by the mood state, i.e. manic, hypomanic, mixed or
depressed and additional descriptors such as ‘with psychosis’ or ‘without psychosis’ are used to
further clarify and reflect the severity of the episode.
5.2 Epidemiology
The lifetime risk for bipolar disorder is 1.3 –1.6%. Bipolar II is more common than bipolar I. The
prevalence of bipolar I disorder is the same in men and women, but bipolar II is more common
in women.
The lifetime risk of suicide in bipolar illness is 10–20% and approximately a third of sufferers
admit to at least one suicide attempt.
Onset peaks between the ages of 15 and 24, but diagnosis is often some five to ten years later.
5.3 Symptoms of bipolar affective disorder3

For symptoms of depression refer to Section 4.3.
The (non-psychotic) symptoms of mania and hypomania are essentially the same but vary in
severity and the extent to which they interfere with normal social or occupational functioning.
For diagnostic purposes symptoms must be present for at least a week (unless severe enough
to require hospitalisation). Abnormal mood is the core symptom and three other symptoms are
required for diagnosis (four if mood is only irritable).
Mood
Elevated, expansive or even euphoric but may be irritable. The hypomanic patient may typically
appear as the life and soul of the party. Manic patients may seem abnormally happy or overly
optimistic but may also become irritable with people around them who don’t share their
optimism or frustrated that others can’t keep up with their racing thoughts, ideas or energy level.
Inflated self-esteem
This may vary from feeling exceptionally good about oneself, right through to grandiose
delusions of superhuman powers.
Decreased need for sleep

Experiences range from getting by on a few hours sleep a night to going without sleep for days
on end. Lack of sleep may intensify the severity of an episode and for some sufferers disruption of
the sleep/wake cycle (e.g. jet-lag) can precipitate an episode.
More talkative than usual or pressured speech

There is often an uncontrollable need to keep talking which can range from frequently
interrupting conversations, through not letting anyone else get a word in edgewise, to talking
incessantly even though no-one else is around or listening. Pressured speech is characteristically
copious, rapid, often difficult to understand and frequently loud and emphatic.
Flight of ideas or subjective feeling that thoughts are racing

Ideas flow rapidly and often go off at a tangent. During hypomania this may lead to increased
creativity and capacity for lateral thinking, but as the severity of mania intensifies thoughts and ideas
come thicker and faster and are usually much more disjointed. The outward manifestation of this is
often through pressured speech as the sufferer tries to communicate their thoughts and ideas.
Distractibility
This is defined as an increase in goal-directed activity or psychomotor agitation. In milder states it
may manifest as multi-tasking with several projects on the go or increased energy levels. In more
severe states the sufferer appears almost inexhaustible, constantly on the go mentally and/or
physically.
Excessive involvement in pleasurable activity that has a high potential

for painful consequences
Libido is commonly increased during hypomania and mania and can lead to sexual overactivity,
promiscuity and inappropriate sexual advances. Unrestrained spending is another common feature
of hypomania and mania and in severe episodes is often accompanied by delusions of great wealth.
During hypomanic/manic episodes the sufferer may dress flamboyantly or inappropriately for
the occasion, with brightly coloured hair and too much make-up! The amount of care taken with
appearance and self-care tends to decline as the severity of the episode intensifies.
Hypomania is often difficult to recognise as the sufferer may appear confident, upbeat,
eloquent, energetic, bubbling with ideas and able to restrain themselves appropriately in social
or workplace situations. As hypomania intensifies into mania, self-control is lost and symptoms
become much more full on. Disinhibition and reckless behaviour can destroy relationships,
finances and employment prospects, leaving many lives in pieces long after the mania has
subsided. For many, the mood turns ‘black’ and they experience increasing anger, frustration
and hostility, often accompanied by delusions of persecution. In mixed state the mood may be
low but the flow of ideas, speech and energy levels consistent with mania – a particularly lethal
combination.
5.4 Course of bipolar affective disorder

For most sufferers bipolar disorder is a recurrent condition. Recurrence is indicated by either a
shift in the polarity of the episode or an interval between episodes of at least two months without
symptoms.
A shift in polarity is defined as a clinical course in which a major depressive episode evolves into a
manic episode or a mixed episode and vice versa. More than 90% of individuals who have a single
manic episode will have further episodes.
Roughly 60 –70% of manic episodes occur immediately before or after a major depressive
episode. Manic episodes often precede or follow the depressive episodes in a characteristic
pattern for a particular person.
The natural course of the illness is highly variable; 10 –15% of patients will have more than ten episodes
during their lifetime. The interval between episodes tends to get shorter as the person gets older.
Although the majority of individuals with bipolar disorder return to a fully functional level
between episodes, 20 –30% continue to display mood lability and interpersonal or occupational
difficulties.
10 –15% of sufferers experience four or more episodes a year; a condition known as rapid cycling.
Rapid cycling is associated with a poorer prognosis.
5.5 Aetiology of bipolar affective disorder 4
As with schizophrenia, BAD is a complex disorder that is almost certainly dependent on a number
of factors including an inherited predisposition, environmental stressors and learned behaviours.
Major life events may precede the onset of BAD, but stress appears to have a relatively limited role
in precipitating episodes. However individuals can sometimes identify triggers for recurrence and
learning to recognise these is an important aspect of long-term management.
Genetic factors
There is a great deal of evidence that genes play a major role in susceptibility to BAD. BAD has
been found to run in families and relatives of an affected individual have an increased risk of
developing the disorder; lifetime risk is five to 10 times higher if a first-degree relative has BAD.
This is not proof that genes transmit the disorder; it could be taken as evidence that family
members are more likely to share similar life experiences that lead to the onset of BAD. However,
twin studies show that risk is 60 times higher if an identical twin is affected. Furthermore adoption
studies show that biological relatives of people with BAD have a greater risk of developing BAD
than adoptive relatives. The genetic link seems strong, but the fact that there are pairs of identical
twins who are discordant for manic depression shows that there are environmental factors that
are also important in developing the illness.
Family members of a patient with BAD also appear to have a higher incidence of other mental
illnesses including unipolar depression and schizo-affective disorder which suggests BAD is part
of a broader spectrum of disorders. The heterogeneity of BAD makes it a particularly difficult
condition to study.
Neurobiology
There is little understanding of the neurobiology of bipolar illness. Many neurotransmitters have
been studied including dopamine, serotonin, gamma amino butyric acid (GABA) and glutamate.
Evidence for a neurobiological basis for BAD is supported by the fact that stimulants and
antidepressants can precipitate a manic episode and that psychotropic drugs that affect many
aspects of neurotransmission are effective in the management of different elements of BAD.
The monoamine theory suggests that depression is caused by a functional deficit of serotonin
and the efficacy of antipsychotics would suggest that mania is a hyperdopaminergic state. The
mode of action of lithium is still not fully understood. However, lithium modifies the production
and turnover of certain neurotransmitters, particularly serotonin, and it may block dopamine
receptors. The most likely mode of action for the anticonvulsants as antimanic agents is
potentiation of the inhibitory action of gamma amino butyric acid (GABA).
5.6 Treatment of bipolar affective disorder 5–10

There is increasing evidence to support a variety of drugs in the management of bipolar affective
disorder; however many are often used outside the terms of their licence. If a pharmaceutical
company wants an indication of bipolar disorder in their Summary of Product Characteristics
(SmPC), they need to perform a range of studies covering the different features of the disease.
Due to the length of time this takes and the complexity of the necessary studies, companies
often perform trials on different aspects of BAD and gradually build the licensed indications,
e.g. short-term trials in the treatment of acute mania, then prevention of recurrence and finally
adjunctive treatment before an all-inclusive licence is possible.
SIGN guideline 82 Bipolar Affective Disorder was published in July 2005 and covers adults aged
18 years and over. This guideline can be read at www.sign.ac.uk/pdf/sign82.pdf
In July 2006 NICE published guidance which covers the management of bipolar disorder
in adults, children and adolescents in primary and secondary care.
www.nice.org.uk/download.aspx?o=CG38quickrefguide
The management of bipolar disorder depends on the phase of the illness being treated:
● acute manic, hypomanic or mixed episode
● acute depressive episode
● mood stabilisation to prevent recurrence.
Acute manic or mixed episode10,11

Patients with mania require short-term treatment with medication in an appropriate clinical setting.
The aim of treatment is to reduce the severity and duration of the acute episode. Drugs used to treat
the manic stage are frequently continued to prevent or delay another relapse. Studies of atypical
antipsychotics (olanzapine, quetiapine and risperidone) suggest that combination of an atypical
antipsychotic with a mood stabiliser (lithium or valproate) is the best approach. Carbamazepine
and lamotrigine have also been used for mania. However consideration may have to be given to the
licensed indication for these drugs before they are prescribed.
For acute manic or mixed episodes the main treatment strategies include the following:
Discontinuation of agents known to precipitate mania

Antidepressants and stimulants such as illicit drugs, caffeine and some OTC medicines such as
cold remedies, codeine and ginseng are known to precipitate mania and should therefore be
discontinued.
Introduction of therapies to treat the manic stage

These agents include antipsychotics, valproate, lithium and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).
Antipsychotics
Antipsychotics have been shown to be effective. The atypical antipsychotics are used more
frequently than the older typical drugs because of increasing evidence that they are effective
antimanic agents and because they are less likely to induce EPS than typical antipsychotics.
(Refer to Section 3.8 for relative risk of side-effects for atypicals.)
Valproate
Valproate is the generic term used to describe the different formulations valproate semisodium
and sodium valproate, both of which are metabolised to the chemically active valproic acid.
Valproate semisodium (also known as divalproex) is licensed for the treatment of mania and has
shown to be effective in severe mania. Sodium valproate is not licensed in this indication, but is
frequently prescribed for mania.
Lithium
Lithium may be used to treat acute mania but takes longer to work than the atypicals or valproate
(SIGN guideline 82). The therapeutic levels of lithium for the treatment of acute mania are
generally much higher than those required for prevention of recurrence and risk of toxicity is
increased, particularly in dehydrated or exhausted patients. Lithium levels above 1.0 mmol/l
should always be queried. Other treatments for acute mania are often preferred on the grounds
of lower risk of toxicity.
Hypnotics and sedatives

Benzodiazepine and other hypnotics are used to aid sleep. Diazepam, lorazepam and clonazepam
are used short-term to control agitation. Benzodiazepines are frequently used in combination
with antipsychotics, solely for their sedative properties, to reduce the need for high doses of
antipsychotics. Hypnotics and sedatives should always be discontinued (by tapering the dose) as
soon as symptoms improve.
Combination therapy
Combinations are often used in acute manic episodes where patients are already on long-term
treatment or when patients fail to respond to monotherapy. Evidence shows that antipsychotics
such as risperidone, haloperidol, olanzapine or quetiapine, combined with lithium or valproate in
acute mania, may be superior to monotherapy.
Electroconvulsive therapy
NICE guidance states that electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be used for individuals with
severe mania. It may be considered for manic patients who are severely ill and/or whose mania
is treatment-resistant, who express a preference for ECT and patients with a severe mania during
pregnancy.
Acute depressive episode12 –16

Antidepressants are effective in treating depression in bipolar patients but must be used
cautiously as they can precipitate a manic or hypomanic episode. Antipsychotics are indicated
if psychotic symptoms are present and ECT may be used in severe depression. Psychological
treatments such as interpersonal therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy may also be helpful.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants may be prescribed but to minimise the risk of precipitating a manic episode,
they are often used in conjunction with a mood stabiliser (both NICE and SIGN recommend
co-prescription of a mood stabiliser). However some studies investigating this issue found that
adding a mood stabiliser did little to prevent antidepressant-induced mania. SSRIs are less likely to
precipitate mania than tricyclics and are the antidepressants of choice. Although antidepressants
should normally be discontinued by tapering, rapid discontinuation may be more appropriate

if a patient develops hypomania or mania.
Antipsychotics
Antipsychotics may be used in the treatment of psychotic depression and there is some evidence
for the treatment of bipolar depressive episodes with atypical antipsychotics alone or in
combination with antidepressants. However atypical antipsychotics are not currently licensed for
the treatment of bipolar depression.
Prevention of recurrence17–21
Long-term therapy is aimed at preventing recurrence of mania or depression. The long-term
treatments currently used – lithium, valproate, olanzapine and carbamazepine – are generally
more effective in preventing recurrence of mania than depression and the term ‘mood stabiliser’
is something of a misnomer. However studies have shown that lamotrigine, but not lithium,
prevented relapse of bipolar depression; lamotrigine is not licensed in the UK for this indication.
Despite greater efficacy in preventing manic recurrence, long-term treatment is associated
with a reduced risk of suicide in bipolar patients. Therefore continuation of acute treatment
is recommended, although at present there is no consensus on the length of treatment. The
British Association of Psychopharmacology (BAP) guidelines state that the risk of relapse remains
high following discontinuation of therapy, and if there is good clinical control of the illness then
long-term therapy should continue. If there is an agreement between the patient and doctor to
discontinue medication, then the doses should be reduced gradually. This is particularly true of
lithium as there is a high risk of relapse.
Lithium
Lithium has the most evidence for reducing suicide risk in bipolar patients. It prevents relapse
of mania but it is less effective in preventing depressive relapse. Prescribers should use the
highest dose that produces minimal side-effects and aim for plasma levels of 0.4–0.8 mmol/l.
Reference sources differ on the target range but it is generally considered that levels above
1.0 mmol/l should be avoided. Patients should be warned of the risk of early relapse if lithium is
withdrawn abruptly, and doses should be slowly tapered down over at least six weeks. A history
of poor compliance is a contraindication to lithium use because of the risk of recurrence on
discontinuation. Although lithium still has the strongest evidence base for long-term efficacy
and has traditionally been the long-term treatment of choice, its adverse effects, monitoring
requirements and the risk of early relapse of mania associated with sudden discontinuation mean
that other long-term treatments are being used more frequently.
Valproate
No valproate preparation is licensed for long-term therapy, although valproate probably does
prevent manic and depressive relapses and may even be as effective as lithium in the prevention of
relapse. However, a Cochrane review concluded that the increase in prescribing of valproate is not
based on reliable evidence of efficacy. SIGN states insufficient evidence to recommend valproate for
maintenance. It should not be prescribed routinely for women of child-bearing potential because of
the risks of teratogenicity. If there is no effective alternative, adequate contraception should be used,
and the woman fully informed of the risks of taking valproate in pregnancy.
Antipsychotics
At present only one atypical antipsychotic (olanzapine) is licensed for long-term treatment. Its use
is restricted to patients who have responded well in a manic episode and there is more evidence
that olanzapine prevents manic rather than depressive relapses. There is increasing evidence that
other atypicals, such as risperidone and quietiapine, are effective long-term treatments, but they
are not currently licensed for prevention of recurrence.
Carbamazepine
Carbamazepine is less effective than lithium, but is sometimes used as mono-therapy if
lithium is ineffective, especially in patients who do not show the classical pattern of episodic
euphoric mania. Evidence is limited and carbamazepine is only licensed for the prophylaxis of
manic-depressive psychosis in patients unresponsive to lithium.
Lamotrigine
Lamotrigine is not effective in the prevention of manic or hypomanic relapse but limited evidence
suggests that it is effective in preventing recurrence of depression and should be considered
where depression is the major burden of the illness. Although lamotrigine is not licensed for this
indication there is very little evidence for any other agent and it is being used off-licence more
frequently.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants are sometimes continued long-term after treatment of a depressive episode to
prevent relapse, but this practice carries a high risk of precipitating hypomania or mania and
there is little evidence that addition of a mood stabiliser reduces the risk.
Psychotherapy 22 –24
Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) has shown to be successful in bipolar disorder. The key
components include knowledge or ‘psycho-education’, self-monitoring, self-regulation (action
plans and modification of behaviours) and increased concordance with medication.
When combined with pharmacological treatment, psycho-education helps improve
concordance. Psychotherapy teaches patients to recognise symptoms of recurrence and enables
them to seek early treatment thus reducing the incidence and/or severity of recurrent episodes.
Patients may be prescribed a short course of hypnotics or an agent to treat mania if lack of
sleep or early signs of mania occur. It is essential to address the seriousness of the illness, any
reluctance to give up the experience of hypomania or mania, the risk of relapse and the benefits
of therapeutic engagement.
There are many tools to aid psycho-education and useful contacts include Bipolar Fellowship
Scotland www.bipolarscotland.org.uk the National Electronic Library for Mental Health
www.nelh.nhs.uk, the Manic Depression Fellowship www.mdf.org.uk, and the Depression
and Bipolar Support Alliance www.dbsalliance.org
Case study 3
Julia
Julia is a 28-year-old lady with a diagnosis of bipolar affective disorder. Julia is prescribed Epilim
Chrono 1500 mg at night. She enters the pharmacy and asks to speak to you. She wants to ask
your advice on pregnancy, and she has heard that taking folic acid 400μg is recommended.
How appropriate is 400μg of folic acid if Julia is on Epilim?
Check the National Teratology Information Service at
www.nyrdtc.nhs.uk/services/teratology/teratology.html or telephone 0191 232 1525.
Attempt to complete the exercise before reading on.
5.7 Adverse effects of medications

used in bipolar disorder
Teratogenicity 25 –27
In the UK the spontaneous malformation rate at birth in the general population is approximately
2 –3%, increasing to approximately 5% by 45 years of age. Lithium, valproate and carbamazepine
are all associated with an increased risk, generally thought to be around 10%. Lithium is
specifically associated with Ebstein’s cardiac disorder; risk in the general population is 1 in 20,000
and on lithium it is 1 in 1,000. Most of the data for valproate and carbamazepine comes from use
in epilepsy, which may itself increase the risk of malformations. High doses and multiple agents
have also contributed to increased risk in epilepsy studies. Valproate and carbamazepine are
associated with neural tube defects (1– 2% with valproate and 1% with carbamazepine, which
is 50 –100 times the spontaneous rate) and folic acid at a dose of 5 mg daily is recommended to
reduce this risk. Valproate is also associated with ‘valproate syndrome’ and carbamazepine has
been associated with a ‘carbamazepine syndrome’.
Teratogenic risk is highest in the first trimester (organogenesis occurs from day 17– 60 after
conception); therefore lithium, valproate and carbamazepine are best avoided in the first
trimester. However the risk of relapse, with consequent harm to the mother and foetus, is also
important. If valproate or carbamazepine are indicated, they should be prescribed at the lowest
possible dose, using slow release preparations to avoid high peak levels, along with folic acid. If
lithium is prescribed the lowest dose possible should be used, but prescribers need to be aware
that the volume of distribution changes during pregnancy and serum lithium levels should be
monitored more frequently.
Most evidence indicates that the older antipsychotics and antidepressants do not increase the risk
of malformations. The main problems concern neonatal toxicity, particularly withdrawal in the
infant after delivery. Limited evidence suggests that atypical antipsychotics do not increase the
risk of malformations but there is insufficient evidence to recommend their use and gestational
diabetes may be a problem with the atypicals. There is most experience with chlorpromazine,
trifluoperazine and olanzapine for psychosis in pregnancy.
Common ADRs and monitoring requirements

See Table 5, page 104
Lithium
Renal effects
When first initiated, lithium can cause thirst and polyuria (increased urination), by direct
suppression of the anti-diuretic hormone, thereby causing diabetes insipidus. This is generally
reversible in the short-term but may be irreversible in the long-term (more than15 years). High
serum concentrations of lithium, including episodes of acute lithium toxicity, may precipitate or
accelerate these changes. Renal function should be monitored at least every 12 months in stable
patients or whenever the clinical status changes.
Thyroid effects
Long-term treatment with lithium is frequently associated with disturbances of thyroid function,
including goitre and hypothyroidism. These can be controlled by administration of doses of
50–200 μg levothyroxine daily. Thyroid function should be monitored at least every 12 months in
stable patients, or whenever the clinical status changes.
There are other common side-effects of lithium e.g. tremor.
Haematological effects – valproate and carbamazepine

Valproate can cause inhibition of platelet aggregation leading to prolongation of bleeding time
and thrombocytopenia. This is normally associated with doses above the maximum and is usually
reversible. Spontaneous bruising or bleeding is an indication for withdrawal of medication
pending investigations.
Patients receiving carbamazepine have a 1 in 20,000 risk of developing agranulocytosis and
aplastic anaemia. Approximately one in ten patients develop leucopenia during the first
two months on therapy but this is usually transient and benign. Carbamazepine should be
discontinued if the patient develops leucopenia which is severe, progressive and accompanied by
clinical manifestations or any evidence of significant bone marrow depression.
Other valproate side-effects which are common are weight gain, nausea and alopecia.
Dermatological effects – lamotrigine

Patients receiving lamotrigine have an approximately 1 in 1000 risk of developing potentially
life-threatening skin rashes, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis
(Lyell’s Syndrome), which usually occur in the first eight weeks of therapy. Rapid dose escalation
and concomitant use of valproate increase the risk.
Exercise 7
What are the signs of toxicity with:
lithium
valproate
carbamazepine
lamotrigine

Table 5 Monitoring required for long-term treatment

Pre-treatment Routine monitoring Dosage regimen
Lithium Electrolytes Serum lithium (0.4 –0.8mmol/l, Initial dose 400 mg at night
including blood may be lower in elderly) (lower in elderly). Maintenance
urea, serum every 3 – 6 months. Serum dose 800– 1200 mg (lower
creatinine and creatinine, T3, T4 and TSH, in the elderly and impaired
calcium, T3, T4 FBC and electrolytes, including renal function). Doses may be
and TSH, full calcium;watch for toxicity titrated to blood levels and can
blood count signs, warn patients about therefore be outside this range.
(FBC), ECG changes in diet or dehydration.
Valproate Electrolytes Serum valproate (50-100mg/l), Initial dose 500 mg once a day
including LFTs,FBC, watch for toxicity (Epilim) or 250 mg three times
blood urea and signs, warn patient about a day (Depakote). Maintenance
serum creatinine, bruising, abdominal swelling dose 1000mg to 2500mg.
LFTs, FBC and jaundice.
Carbamazepine FBC. Serum carbamazepine Initial dose 400 mg at night

Electrolytes, (8–12mg/l), FBC,LFTs, increased every two weeks.
LFTs electrolytes, watch for toxicity Maintenance dose
signs, warn patient about sore 600 –1000 mg/day.
throat, fever and infections.
Lamotrigine Warn patient about rash. Initial dose 25 mg daily,

increase every two weeks by
25 mg. If added to valproate:
25 mg every other day, increase
every two weeks.
Exercise 8
What are the requirements for monitoring lithium therapy under the General Medical Services
(GMS) Contract Quality and Outcomes Framework and the standards required for payment?
www.bma.org.uk/ap.nsf/Content/qof06~clinincalind~mentalhealth?OpenDocument&Hi
ghlight=2,lithium

5.8 Common drug interactions 28

Lithium has a narrow therapeutic window and patients should be monitored closely. Lithium
is a salt, so both dehydration and altered electrolyte balance affect lithium levels. Many drugs
interact with lithium, primarily by affecting renal excretion, e.g. NSAIDs and ACE inhibitors. Other
interactions include reports of neurotoxicity when lithium is used in combination with antipsychotics,
carbamazepine and SSRIs. However, these combinations are generally considered useful.
Carbamazepine is metabolised by and induces (auto-induction) cytochrome P450 3A4 and doses
need to be increased every two weeks. Carbamazepine interacts with many drugs that are also
metabolised by this enzyme.
Valproate is also metabolised by cytochrome P450 3A3/4 and is an inhibitor of cytochrome P450
2C9/19. Approximately 20% of Asians and 3 –5% of Caucasians are poor cytochrome P450
2C9/19 metabolisers. In poor metabolisers, doses may need to be lower than in the general
population.
Lamotrigine metabolism is enhanced by enzyme-inducing anticonvulsants. However sodium
valproate competes with lamotrigine for hepatic drug-metabolising enzymes and nearly doubles
its elimination half-life.
Case study 4
James
James is a 35-year-old man with a diagnosis of bipolar I disorder. He comes into your pharmacy
with a prescription for lithium (Priadel 800 mg nocte). On dispensing this, your computer flags
up an interaction between lithium and antipsychotics (he takes risperidone 6 mg nocte).
How clinically significant is this interaction?
James also asks whether he can take ibuprofen, which he occasionally uses for a long-term ankle
inflammation and for headaches.
What is your advice?

Exercise 9
Listen to an interview with Dr Kay Redfield Jameson, (professor of psychiatry at Johns Hopkins
Hospital, Baltimore, USA and herself a sufferer of bipolar disorder) in which she discusses many
aspects of the illness from a personal and professional point of view, including symptoms,
treatment, suicide and concordance.
The interview is 20 minutes long but worth it! www.npr.org/ramfiles/fa/20010105.fa.01.ram
Alternatively her books, An Unquiet Mind and Night Falls Fast, give insight and information on
bipolar disorder and suicidality respectively.
Summary
Bipolar affective disorder is a common mental illness, occurring with similar frequency to
schizophrenia and accounting for a near identical proportion of the global burden of disease.
Like schizophrenia the course and severity of the illness varies greatly between sufferers.
The neurobiological basis for bipolar affective disorder is poorly understood compared to
schizophrenia and depression. Treatment options vary according to the phase of the illness being
treated and include drugs with widely differing modes of action, many of which are used outside
the terms of their product licence.
Learning Outcomes
1. Identify and describe the key symptoms of bipolar affective disorder.
2. Discuss the treatment for the different phases of bipolar affective disorder.
3. Be aware of the treatment of bipolar affective disorder in pregnancy and refer as appropriate.
4. List and advise on key side-effects and interactions for the different treatments.
5. Explain the need for monitoring with long-term treatment.
6. Apply or advise on SIGN guideline 82. Bipolar Affective Disorder.
Further reading
Bazire S. Psychotropic Drug Directory 2007. HealthComm UK Limited
www.nmhct.nhs.uk/pharmacy
Geddes J. Bipolar Disorder in Clinical Evidence.
www.clinicalevidence.com/ceweb/conditions/meh/1014/1014.jsp
Goodwin GM, for the Consensus Group of the British Association for Psychopharmacology.
Evidence-based guidelines for treating bipolar disorder: recommendations from the British
Association of Psychopharmacology. J Psychopharmacol 2003;17(2):149-173
www.bap.org.uk/consensus/FinalBipolarGuidelines.pdf
Maj M et al. Bipolar Disorder, Volume 5. Available as an e-book at

www.myilibrary.com/MyiLibrary/Browse/open.asp?ID=10127 (Athens log in required)
Taylor D, Paton C, Kerwin R. The Maudsley Prescribing Guidelines. Ninth Edition, 2007. Informa
Healthcare. mentalhealthcare.org.uk/pharmacist
SIGN Guideline 60. Postnatal depression and Puerperal Psychosis. June 2002.
www.sign.ac.uk/guidelines/fulltext/60/index.html
References
1
American Psychiatric Association. (1994). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders
(DSM-IV). Washington D.C: American Psychiatric Association.
2
World Health Organisation. The ICD-10 classification of mental and behavioural disorders; diagnostic
criteria for research. 1992, World Health Organisation, Geneva.
3
Gelder M, Mayou R, Cowen P. Shorter Oxford Textbook of Psychiatry, Fourth edition. 2001. Oxford:
Oxford University Press.
4
Murray CJL and Lopez AD. Global mortality, disability and the contribution of risk factors: global
burden of disease study. Lancet 1997;349:1436-42.
5
National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence. NICE Guideline 38 Bipolar Disorder. The
management of bipolar disorder in adults, children and adolescents, in primary and secondary care.
July 2006.
6
Association of Psychopharmacology. J Psychopharmacol 2003;17(2):149-173.
7
Bazire S. Psychotrophic Drug Directory: The professionals’ pocket handbook and aide memoire. 2005.
Fivepin Limited.
8
Taylor D, Paton C and Kerwin R. The South London and Maudsley NHS Trust 2003 Prescribing
guidelines. Seventh Edition. 2003, Martin Dunitz.
9
National Institute for Clinical Excellence. Guidance on the use of electroconvulsive therapy
Technology appraisal No 59. 2003, London: NICE.
10
Vieta E, Goikolea JM, Corbella B, Benabarre A, Reinares M, Martinez G et al. Risperidone safety
and efficacy in the treatment of bipolar and schizoaffective disorders: Results from a six-month,
multicenter, open study. J Clin Psychiatry 2001;62:818-25.
11
Peet M. Induction of mania with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and tricyclic
antidepressants. Br J Psychiatry 1994;164:549-550.
12
Gijsman HJ, Geddes JR, Rendell JM, et al. Antidepressants for Bipolar Depression: A Systematic
Review of Randomized, Controlled Trials. Am J Psychiatry 2004;161:1537–1547.
13
Calabrese J, Macfadden W, McCoy R, et al. Double-blind, placebo-controlled study of quetiapine
in bipolar depression. Poster presented at the 157th Annual Meeting of the American Psychiatric
Association, May 1– 6, 2004; New York, USA.
14
Calabrese JR, Bowden CL, Sachs GS, et al. A double-blind placebo-controlled study of lamotrigine
monotherapy in outpatients with bipolar-I depression. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry 1999;60:79-88.
15
Poster at the American Psychiatric conference. Quetiapine shows promise for depression.
Pharmaceutical Journal 2004;272:561.
16
Tohen M, Vieta E, Calabrese J, Ketter TA, Sachs G, Bowden C, Mitchell PB, Centorrino F, Risser
R, Baker RW, Evans AR, Beymer K, Dube S, Tollefson GD, Breier A. Efficacy of olanzapine and
olanzapine-fluoxetine combination in the treatment of bipolar I depression. Arch Gen Psychiatry
2003;60:1079-1088.
17
Goodwin GM. Recurrence of mania after lithium withdrawal. Implications for the use of lithium in
the treatment of bipolar affective disorder. Br J Psychiatry 1994;164:149-52.
18
Macritchie KA, Geddes JR, Scott J, Haslam DR, Goodwin GM. (2001) Valproic acid, valproate and
divalproex in the maintenance treatment of bipolar disorder. The Cochrane Database of Systematic
Reviews, Issue 3.
19
Ghaemi SN, Lenox MS, Baldessarini RJ. Effectiveness and safety of long-term antidepressant
treatment in bipolar disorder. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry 2001;62:565-9.
20
Calabrese JR, Bowden CL, Sachs GS, et al. A placebo-controlled 18-month trial of lamotrigine and
lithium maintenance treatment in recently manic or hypomanic patients with bipolar-I disorder.
Archives of General Psychiatry 2003;60:392-400.
21
Calabrese JR, Bowden CL, Sachs GS, et al. A placebo-controlled 18-month trial of lamotrigine and
lithium maintenance treatment in recently depressed patients with bipolar-1 disorder. Journal of
Clinical Psychiatry 2003;64:1013-24.
22
Gonzalez-Pinto A, Gonzalez C, Enjuto S, Fernandez de Corres B, Lopez P, Palomo J, Gutierrez M,
Mosquera F, Perez de Heredia JL. Psychoeducation and cognitive-behavioral therapy in bipolar
disorder: an update. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2004;109:83-90.
23
Vieta E, Colom F. Psychological interventions in bipolar disorder: From wishful thinking to an
evidence-based approach. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2004;422:Suppl 34-8.
24
Perry A, Tarrier N, Morriss R, McCarthy E and Limb K. Randomised controlled trial of efficacy
of teaching patients with bipolar disorder to identify early symptoms of relapse and obtain
treatment. Br Med J 1999;318:149-153.
25
The National Teratology Information Centre, The Regional Drug and Therapeutic Centre, Wolfson
Unit, Claremont Place, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE2 4HH.
26
Committee on safety of medicines. Sodium valproate and prescribing in pregnancy. Current
problems in Pharmacovigilance. 29 September 2003, 1–12.
27
Briggs, GG, Freeman RK and Yaffe SJ. A reference guide to fetal and neonatal risk. Drugs in
pregnancy and lactation. Sixth Edition. Lippincott Wilkins and Wilkins.
28
Stockley IH. Stockley’s Drug Interactions. 6th Edition. Pharmaceutical Press.
29
Sanofi-aventis. Summary of Product Characteristics for Epilim Chrono. October 2005.
Accessed August 2006. www.medicines.org.uk
Suggested answers

Drug Side-effects
Lithium Marked tremor, unsteadiness, uncoordination, nausea and vomiting.
Valproate Nausea, vomiting, confusion and stupor.
Carbamazepine Ataxia, dizziness, blurred vision, headache, nausea and seeing double.
Lamotrigine Involuntary or rapid eye movements, unsteadiness, impaired
consciousness and coma.

MH 4 1 40–90%
The percentage of patients on lithium therapy
with a record of serum creatinine and TSH
in the preceding 15 months.
MH 5 2 40–90%
The percentage of patients on lithium therapy
with a record of lithium levels in the therapeutic
range within the previous 6 months.
Case study 3 – Julia (page 101)

400 mcg of folic acid is the recommended dose for women with no risk factors who want
to become pregnant; however valproate has been associated with an increased risk of foetal
malformations. Although pregnancy itself has not been shown to increase the risk of relapse of
bipolar disorder, studies have shown there is a high risk of relapse if medication is discontinued.
Julia should discuss this subject further with her doctor or psychiatrist to work out the best
way forward, taking into account the risks (of the medication and also of becoming unwell)
and benefits.
This conversation should take place as early as possible, as the first trimester is the most critical
time for foetal malformations. If there is no alternative to Julia taking valproate, folic acid
supplementation (5mg daily) is recommended prior to pregnancy – as soon as contraception
is discontinued – and throughout the first trimester, to minimise the potential teratogenic risk.
The lowest possible dose of valproate, in divided doses and slow-release form, should be used.
Case study 4 – James (page 105)

There is a rare risk of neurotoxicity and extrapyramidal symptoms with this combination;
nevertheless this combination is generally considered as a useful one. The main risk appears to
be if high doses of both drugs are used and signs of toxicity are ignored. Counsel James on signs
and symptoms of lithium toxicity and advise him to contact his doctor if he experiences any of
these symptoms.
Ibuprofen can increase levels of lithium to above those recommended. Many other medicines
also interact with lithium and patients should be encouraged always to ask the advice of their
doctor or pharmacist before taking any non-prescription medicine. Signs such as marked
tremor, unsteadiness, uncoordination and vomiting and diarrhoea could indicate that the
levels have become too high and the patient should contact their GP as soon as possible to
take a blood sample to check the level. Paracetamol is thought to be safe and may be a good
treatment for James’s headaches. For his inflamed ankle NSAIDs can be prescribed by the
doctor, but are best taken regularly (to avoid irregular lithium levels) and only for short-term
use. The lithium dose may need to be adjusted accordingly and close monitoring is essential.
Chapter 6 Anxiety disorders
Objectives
● describe the symptoms of anxiety
● discuss the various neurotransmitters and physiological mechanisms involved in anxiety
● describe the clinical features of the major anxiety disorders
● list the main pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments used in the treatment
of anxiety
Chapter 6
Anxiety disorders
6.1 Introduction
Anxiety is a natural, usually self-limiting emotion. However in some people, anxiety can be
subjectively intolerable and therefore disabling. It is then considered to be pathological, requiring
treatment to enable the sufferer to resume a normal lifestyle.
In its pathological form, anxiety can present with a wide spectrum of symptoms, both physical
(somatic) and psychological. Physical and psychological symptoms can reinforce each other,
further exacerbating anxiety levels. Diagnosis is difficult; the sufferer may undergo a wide
range of investigations to exclude an organic cause for their symptoms. Tackling both types of
symptoms can be therapeutic.
Throughout this section, anxiety disorders will be considered under the following six headings:
● generalised anxiety disorder (GAD)
● phobic disorders
● panic disorder
● obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
● mixed anxiety and depression
● post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
6.2 Prevalence of anxiety disorders

The prevalence of anxiety disorders in the UK adult population is shown in Table 6.
Table 6 Prevalence of anxiety disorders in the adult population (UK)

Percentage of the population
Disorder Female Male Total
Generalised anxiety disorder 5% 4% 5%
Phobic disorders 2% 1% 2%
Panic disorder 1% 1% 1%
Obsessive-compulsive disorder 2% 1% 2%
Mixed anxiety and depression 10% 5% 8%
Data: OPCS 1995 household survey

6.3 Symptoms
Anxiety is a normal but unpleasant emotional state, varying in degree from mild unease to intense
dread with impending doom. It is characterised by feelings of apprehension, uncertainty and fear and
is associated with physiological, autonomic, biochemical, endocrine and behavioural changes.
When a person is suffering from clinical or pathological anxiety they may exhibit either physical
or psychological symptoms, or a mixture of both and there is often no apparent reason for their
distress. The symptoms of anxiety may easily be misdiagnosed as a physical complaint or they
may mask a serious underlying psychiatric disorder.
Exercise 9
The main symptoms associated with anxiety are listed in a table under four headings:
psychological, somatic, respiratory and musculoskeletal. In the space provided, indicate what
other diagnoses may be considered for those symptoms.
Psychological symptoms of anxiety Other possible diagnoses
Poor concentration Sensitivity to noise

Bad dreams/night terrors Repetitive worrying thoughts
Anticipation Disturbed sleep
Difficulty in getting off to sleep Fear
Restlessness Irritability
Physical/somatic symptoms of anxiety
Throbbing in the neck Palpitations
Nausea Sweating
Epigastric pain Chills
Poor appetite Trembling
Discomfort/pain over the heart Awareness of missed beats
Butterflies in the stomach Loose motions/diarrhoea
Excessive wind Failure of erection
Hot flushes Amenorrhoea
Frequency/urgency of micturition Loss of libido
Respiratory symptoms of anxiety
Difficulty with inhaling Breathlessness
Parasthesia due to overbreathing Tightness over the chest
Tinnitus Dizziness
Faintness Tingling in the hands and feet
Musculoskeletal symptoms of anxiety
Back ache Neck ache
Headache

6.4 The neurobiological basis of fear and anxiety

There appear to be two interlinked brain systems involved in fear and anxiety.
These are:
● the ‘defence system’ – controls responses to present dangers
● the ‘behavioural inhibition system’ – stops a person going into danger.
The defence system originates in the amygdala of the limbic system. The amygdala receives
stimuli related to the threat of danger. The cortex and hippocampus assist the amygdala in
interpreting these stimuli if necessary. The amygdala then alerts the hypothalamus (endocrine
and autonomic responses) and the central grey matter of the brainstem (periaqueductal grey
(PAG): emergency motor and autonomic responses, fear-related analgesia) and any other brain
centres that are required for effective coping.
The defence system responds to both learned and unlearned threats and participates in
the learning mechanism (conditioned responses). Through the PAG, it can initiate either
‘fear, fight or flight’ responses or, alternatively, ‘fear and freeze’ behaviour as appropriate.
Electrical stimulation of the PAG causes patients to report the most extreme fear imaginable,
with a conviction of impending death and an overwhelming desire to flee. On this and other
evidence, the PAG is thought to be the likely seat of panic.
The behavioural inhibition system is thought to be based in the hippocampus and septum
of the limbic system but has access to many other brain areas. It is the system responsible for
avoidance behaviour.
As may be expected from the complexity of the brain’s anxiety systems, many different
neurotransmitters are involved:
● noradrenaline (NA)
● serotonin (5HT)
● gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA)
● cholecystokinin (CCK)
● dopamine (DA)
● neuropeptide Y
● corticotrophin releasing factor (CRF).
Noradrenaline (NA)
Anxiety has been associated with abnormal noradrenergic activity especially in the locus
coeruleus, which has projections into the defence and behavioural inhibition systems.
Drugs which increase locus coeruleus firing, increasing the release of noradrenaline, such as
yohimbine, carbon dioxide and caffeine, provoke anxiety in man, whilst the alpha-2-agonist
clonidine, which reduces locus coeruleus activity, is modestly anxiolytic. It may be that
susceptibility to anxiety disorders is mediated through a genetically determined, impaired
presynaptic noradrenergic regulatory system.
Serotonin (5-HT)
The nature of the involvement of serotonin in anxiety is controversial. It modulates the activity
of both the defence system and the behavioural inhibition system. Older theories worked on the
assumption that serotonin systems are purely anxiogenic (anxiety-provoking). However none
of the subtype-selective 5-HT receptor antagonists developed has yet proved to have clinically
useful anxiolytic activity. The more recent ‘Graeff-Deakin hypothesis’ suggests that serotonin is
predominantly anxiogenic in the limbic system and forebrain, while being anxiolytic in the PAG.
Even this is likely to be an oversimplification as the pharmacological effects of anxiolytics, such as
buspirone and the SSRIs are immediate, while their clinical anxiolytic actions are delayed.
Gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA)

Gamma aminobutyric acid is a major inhibitory transmitter in the brain. GABAergic neurones are
widespread throughout the CNS including all the areas involved in the control of fear/anxiety
and arousal. It appears to be able to suppress both the defence system and the behavioural
inhibition system. The amygdala is particularly sensitive to the GABA-potentiating effects of
benzodiazepines. The PAG seems to be less sensitive and this may explain why higher doses of
benzodiazepines are needed to treat panic states. Malfunction of the GABA response to stress
could contribute to anxiety states in humans.
Cholecystokinin (CCK)
Cholecystokinin is particularly concentrated in those areas implicated in anxiety such as the
cerebral cortex, hippocampus, hypothalamus and the PAG. It is also particularly associated
with some dopamine and GABA-containing neurones. Intravenous injection of a CCK agonist
has been shown to induce panic in healthy volunteers as well as in patients with panic disorder,
whilst long-term treatment with imipramine reduced this effect. CCK release is modulated by
several other transmitter systems including dopamine and serotonin. CCK antagonists are under
investigation as possible therapeutic agents, particularly for the treatment of panic disorder.
Dopamine (DA)
Other than modulating the effect of other transmitter systems the role of dopamine in the
aetiology of anxiety disorders remains unclear.
Neuropeptide Y
Neuropeptide Y has anxiolytic properties, as evidenced in animal studies. It is thought that
CRF and neuropeptide Y may have opposite effects in the regulation and integration of fear
mechanisms.
Corticotrophin Releasing Factor (CRF)

Corticotrophin releasing factor is widely distributed in the brain with the highest concentrations
found in those areas that control the hypothalamo-pituitary axis (HPA). It is the primary
activator of this axis during stress. It is also thought to play an important role in autonomic,
neuroendocrine and behavioural responses to stress initiated by the amygdala.
Animal studies have shown it to have potent anxiogenic properties, and it is thought that CRF
may be involved in the anxiety-related actions of other neurotransmitters. Cortisol release from
the adrenal cortex is the end result of HPA activation. There are two types of cortisol receptor
in the brain and both play a role in stress/anxiety responses, for instance by modulating 5-HT
receptor density.
Exercise 10
Neurobiological mechanisms of anxiety – true or false?

Indicate in the space provided whether you think the following statements are true or false.
True or false?
1. The pituitary body is particularly associated with the expression of

anxiety.
2. GABAergic neurones are anxiogenic.
3. The cortex is the main site of action of many of the anxiolytics

currently prescribed.
4. A person suffering from anxiety symptoms always suffers both

somatic and psychological symptoms.
5. The PAG is the seat of panic.
6. If the physical symptoms of anxiety are alleviated the psychological

symptoms will automatically remit.
7. Adrenaline is one of the main neurotransmitters associated with

anxiety.
8. GABA CCK and Neuropeptide Y are all inhibitory transmitters.
9. Serotonin is predominantly anxiogenic in the limbic system and

forebrain and anxiolytic in the PAG.
10. Anxiety is thought to be due to downregulation of 5-HT receptors.
11. CCK has anxiogenic properties.
12. Benzodiazepines exert their anxiolytic effect by opening a chloride ion

channel which thus desensitises the neurone.
13. Neuropeptide Y is anxiolytic.

6.5 Presentation of anxiety disorders
Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD)

Generalised anxiety disorder is characterised by persistent, excessive anxiety, apprehension
and worry, which must have been present for at least six months. It is a chronic condition with
repeated acute-on-chronic episodes. Occasionally it is focused on something which is entirely
trivial or non-consequential. Its onset is usually in early adulthood and it runs a chronic course,
with a worse prognosis in females who are affected more often than men.
Phobic disorders
A phobia is an irrational fear which is out of all proportion to the situation or object at which
it is directed. It is beyond voluntary control and although it is recognised by the sufferer as well
as those around them as being excessive, it cannot be reasoned away.
A major phobia is agoraphobia, which is now used to describe a fear of any situation from where
the subject sees no quick or easy means of escape.
Social phobia is an extreme, persistent fear of social occasions, especially where strangers are
likely to be present. The individual fears that they may be the centre of attention and behave
in a manner that will be embarrassing or humiliating, for example, blushing or fainting.
A simple, specific or isolated phobia is an extreme, persistent or irrational fear of a specific object
or situation such as spiders, snakes, injections, blood, flying, heights, bridges, tunnels etc. Phobias
that persist into adult life usually run a chronic course.
Panic disorder (PD)

Panic may occur as a component of any of the other anxiety disorders, but panic disorder is
characterised by repeated, unpredictable attacks of severe anxiety which occur without warning
and are unrelated to any specific situation. Autonomic symptoms predominate, peaking in
severity within ten minutes. If a person prefers to go into an anxiety-provoking situation alone
he is more likely to be suffering from a phobia than panic disorder.
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterised by:
● Time-consuming obsessions and compulsions which interfere with a person’s day-to-day
functioning, work and relationships.
● The avoidance of things which trigger the compulsive behaviour.
Obsessions are thoughts, ideas, impulses or images which are unwelcome, persistent and
recurrent. The sufferer realises they are absurd or irrational and a product of their mind but
they are powerless to control them. Some common obsessions are:
● worrying about contamination with dirt or germs

● being overly concerned about symmetry or the orderly arrangement of things
● worrying about unusual sexual thoughts
● aggressive impulses
● concern about things one knows one should not worry about.
Compulsions are repetitive, purposeful actions, performed in response to an obsession, according
to certain rules and designed to neutralise or prevent discomfort. The sufferer knows that his
behaviour is unreasonable.
Common compulsions are:
● hand-washing
● cleaning
● counting
● checking
● touching
● rearrangement to achieve symmetry
● measuring
● hoarding
● needing to ask or confess.
If the compulsion is resisted, anxiety levels increase until it is resumed.
Mixed anxiety and depressive disorder (MAD)

This diagnosis is applied when symptoms of both anxiety and depression are present, but neither
is sufficiently severe to justify a single diagnosis.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

The clinical features of this anxiety disorder involve an intense, prolonged and sometimes delayed
response to a particular trauma such as a natural disaster, major fire, traffic accident, rape or major
assault.
The condition is characterised by emotional numbness and detachment, which is followed by
flashbacks, recurring memories and vivid dreams. There is obvious distress on re-exposure leading
to avoidance of similar circumstances.
An exceptionally stressful event is essential for this particular diagnosis, but the sufferer may not
have been harmed physically themselves nor even been personally threatened. Those involved
in other ways, for example bystanders or members of the rescue services, are also at risk. Not
all those directly involved may be equally affected, which suggests that a degree of personal
vulnerability is required. This may be genetic or acquired later in life.
6.6 Management of anxiety

On 6 December 2004, NICE issued a guideline on the management of anxiety in primary,
secondary and community care.
NICE guideline: CG22 Anxiety: management of generalised anxiety disorder and panic disorder (with
or without agoraphobia) in adults in primary, secondary and community care.
www.nice.org.uk/pdf/CG022NICEguideline.pdf
The guideline on anxiety recognises that whilst medication has an important role to play, there
are also many effective alternatives. It recommends that patients should be offered any of the
following three types of intervention, taking into account patient preference. In descending order
of long-term effectiveness, these interventions are:
● psychological therapy, such as CBT
● medication, such as an SSRI licensed for generalised anxiety disorder
● self-help, such as the use of written materials based on CBT principles
The guideline also recommends:
● Involving individuals in an effective partnership with healthcare professionals, with all decision
making being shared, improves outcomes.
● Access to information, including support groups, is a valuable part of any package of care.
● There are positive advantages of services for people with anxiety being based in primary care
rather than in a hospital setting.
Therapies for anxiety can be divided into:
● Pharmacological – single and combined treatments
● Non-pharmacological – psychological
● Combinations of pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments
● Psychosurgery (not covered here).
Pharmacological treatments for anxiety

The following have all been used to treat anxiety symptoms:
● barbiturates
● propanediols
● benzodiazepines
● beta-blockers
● azaspirodecanediones
● antipsychotics
● tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
● selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
● monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
● reversible inhibitors of monoamine oxidase type A (RIMAs)
● sodium valproate
● antihistamines.
The first two groups, although rarely used now, set the scene for the history and progress of
anxiety treatment.
Barbiturates
The barbiturates, like the benzodiazepines, are GABA-A receptor potentiators. When the
chloride ion channel is opened by GABA, a barbiturate molecule enters and ‘props it open’ for a
considerable time. This means that barbiturates can cause a massive potentiation of GABAergic
effects. Because of their low therapeutic index and high dependence risk, barbiturates are now
considered unsuitable for the treatment of anxiety.
Propanediols
Although their chemical structure is different from that of the benzodiazepines, propanediols
also act on the benzodiazepine receptor. However, they are less effective anxiolytics than the
benzodiazepines and are now rarely used. Due to their particularly strong muscle relaxant effect
they have occasionally been useful when anxiety is accompanied by severe muscle tension.
Meprobamate is a propanediol but it has been shown to have an abuse potential and as a result is
now classified as a controlled drug. It is therefore rarely used.
Benzodiazepines
Until relatively recently, the commonest approach to a presentation of anxiety was to prescribe
a benzodiazepine and historically they have been considered first-line treatment. However, their
use has been associated with significant long-term problems and the Committee on Safety of
Medicines (CSM) issued the following guidance concerning the use of benzodiazepines.
‘Benzodiazepines are indicated for the short-term relief (two to four weeks only) of anxiety
that is severe, disabling or subjecting the patient to unacceptable distress, occurring alone or
in association with insomnia or short-term psychosomatic, organic or psychotic illness. The
use of benzodiazepines to treat short-term ‘mild’ anxiety is inappropriate and unsuitable.’
Benzodiazepines have long been known to cause sedation, impair psychomotor function and to
release aggression in susceptible individuals. Some people can also become dependent on them
and they have the capacity to cause psychological impairment after long-term use. When taken
chronically they not only lose much of their therapeutic efficacy but they may also produce a wide
range of adverse effects.
Despite this, benzodiazepines remain the most effective remedy for acute, transient anxiety. They
potentiate the effects of GABA by binding to a specific site, the benzodiazepine receptor, located
on the GABA-A/chloride receptor complex. They act by increasing the affinity of the GABA site,
making it easier for GABA to open the chloride channel. As a result, the channel opens more
frequently. Unlike barbiturates, benzodiazepines require the continued presence of GABA, which
puts a limit on their effects. For this reason they have a much more favourable therapeutic index
than the barbiturates.
Benzodiazepines with a high potency and a long half-life are best for the relief of anxiety as they
are less likely to cause withdrawal problems. For this reason diazepam, with a half-life of 14 – 17
hours and active metabolites giving a half-life of up to 72 hours, is particularly suitable.
Respiratory insufficiency may occur during treatment with benzodiazepines, especially when
respiration is impaired for other reasons, such as in asthma or chronic obstructive airways disease.
Beta-adrenergic blockers
These are used primarily to treat the somatic or physical symptoms of anxiety. They control
palpitations, tremor, sweating and shortness of breath and are therefore likely to be ineffective in
patients in whom the psychological aspects of anxiety predominate.
Side-effects include fatigue, reduced work capacity and sexual dysfunction. Sleep disturbance
with nightmares has also been reported particularly with propranolol.
Beta-blockers may be used in combination with more specifically centrally acting anxiolytics to cover
the full range of symptoms. Of the beta-blockers, only propranolol and oxprenolol are licensed
for the treatment of anxiety. Atenolol is also frequently prescribed. Despite all of this however, the
evidence base for the efficacy of beta-blockers in the treatment of anxiety remains weak.
Azaspirodecanediones
Buspirone is the only azaspirodecanedione currently available in the UK. It is a partial agonist
at the inhibitory 5-HT1A auto-receptors and in this way inhibits 5-HT transmission. This effect
however occurs quite rapidly while the clinical anxiolytic effect takes some weeks to develop.
It is thought that repeated treatment with buspirone may desensitise these receptors and this
together with a modest post-synaptic 5-HT1A agonist effect may lead to an overall increase in
5-HT transmission. This is consistent with the perceived mechanism of action and the delayed
clinical effect of both the TCAs and SSRIs.
Buspirone has a short elimination half-life but a slower onset of action than the benzodiazepines,
taking at least two weeks to show an effect. It is therefore not suitable for the treatment of acute
or transient anxiety states and is not effective in the treatment of panic disorder. Although it
is only licensed for short-term use, in order to prevent relapse, treatment may be required for
several months after the anxiolytic effect has become apparent. Optimum dosage is suggested to
be between 60 mg and 90 mg per day, however the maximum licensed dose is 45 mg daily. Doses
of 30 mg or less have been shown to be no better than placebo.
Side-effects including drowsiness, dizziness, headache, nausea, restlessness, nervousness,
light-headedness and excitement occur most commonly at the beginning of treatment.
Antipsychotics
The mechanism of the anxiolytic action of the antipsychotics is uncertain and may be related to
their well-known effect of causing emotional blunting. They will also reduce agitation. Used at
about one fifth of their antipsychotic dose, certain members of this group, such as haloperidol,
flupentixol, promazine, trifluoperazine and previously thioridazine may be useful anxiolytics with
a relatively fast onset of action.
Extrapyramidal side-effects are rare but not unknown at this dose, so the risk of tardive dyskinesia
in the long term must always be considered. Drowsiness and lethargy are also possible as is
hypotension, especially in the elderly and frail. Many of these antipsychotics have significant
anticholinergic profiles which further limits their usefulness in this group of patients particularly
those at risk of cognitive decline.
Use of some of the atypical antipsychotics for the treatment of anxiety symptoms on an ‘as
required’ basis is a recent phenomenon despite the lack of an evidence base for this. The effect
seen is likely to be one of mild sedation as a result of their action at histamine H1 receptors, rather
than a specific anxiolytic effect. They are not included in the NICE guidance.
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)

Tricyclic antidepressants appear to be effective in the treatment of certain forms of anxiety,
including generalised anxiety disorder and panic disorder, although these are not licensed
indications for most of these agents. They have been particularly useful in cases of mixed anxiety/
depression but their anxiolytic effect is more likely to be attributable to their sedative effects
rather than to significant specific anxiolytic activity. The exception to this is clomipramine which
has additional licenses for the treatment of obsessional and phobic states, due to its potency at
the serotonergic receptor resulting in an increase in 5-HT transmission within the CNS. Like the
antidepressant effect, it takes two to three weeks for the anxiolytic effect to be apparent. Panic
attacks may become more frequent during this initial lag-phase.
Side-effects such as dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation and sedation may be a problem at the
beginning of treatment while weight gain and sexual dysfunction can cause difficulties later.
Plasma levels of TCAs are increased by phenothiazines, disulfiram, cimetidine and calcium
channel blockers. They should not normally be prescribed with MAOIs. Clomipramine
is particularly dangerous when combined with certain members of this group such as
tranylcypromine.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

These compounds specifically inhibit the re-uptake of 5-HT (serotonin) which occurs early in
treatment. Like the antidepressant effect, the anxiolytic action takes some weeks to develop fully.
For full enhancement of 5-HT transmission it may also be necessary for the 5-HT1A inhibitory
receptors to be desensitised. This is thought to occur only after continued treatment.
Gastrointestinal disturbances and sexual dysfunction are common and weight loss can occur
initially with fluoxetine. Transient insomnia, agitation and anxiety have occurred at the beginning
of treatment to the extent that some patients have to be encouraged to continue with the
medication. Treatment is usually long-term and to be fully effective doses sometimes need to be
at the higher end of the dosage scale.
In order to overcome any initial increase in anxiety symptoms and thus to improve compliance
the initial dosage should be as low as possible, building up only gradually to the optimum dose
according to the patient’s tolerance. This is especially true for patients with panic disorder. In
some cases it may be prudent to prescribe a short course of a suitable benzodiazepine to cover
the first two or three weeks of treatment when an exacerbation of anxiety may be unacceptable.
In view of the relative lack of troublesome side-effects, safety, lack of abuse potential and
dependence, members of this group are particularly suitable for long-term treatment.
Extrapyramidal side-effects have been reported with paroxetine as has a discontinuation
syndrome when it has been stopped abruptly. The additional licensed indications of the SSRI
antidepressants are summarised in Table 7 overleaf.
Table 7 Additional licensed indications for the treatment of anxiety disorders

with the newer antidepressants
Anxiety with Panic Social
Antidepressant depression GAD disorder OCD phobia PTSD
Paroxetine Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Fluoxetine Yes No No Yes No No
Sertraline Yes No No Yes No Females only
Citalopram No No Yes No No No
Fluvoxamine No No No Yes No No
Venlafaxine No No No No No No
Clinically important interactions have been reported between the SSRIs and warfarin,
anticonvulsants and antipsychotics. They may increase the plasma levels of the TCAs and should
not be prescribed in conjunction with an MAOI which may only be started two weeks after an
SSRI has been discontinued (five weeks for fluoxetine).
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

Certain members of this group of antidepressants are thought to have additional anxiolytic
effects. Some patients with resistant morbid anxiety, particularly if phobic symptoms are also
present, may respond when all else has failed.
MAOIs such as phenelzine and tranylcypromine irreversibly inhibit both types of monoamine
oxidase leading to serious consequences when foods rich in tyramine such as cheese or Marmite
are consumed. Clinically significant interactions involving dangerous hypertensive effects can
occur when MAOIs are combined with sympathomimetics, L-dopa and opiate analgesics.
Serotonin syndrome may occur if they are taken with an SSRI or clomipramine.
Side-effects include insomnia, dizziness and postural hypotension with weight gain and sexual
dysfunction occurring after long-term use. Their side-effect profile, potential interactions and
essential dietary precautions limit the usefulness of this group.
Reference should be made to the current British National Formulary (BNF) in relation to the
appropriate ‘wash out’ periods required before and after treatment with an MAOI.
Reversible inhibitors of monoamine oxidase type A (RIMAs)

Moclobemide is the only RIMA currently available in the UK. They are reversible inhibitors of
monoamine oxidase type A only. This means there is no significant interaction with moderate
amounts of tyramine-containing foods.
Moclobemide has definite safety advantages over conventional MAOIs, but its anxiolytic effect is
not proven. It is not licensed for the treatment of anxiety.
Side-effects include insomnia, headache and nausea. The pressor effects of sympathomimetics
may be enhanced by moclobemide and it should not be used with antidepressants that
potentiate the effects of 5-HT.
Sodium valproate
Although not licensed for the treatment of anxiety, sodium valproate has recently been reported
to be effective in certain of the anxiety disorders. This might be expected from its ability to
potentiate GABA.
Sodium valproate has been used in generalised anxiety disorder and has been shown in a small
case series to be useful in panic disorder.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines have been considered by some to be appropriate alternatives to thioridazine,
particularly promethazine and trimeprazine. However, they are not licensed for anxiety and any
benefits seen may be a reflection of their sedative properties, rather than a true anxiolytic effect.
Alternatively, hydroxyzine may be considered since it is an antihistamine with an additional
licence for the treatment of short-term anxiety.
Combined pharmacological treatments

Combination therapy is often better than any single agent alone. For instance panic disorder
is sometimes effectively treated with an SSRI and a benzodiazepine together for the first three
to four weeks. Once the antidepressant is working then the benzodiazepine can be tailed off
over one or two weeks without complication. Similarly, beta-blockers and benzodiazepines can
usefully be used together to address the whole range of symptoms, with the benzodiazepine
being gradually withdrawn once the somatic symptoms, are under control. Other useful
combinations may be MAOIs and benzodiazepines for social phobia and panic disorder and
an SSRI with either buspirone or a benzodiazepine for GAD and resistant panic disorder.
For further information see Evidence-based guidelines for the pharmacological treatment of
anxiety disorders: recommendations from the British Association for Psychopharmacology.
Journal of Psychopharmacology 19(6).2005. pp567-596
www.bap.org.uk/consensus/anxiety_disorders.html
Non-pharmacological strategies in the treatment of anxiety disorders

Specialised psychological treatment may not be readily available in primary care and elsewhere
there may be long waiting lists. Often brief counselling and structured problem-solving
techniques are effective and these may be available from the GP. Anxiety management
techniques and relaxation tapes may also be of use. These are more generally available.
It would appear that for the majority of anxiety disorders a combination of drug and non-drug
strategies, when available, is the ideal approach.
The symptoms of anxiety can occur in three body systems:
● physical (mainly due to stimulation of the autonomic nervous system)
● behavioural (e.g. avoidance behaviours or a constant need for reassurance)
● cognitive (unpleasant thoughts, themselves anxiety provoking).
These three systems constantly interact. Cognition worsens the physical symptoms which in turn
contribute to behavioural changes, which then affect cognition and so on.
The following psychological tools are amongst those available for the treatment of the various
anxiety states:
● simple psychotherapy
● relaxation training
● behavioural therapy
● cognitive therapy
● cognitive behavioural therapy.
Simple psychotherapy
The nature and prognosis of the disorder as well as the origin of the symptoms are carefully
explained to the patient. Simple support is usually sufficient to help the patient overcome his
symptoms with only a minimal amount of medication if they have been triggered by a temporary
problem or a curable physical illness.
Relaxation training
A form of relaxation training is useful for many anxious patients. It aims to train an individual to
reduce their anxiety-provoking response to stress. Relaxation therapy may also be of benefit.
Various techniques may be employed including hypnosis, massage, yoga and transcendental
meditation.
Behavioural therapy
Behavioural therapy is used to treat patients with specific phobias which are accompanied by
marked avoidance of a feared situation. ‘Desensitisation’ or ‘graded exposure’ is a graduated
approach in which only minimal anxiety is allowed to develop, by teaching the patient to
confront the feared situation under controlled conditions using relaxation therapy to diminish
their anxiety.
In contrast ‘flooding’ allows marked anxiety to develop through encounters with extreme
phobic situations from the beginning of treatment. The sufferer is exposed to the feared
situation or object directly until the anxiety response is overcome. This approach is quicker than
desensitisation therapy, but its suitability for a particular individual will depend upon their age,
physical condition and motivation.
Cognitive restructuring/cognitive therapy

These techniques are aimed at altering the way a person perceives himself and the outside world
as well as the way he thinks. They involve training the individual to identify thoughts or beliefs
that have previously been associated with anxiety and to change these into more positive and
helpful thought patterns.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)

This is a strategy which combines elements of both behavioural and cognitive therapy.
Rational analysis of symptoms, talking through difficult occasions, encouragement to make
positive self-statements, facing up to, rather than avoiding problems, are all methods used to
demonstrate the self-limiting nature of attacks.
Computerised CBT (CCBT) is now available and is an attractive proposition in primary care since
it is cost-effective and does not require a skilled professional. In February 2006, NICE issued
guidance (Technology Appraisal Guidance Number 97) on the use of CCBT, which was a review
from their earlier guidance from 2002. The re-appraisal of the use of CCBT for depression and
anxiety recommends two CCBT packages: ‘Beating the Blues’ for the management of mild and
moderate depression and ‘Fearfighter’ for the management of panic and phobia.
Combined pharmacological and psychological treatments

Combinations of pharmacological and psychological treatments may have advantages or
disadvantages for the patient. Combined pharmacological and psychological treatments have
been shown to be of benefit in the treatment of OCD, panic disorder, agoraphobia and GAD.
On the other hand, medication may reduce the symptoms to a point where the patient stops
the psychological treatment because he believes it is not necessary or an anxiolytic may impair
learning, memory and concentration to the point where psychological treatments lose their
effectiveness.
A summary of treatment choices is presented in Table 8.
Table 8 Summary of treatment choices

Disorder Possible medication Psychological therapy
Acute stress Benzodiazepines – short course
GAD Buspirone, TCAs /SSRIs, Psychotherapy, CBT, Relaxation,

Beta-blockers, Benzodiazepines, Anxiety management
Venlafaxine SR
Panic disorder TCAs/SSRIs, Benzodiazepines and CBT

SSRIs, MAOIs? Valproate? Inositol?
Agoraphobia Benzodiazepines – short course Behavioural therapy,

Group therapy, CBT
Social phobia MAOIs/RIMAs, MAOIs and Behavioural therapy

benzodiazepines
Specific phobias Medication is not effective Behavioural therapy
PTSD TCAs/SSRIs Psychotherapy, Counselling
OCD TCAs/SSRIs CBT
Performance anxiety Beta-blockers

Exercise 11
True or false?
1. A person who suffers from social phobia will always sit at the back
of a crowded room if they can.
2. The optimum dose of an SSRI in the treatment of panic disorder is

usually half the optimum antidepressant dose.
3. Chronic treatment with buspirone can lead to tolerance.
4. GAD occurs typically for the first time in middle age.
5. Isobel tends to panic when her daughter is late home from school.
Therefore she must suffer from panic disorder.
6. Psychological straegies in the management of phobias tend to work

better than medication.
7. There is a genetic component to the aetiology of panic disorder.
8. For an accurate diagnosis of GAD DSM-IV requires the symptoms to

have been present for three months.
9. Phobias respond well to medication.
10. Monamine oxidase inhibitors may be effective in the treatment of

panic disorder.
11. Antipsychotics may be useful in the treatment of GAD.
12. Agoraphobia is a fear of farmers.

Case study 5
Maggie
Maggie sits in the doctor’s surgery wringing her hands and crossing and uncrossing her legs.
She is complaining of upper epigastric pain which persists despite her trying every antacid on
the chemist’s shelves. She has had several endoscopies, none of which revealed any abnormality.
She has also mentioned lower back pain and numerous headaches which do not seem to
respond to the common analgesics.
She is a frequent visitor to the doctor who can never find anything wrong with her. She says she
is worried about the future, but cannot explain why exactly. Every time she thinks about it her
heart races and she breaks out in a cold sweat. Sometimes she thinks she is going to have a heart
attack. The doctor tells her she should go out more and find a hobby to occupy her time. She
replies that she never feels well enough. He reassures her that nothing is wrong, but knows full
well that she will be back to see him very soon. She has been like this for the last two years ever
since her son got married.
What diagnosis might you suggest for Maggie?
What supports this suggestion?
What would you suggest the doctor might prescribe for Maggie? Give your reasons.
Is there any other help that might be available?

Summary
Anxiety is a normal response to danger but pathological anxiety can lead to profound personal
distress and grossly impaired functioning. Anxiety presents in many ways, from the chronic,
pervasive, exaggerated response to everyday stressors characterised by generalised anxiety
disorder, to the acute, intense, irrational fear associated with phobias. Cognitive symptoms are
often accompanied by physical symptoms and frequently lead to adaptive behaviours which
further reinforces the individual’s state of anxiety.
Psychological therapies are more effective than pharmacological treatments in the long-term
management of anxiety states, but drug therapy remains a valuable treatment modality, alone or
in combination with non-drug interventions, for many individuals.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this section you should be able to:
1. Identify the symptoms of anxiety.
2. Discuss the various neurotransmitters and physiological mechanisms involved in anxiety.
3. Identify and appreciate the clinical features of the major anxiety disorders.
4. Make use of the main pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies used in the
treatment of anxiety as appropriate to your practice.
Further reading
Bailly D. The role of beta adrenoceptor blockers in the treatment of psychiatric disorders. Drug
Ther: CNS Drugs 1996; Feb 5 (2):115-136.
Baldwin, Mallery and Inman-Meron. Understanding obsessive-compulsive disorder: Is it in a class
of its own? Prog Neurol Psychiatry 1997;1(1):18-21.
Ed. Briley M. and Nutt D. Anxiolytics (Milestones in Drug Therapy series). Birkhäuser, 2000
Boerner RJ, Moller HJ. The value of selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in the treatment
of panic disorder with and without agoraphobia. Int J Psych Clin Pract 1997;1:59-67.
Handley S. Future Prospects for the Pharmacological Treatment of Anxiety. CNS Drugs
1994;2(5):397-414.
Lader M. Combining pharmacological and psychological treatments of anxiety. Prog Neurol
Psychiatry 1997;1(1):233.
Logan K, Freeman C. Social phobia: guide to diagnosis and treatment. Prescriber 19 November
1997 pp.79-84.
Mallery, Inman and Baldwin. Managing obsessive-compulsive disorder: serotonin and therapy.
Prog Neurol Psychiatry 1997;1(2):12-16.
Schweizer E, Rickels K. The long-term management of generalised anxiety disorder: Issues and
dilemmas. J Clin Psychiatry 1996;57(S7):9-14.
Suggested answers
Psychological symptoms of anxiety Other possible diagnoses
Poor concentration Sensitivity to noise Depression

Bad dreams/night terrors Repetitive worrying thoughts Dementia
Anticipation Disturbed sleep Schizophrenia
Difficulty in getting off to sleep Fear Drug/alcohol abuse or
Restlessness Irritability withdrawal
Physical/somatic symptoms of anxiety
Throbbing in the neck Palpitations Cardiac problem
Nausea Sweating Hiatus hernia
Epigastric pain Chills Menopausal problems
Poor appetite Trembling UTI
Discomfort/pain over the heart Awareness of missed beats Gastric ulcer
Butterflies in the stomach Loose motions/diarrhoea Thyrotoxicosis
Excessive wind Failure of erection Phaechromocytoma
Hot flushes Amenorrhoea Hypoglycaemia
Frequency/urgency of micturition Loss of libido Excessive caffeine intake
Respiratory symptoms of anxiety
Difficulty with inhaling Breathlessness Asthma
Parasthesia due to overbreathing Tightness over the chest Chronic obstructive
Tinnitus Dizziness pulmonary disease
Faintness Tingling in the hands and feet
Musculoskeletal symptoms of anxiety
Back ache Neck ache Back problems
Headache Neuralgia
Exercise 10 (page 117) True or false?
1. The pituitary body is particularly associated with the expression False

of anxiety.
2. GABAergic neurones are anxiogenic. False
3. The cortex is the main site of action of many of the anxiolytics False
currently prescribed.
4. A person suffering from anxiety symptoms always suffers both False

somatic and psychological symptoms.
5. The PAG is the seat of panic. True
6. If the physical symptoms of anxiety are alleviated the psychological False

symptoms will automatically remit.
7. Adrenaline is one of the main neurotransmitters associated with False

anxiety.
8. GABA CCK and Neuropeptide Y are all inhibitory transmitters. False
9. Serotonin is predominantly anxiogenic in the limbic system and True

forebrain and anxiolytic in the PAG.
10. Anxiety is thought to be due to downregulation of 5-HT receptors. False
11. CCK has anxiogenic properties. True
12. Benzodiazepines exert their anxiolytic effect by opening a chloride False

ion channel which thus desensitises the neurone.
13. Neuropeptide Y is anxiolytic. True

Exercise 11 (page 128) True or false?
1. A person who suffers from social phobia will always sit at the back True
of a crowded room if they can.
2. The optimum dose of an SSRI in the treatment of panic disorder is False

usually half the optimum antidepressant dose.
3. Chronic treatment with buspirone can lead to tolerance. False
4. GAD occurs typically for the first time in middle age. False
5. Isobel tends to panic when her daughter is late home from school. False
Therefore she must suffer from panic disorder.
6. Psychological strategies in the management of phobias tend to work True

better than medication.
7. There is a genetic component to the aetiology of panic disorder. True
8. For an accurate diagnosis of GAD DSM-IV requires the symptoms to False

have been present for three months.
9. Phobias respond well to medication. False
10. Monamine oxidase inhibitors may be effective in the treatment of True

panic disorder.
11. Antipsychotics may be useful in the treatment of GAD. True
12. Agoraphobia is a fear of farmers. False

Case study 5 – Maggie (page 129)

What diagnosis might you suggest for Maggie?
Generalised anxiety disorder.
What supports this suggestion?

● She appears anxious and apprehensive in her body language.
● She is worried but does not really know why.
● She has several somatic symptoms which do not appear to have a physical cause.
● She has been the same for a long time.
● Her ‘perceived ill health’ is stopping her enjoying life.
What would you suggest the doctor might prescribe for Maggie? Give your reasons.
A chronic treatment for generalised anxiety disorder such as an SSRI, buspirone or possibly
venlafaxine. An SSRI might cause an initial exacerbation of some of her symptoms and should
be started cautiously – a short course of diazepam may be needed initially. Buspirone may take
some time to be effective but would not exacerbate her symptoms – this delay would probably
not matter in view of the chronicity of her condition. At an effective dose it would be more
expensive than an SSRI.
Is there any other help that might be available?

A therapist or CPN might be available to offer anxiety management or relaxation training.
Chapter 7 Sleep disorders
Objectives
● describe a normal sleep pattern
● relate examples of the factors which can affect sleep patterns
● describe the non-pharmacological treatment strategies for insomnia
● advise on appropriate pharmacological treatment of insomnia
● discuss the NICE guidance on the use of the ‘Z’ hypnotics
● discuss the presentation and management of some other sleep disorders
Chapter 7
Sleep disorders
7.1 Sleep
Sleep is a vital biological process that is necessary to restore both body and mind. It is usually
taken for granted, unless it is disturbed. Sleep disorders, although not dangerous in themselves,
have a profound effect on quality of life, relationships, employment and personal safety.
Wakefulness and sleep are controlled by specific nuclei embedded in the mid-brain and
hind-brain. Sleep patterns are generally linked to environmental changes – primarily the
day– night cycle. Neurotransmitters such as serotonin (5-HT), noradrenaline, acetylcholine and
gamma-aminobutyric acid are all thought to be implicated in the sleep –wake cycle.
Sleep is encouraged by the absence of provoking stimuli. These sensory stimuli stimulate the
Reticular Activating System (RAS), especially if they are intense, varying or meaningful. Activation
of the RAS opposes sleep processes.
Studies have identified a pattern consisting of five different stages of sleep which can be divided
into two distinct physiological states known as rapid eye movement (REM) and non-rapid eye
movement (non-REM) sleep.
REM sleep
Is characterised by rapid sweeping of the eyes under the eyelids. During this phase blood
circulation to the brain is increased, dreaming is common and the brain shows a high level of
activity. A person in REM sleep is in the deepest stage of sleep and difficult to wake. REM sleep is
thought to be associated with the restoration of memory, the repair of brain tissue and the laying
down of memories.
Non-REM
Sleep can be divided into four stages characterised by a gradual slowing of electrical activity
within the brain, progressive relaxation of the muscles and slower more regular breathing:
Stage 1
Starts with yawning and the eyes beginning to feel heavy, represents the transition from
wakefulness to sleep
Stage 2
Represents the first real stage of deep sleep
Stages 3 and 4
Initially occur about an hour after falling asleep and are collectively known as ‘slow wave sleep’
or ‘deep sleep’.
A normal sleep pattern

Cycling between REM and non-REM sleep continues during a normal night in periods of
approximately ninety minutes. This pattern is referred to as ‘sleep architecture’. Progressively
shorter and shorter cycles of non-REM sleep are interspersed with lengthening periods of REM
sleep, which ensures that both body and mind are rested and refreshed on waking. During sleep
deprivation, non-REM sleep outweighs REM sleep. This disturbs the sleep architecture, leaving the
sufferer feeling tired and unrefreshed on waking.
What is a good night’s sleep?

There is considerable individual variation in the normal sleep pattern. What seems to be
important is not the actual time spent sleeping but the balance between non-REM and REM
sleep; that is the quality of sleep or sleep architecture.
The need for sleep is at least in part influenced by daytime activity, the need for growth and basal
metabolic rate. People whose metabolic rate is naturally high during the day have more non-REM
slow wave sleep and sleep longer than people whose metabolic rates are lower. Infants have the
most slow wave sleep and the amount declines with age, paralleling the decline in cerebral and
body metabolism that accompanies old age. For instance, sleep time at night is reduced to about
six hours in a 70-year-old with daytime napping reducing it even further. Old people also have
much less slow wave sleep and more awakenings after they have gone to sleep.
Although sleeplessness is common, it is by no means trivial. Difficulty in sleeping can be extremely
distressing to the individual, as can the consequences of a lack of sleep. Sometimes merely the
fear of not being able to get to sleep is enough to prevent the onset of sleep.
Sleeplessness can manifest itself in a variety of ways:
● difficulty in falling asleep – problems with sleep latency
● waking during the night several times
● prolonged periods of wakefulness during the night
● early morning waking
● waking in the morning not feeling refreshed.
About one third of all adults will report one or more of the above sleep problems and, in addition
to those who suffer from the above temporary bouts of sleeplessness, there are those people who
suffer from chronic or prolonged insomnia lasting many months or years. This can be severe and
disabling.
7.2 Insomnia
Insomnia is characterised by difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep. It can be caused by a
wide range of factors. See Table 9 below for some examples of the causes of insomnia.
Table 9 Causes of insomnia
Cause Examples
Physical Ageing, pregnancy, medical disorders – pain, incontinence or
the fear of incontinence, a UTI, coughing/wheezing, pruritus,
nocturnal angina, orthopnoea from CHF, menstrual cycle
Psychiatric illness Depression, anxiety, hypomania, panic, dementia, PTSD
Dietary factors Caffeine, alcohol, chocolate
Social/psychological Bereavement, work stress, financial worries, relationship
difficulties
Environmental Noise, cold, heat, a snoring partner, a restless partner,
small children, staying up late or coming home late,
allergies (to mattress etc)
Sleep/wake cycle disturbance Shift work, jet lag
Drugs – direct effect CNS stimulants
Drugs – chronic use Cardiovascular drugs, beta-blockers, some antidepressants
Drugs –withdrawal Opioids, benzodiazepines
Insomnia is rarely a diagnosis in its own right – it is usually a symptom of some other condition.
There are two aids to assist in establishing a diagnosis and identifying possible aetiological
factors when presented with an individual complaining of problems sleeping. The first is to
take a detailed sleep history. Areas of enquiry include the following:
● nature of the specific sleep problem
● onset, duration and cause of symptoms
● 24-hour sleep-wake cycle
● daily routine, dietary habits, lifestyle
● drug use, prescribed and illicit
● psychiatric/medical history
● family history of sleep disorder
● psychological profile
● life events
● current social situation.
It is also important at this stage to try to elicit any signs or symptoms of anxiety or depression
and to assess the patient for any physical disorder that may be causing them night-time
discomfort.
A sleep history such as this will reveal most of the cardinal signs and symptoms of the common
sleep disorders. Information from a partner or carer may also be of use here. A small minority of
patients may require polysomnography or other special laboratory investigation for an accurate
diagnosis. It is also often helpful to send the patient away with a sleep diary in which they record
details of their routine.
Insomnia may be classified according to duration into:
Transient
Lasting only a few days.
This is usually situational and may be the result of jet-lag, short-term hospitalisation or minor
stress. It is usually self-limiting, not requiring treatment. It may also be a case of rebound insomnia
caused by withdrawal from hypnotic or anxiolytic drugs, particularly the benzodiazepines.
Short term
Lasting one to four weeks.
This may be caused by such things as shift work, illness or bereavement. It usually ceases when
the cause is removed. If there is an underlying physical or psychiatric problem then this should be
treated accordingly.
Chronic or long term

Lasting for more than a month.
This can be caused by any of the factors identified in Table 7, but more often results from
long-standing poor sleeping habits (poor sleep hygiene). In a minority of insomniacs this may have
started in infancy. In such individuals there may be a ‘conditioned insomnia’ where their whole
routine of going to bed and trying to sleep has become associated with a low expectation of success.
Is lack of sleep harmful?

Many people worry because they fear lack of sleep will do them mental or physical harm.
Reassurance can be valuable here. Insomnia is very unpleasant and it can lead to a lack of alertness
the next day but it is not harmful in itself. The sufferer should be aware that they are at extra risk
in performing tasks that require concentration, just as if they had taken a sedative but apart from
that, insomnia does no actual harm.
Insomnia and depression

There is a complicated relationship between depression and sleep. Insomnia is a feature of depression
and untreated insomnia may lead to depression. Medicines that are known to cause depression often
directly cause insomnia. It is not always easy to distinguish between drug-induced insomnia and
persistent insomnia that occurs as part of an underlying condition. This controversy is compounded
by the fact that in the past depression has been treated by sleep deprivation.
Typical sleep problems associated with depression include:
● difficulty in falling asleep
● early REM onset
● increased REM sleep duration

● intermittent wakefulness during the night
● reduced slow-wave sleep
● reversal of the slow-wave distribution in the first and second sleep cycle
● early morning wakening
● not feeling refreshed after sleep.
Some antidepressants, but not the SSRIs, have an immediate effect on sleep, in most cases
resulting in REM sleep suppression and in some cases causing drowsiness and daytime sedation.
Insomnia in elderly people

Sleep patterns change with age, with sleep becoming more fragmented and of a shorter
duration. Although REM sleep is preserved, the elderly tend to sleep more lightly. A healthy
person of 70 is likely to need about two or three hours less sleep than a young adult. In some
cases, it may be that elderly people who complain of insomnia are only experiencing the natural
reduction in their need to sleep that comes with age.
There is considerable evidence linking melatonin, produced by the pineal gland, with the sleep
wake cycle. Circulating melatonin concentrations decrease in old age and its time of secretion is
delayed. Melatonin deficiency thus seems to be a key feature of insomnia in elderly people and
replacement therapy may be beneficial.
Other conditions requiring multiple medications are more common in the elderly and both these
factors can interfere with sleep patterns.
7.3 Management of insomnia

Many people are reluctant to seek help for insomnia, either because they feel that nothing can be
done or because they believe that the only solution is sleeping tablets, to which they may become
addicted.
However, there are other, non-drug treatment strategies and these are becoming more and more
popular. They include herbal remedies, aromatherapy, relaxation therapy and the promotion
of healthy sleeping habits. When all else has failed it is sometimes necessary to consider drug
treatment, but only for short-term use. Hypnotics can improve the quality of life if used correctly.
Non-pharmacological strategies for the management of insomnia
Good sleep hygiene advice

When taken seriously, sleep hygiene advice can avoid the necessity for a hypnotic and improve
the quality of sleep. Such advice includes:
● Establish a regular routine – go to bed and get up at the same time each day.
● Say ‘no’ to naps – try not to sleep during the day.
● Cut out late cravings – avoid caffeine-containing drinks such as tea, coffee and cola,
particularly at bedtime. If necessary, avoid any drink close to bedtime to avoid having to get
up to go to the toilet. Reduce alcohol and nicotine intake just before bed-time and avoid
rich foods.
● Relax before retiring – a warm bath, soft music or a good book can help to put you in the
mood for sleep.
● Unwind the mind – put anxieties away and gently let the mind and body unwind before
bed. Try writing down unsolved problems and filing them away until the morning. Relaxation
exercises or a relaxation tape can help clear an overactive mind.
● Exercise early – take plenty of day-time exercise and fresh air, but avoid too much exercise
close to bed-time.
● Comfort comes first – sleep in a comfortably warm, dark, well-ventilated, quiet room in a
comfortable bed. Make sure you have warm feet. A milky drink before bed-time may help.
● Go to bed to sleep – do not read or watch television in bed, put the light out straight away.
● If all else fails – get up and do something else in another room. Only go back to bed when the
urge to sleep has returned.
Sleep diaries
Some people find it difficult to develop a good sleep routine. It may be useful for them to keep
a sleep diary, making a note of the times of going to bed and waking, periods of wakefulness,
evening activities and how they affect sleep patterns plus a note of food and drink consumed
during the evening. This information can promote changes to lifestyle to adopt a better routine
and improve the quality of sleep.
Preventing racing thoughts

Racing thoughts that continually circle the mind are a very common cause of sleeplessness.
Assuming another psychiatric disorder has been excluded, these can be dealt with by:
● spending half an hour relaxing before going to bed
● trying to keep eyes open in the dark
● ignoring irrelevant ideas and thoughts
● thinking pleasant thoughts in bed
● emphasising positive achievements
● maintaining a positive attitude to being able to get to sleep
● visualising a pleasant scene.
Herbal remedies
A variety of herbal remedies is available without prescription from pharmacies, health stores and
supermarkets, which claim to help relaxation and promote sleep. These often contain valerian,
gentian, passiflora, humulus and hops either alone or in combination. Others recommend
sleeping on herb-filled pillows.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy, using lavender oil, introduced into a room via an odour diffuser, has been
reported as being successful in replacing drug treatment for insomnia in a small psychogeriatric
unit. Many people use lavender oil on their pillows at night but this is not advisable for people
with epilepsy.
Melatonin
Melatonin replacement therapy may prove beneficial in alleviating sleep disorders in the elderly.
It may also have a specific effect in restoring the sleep patterns of those suffering from ADHD and
has been shown to be effective in minimising jet lag.
Pharmacological treatment of insomnia

Drug treatment is not always needed or desirable, but if insomnia is severe and disabling, a
hypnotic should be prescribed at the lowest possible dose, ideally to be taken intermittently and
for no longer than seven nights. The reason for this is that many hypnotic agents are particularly
prone to produce tolerance and dependence. All hypnotics are licensed for short-term use only
and none should be taken for longer than two to four weeks, including the tapering-off period.
An important property of a hypnotic is that the person taking it should awake refreshed with no
‘hangover’ the following day. Therefore agents with a short elimination half-life are usually preferred.
However, some people complain that whilst these agents induce sleep rapidly, their effect is only
short-lived resulting in wakefulness in the early hours. Rather than doubling the dose at bedtime, it can
be more effective to reserve part of the dose to be taken on waking in the early hours.
The most important principle is to avoid hypnotic therapy if at all possible. Even short-term
use can, on occasions, result in long-term harm. For instance, there is evidence that the use of
benzodiazepine hypnotics following bereavement may actually prolong the adaptive response by
their effects on memory, thus increasing the risk of the individual developing an abnormal or even
pathological grief reaction.
Withdrawal symptoms, in particular rebound insomnia, may occur when a hypnotic is abruptly
discontinued, but its reintroduction should be resisted. Prolonged use of any hypnotic may lead
to both psychological and physiological dependence.
The following all have sedative/hypnotic properties, either as a result of histamine H1 blockade or
the potentiation of GABA – but not all are recommended for use in the treatment of insomnia:
● barbiturates
● clomethiazole
● chloral derivatives
● phenothiazines
● benzodiazepines
● cyclopyrrolones
● imidazopyridines
● pyrazolopyrimidines
● tricyclic antidepressants
● antihistamines.
Barbiturates
Before the introduction of the benzodiazepines, barbiturates were frequently prescribed as
hypnotics. Nowadays they are rarely used for this purpose because they carry such a high risk of
dependence, daytime sedation and withdrawal phenomena.
Clomethiazole
Clomethiazole potentiates the effect of GABA. Like the barbiturates it is dangerous in overdose
especially in combination with alcohol. Tolerance may develop and it can cause dependence. It is
no longer considered suitable for routine use in the elderly, but may on occasions be of use in the
short term for addressing extreme agitation or aggression in this particular client group.
Chloral derivatives
Chloral derivatives, like the barbiturates, work by potentiating the effects of GABA. Chloral
derivatives may cause dependence as well as confusion, skin rashes, gastric irritation, marked
respiratory depression and hypotension and are dangerous in overdose.
Phenothiazines
These are histamine H1 antagonists, which accounts for their sedative effects. Promazine and
low-dose chlorpromazine are sometimes used as night sedatives, especially when there is an
underlying anxiety or associated agitation, particularly in the elderly. They may be an appropriate
choice when smaller doses are already being prescribed during the day for anxiety or agitation.
Benzodiazepines
Whilst all of the benzodiazepines have the capacity to induce sleep at a certain dosage,
nitrazepam, temazepam and lormetazepam are the most popular. Benzodiazepines disturb
sleep architecture: sleep-time is increased overall but the amount of slow wave and REM sleep is
reduced. Light sleep is prolonged which mainly accounts for the increased sleeping time.
The shorter-acting ones, temazepam and lormetazepam should be tried first before the
longer-acting nitrazepam, flunitrazepam and flurazepam which have the capacity to cause
daytime confusion and drowsiness due to their long-elimination half-lives and accumulation of
active metabolites. Daytime performance and memory can therefore be affected and tolerance to
the hypnotic effect may develop.
Abrupt discontinuation may lead to rebound insomnia and withdrawal symptoms. Although
generally safe in overdose, pronounced respiratory depression can occur when benzodiazepines
are taken in combination with alcohol.
Cyclopyrrolones
Zopiclone is the only cyclopyrrolone marketed for insomnia. Benzodiazepine receptors have
been subdivided into BZ1, BZ2 and BZ3 subtypes (also known as omega 1, 2 and 3). Which one is
present on a GABA-A/chloride complex depends on which sub-units are present. The GABA-A/
chloride complex consists of 5 protein sub-units surrounding the central channel. These sub-units
are a ‘mix and match’ of five from 13 or more different types available. The benzodiazepines bind
non-selectively to all three. Zopiclone binds preferentially to only two of the three benzodiazepine
receptor subtypes. This may account for its predominantly hypnotic rather than anxiolytic effect.
The elimination half-life of zopiclone, as well as its active metabolite is 3.5 to six hours. It therefore
has a low incidence of residual daytime problems. It has been reported as providing sleep of six to
eight hours’ duration. A dose of 7.5 mg delays the onset of the first period of REM sleep but does
not consistently affect the overall duration of REM sleep. It does not therefore appear to disturb
sleep architecture.
Imidazopyridines
The only imidazopyridine currently on the market is zolpidem. It is structurally unrelated to all
other hypnotics. It binds preferentially to only one of the benzodiazepine receptor subtypes
which probably accounts for its predominantly hypnotic effect. It has been shown to be as
effective a hypnotic as flunitrazepam, flurazepam and oxazepam.
Psychomotor or cognitive function the morning after a night-time dose of zolpidem is not
impaired compared to placebo. It is rapidly absorbed, being effective within 30 minutes and it is
effective for up to six hours with the elimination half-life being about two hours. It is metabolised
by the liver but there are no active metabolites.
In the elderly and those patients with impaired liver function plasma concentrations are
increased. REM sleep is not affected by the normal adult dose of 10 mg. Overall sleep duration is
increased and this is accounted for by an increase in non-REM sleep.
Pyrazolopyrimidines
Zaleplon is a novel pyrazolopyrimidine sedative recently marketed as a hypnotic. It binds
selectively as an agonist at the omega 1-benzodiazepine receptor subtype, like zolpidem. It has
the most rapid elimination rate of any hypnotic in clinical use and no active metabolites.
Clinical studies have shown that zaleplon is a safe and effective hypnotic, with a minimum
effective dose for non-elderly patients of 10 mg. No serious adverse events were reported by
volunteers treated with up to 60 mg as a single dose, only mild headache and dose-related
extensions of the drug’s pharmacological activity.
Zaleplon is licensed for the treatment of sleep initiation problems at the beginning of the night, but its
extremely short duration of action may allow a second dose later, without risk of residual drowsiness
the following morning. This would be an advantage for patients who have sleep maintenance
problems or difficulties resuming sleep after being awakened in the middle of the night.
Hypnopompic hallucinations and disinhibition syndromes

All short-acting compounds which act at the benzodiazepine receptor can give rise to
hypnopompic hallucinations – persistence of the imagery of a dream into the waking state.
These sensory disturbances can happen to anyone on waking unexpectedly, but are more
common after a dose of a short acting hypnotic. Triazolam, the short-acting benzodiazepine
withdrawn from the market a few years ago, was best known for this, but it can also occur
with zopiclone and zolpidem. Disinhibition syndromes have also occurred with the use of
ultra short-acting hypnotics and this was the reason for the withdrawal of triazolam.
Tricyclic antidepressants
These should not be used for their sedative effects alone, which are due mainly to their histamine
H1 antagonism, but only when there is evidence of an underlying mood disorder. Their
side-effects and toxicity outweigh any potential benefit when used purely as sedatives.
Antihistamines
There is little data to support the use of antihistamines as hypnotics but there may be a place for
them in certain selected cases especially where insomnia is exacerbated by a skin irritation in the
elderly or small children. Most produce residual sedation due to their long half-lives and they can
be toxic in overdosage.
Withdrawal of hypnotics
Following abrupt discontinuation of hypnotics, relapse of insomnia to pre-treatment levels or
worsening of insomnia (rebound) may occur. The severity of this depends on the type of drug
taken as a hypnotic, the dose and the length of treatment. Withdrawal reactions to zopiclone and
zolpidem after treatment for up to four weeks have only occasionally been reported and occur
significantly less often than with the benzodiazepines. To date, rebound effects have not been
reported with zaleplon but there is not yet much long-term data on the newer compounds.
Both zolpidem and zopiclone are potentially useful for withdrawing patients from long-term
benzodiazepine dependency especially when tapering the dose of the benzodiazepine has failed.
Dependence
It must be remembered that prolonged use of any hypnotic may lead to both psychological
and physical dependence. Studies of up to four weeks of zopiclone and zolpidem use have not
demonstrated evidence of dependence or withdrawal problems. However, it appears that they
can cause dependence with long-term use. As with all hypnotics, the risk increases in those
patients at risk as a result of previous drug misuse and dependent personalities.
The use of hypnotics in the elderly

It may be entirely natural for a person to wake during the night, get up, potter about and then
go back to bed when they are ready. Such behaviour needs correcting only if it is troublesome or
dangerous to the individual concerned. The need for hypnotics may be reduced or avoided if the
elderly person is more active during the day and avoids day-time naps. Attention to good sleep
hygiene is therefore important.
In 1988 a British survey showed that over a million elderly people took a prescribed hypnotic
every single night. Elderly people should not take the older hypnotics on a long-term basis
because of the risks of residual daytime sedation and consequent falls. Impaired renal function
prolongs the effects of these drugs, further increasing the risks. Long-term use of these older
drugs is still prevalent in residential care. Consideration should be given to substituting these
hypnotics with the newer shorter acting ones.
Great care should be taken when withdrawing an older hypnotic after long-term administration
in an elderly person; for instance, fitting may occur if withdrawal is carried out too abruptly.
Hypnotics and driving

There are not many on-road driving studies examining the residual effects of hypnotics. Current
knowledge is largely limited to neuropsychological studies, which have mostly been single dose
studies. These indicate that the risk is greater for the older, longer half-life compounds. However,
a short half-life does not necessarily confer less risk and zopiclone, in particular, stands out as
increasing the risk of a road traffic accident, the risk appearing to be greater early in the course of
treatment.
Exercise 12
Consider the following vignettes and answer the questions attached giving brief reasons for
your answers. Some suggested answers may be found at the end of this chapter.
a. Betty has severe arthritis and has recently had a hip replacement. She is in constant pain and
is unable to sleep at night because she can’t get comfortable.
Would a sleeping tablet help Betty?
b. Tracey is 34 years old. She has four small children under five and her husband has just left her.
She is worried that she will not be able to pay the bills. She goes to her doctor complaining of
daytime tiredness due to the fact that she is not sleeping at night.
What, if anything, should the GP prescribe?
c. Cyril is 70 and retired. He has recently given up his allotment as it was too much for him.
He has started getting up in the night to make a pot of tea and read a book for a while before
going back to bed. This disturbs his wife who says that he must go to their doctor to get a
sleeping tablet.
Is Cyril’s wife correct?

NICE guidance on the management of short-term insomnia

with zaleplon, zolpidem and zopiclone
This Technology Appraisal Guidance Number 77 was published in April 2004.
www.nice.org.uk/pdf/TA077fullguidance.pdf
The main points may be summarised as follows:
● When hypnotics are considered appropriate for the management of severe insomnia that is
interfering with normal daily life, they should be prescribed for short periods of time only,
strictly in accordance with their licensed indications.
● There is no compelling evidence to distinguish between the ‘Z’ hypnotics and the
shorter-acting benzodiazepines. Thus the agent with the lowest purchase price should be
prescribed, taking into account the daily dose and price per dose.
● Switching from one of the ‘Z’ hypnotics to another should only occur if a person experiences
adverse effects directly related to the hypnotic; then a compound with a higher acquisition
cost may be used.
● A patient who has not responded to one of the ‘Z’ drugs should not be switched to any of the
others.
This guidance is intended to lead to a reduction in overall prescribing of hypnotics, as well as
a significant cost saving. In 2002, a total of 3.9 million prescriptions for the ‘Z’ hypnotics were
written with a net ingredient cost of £15.9 million.
7.4 The presentation and management

of other sleep disorders
Other sleep disorders, listed in Table 10, whilst not as common as insomnia, are still widespread in
the general population and may have serious medical and legal implications.
Table 10 Other sleep disorders

Symptom Disorder
Too much sleep – sleeping in the Hypersomnia or excessive day-time sleepiness: narcolepsy,
day-time as well as the night Sleep apnoea syndrome
Sleeping at the wrong time – Sleep –wake cycle disturbance

day instead of night
Unusual happenings in the night Parasonias: Night terrors, Sleep-walking, Nightmares

– may not subjectively disrupt sleep REM behaviour disorder, Sleep paralysis,
Periodic leg movements, Panic attacks
Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is a rare condition with a prevalence of about 0.05%. There is often a delay in making
a diagnosis, with the result that patients may develop problems at school or at work as well as
home before it is recognised that they have this disorder. A lack of public awareness means that
sufferers are often labelled by their peers, employers, teachers or parents as lazy.
The main features of narcolepsy are:
● Short, irresistible episodes of sleep during the day – often at strange times, such as while eating
or holding a conversation.
● Catalepsy – sudden episodes of muscle weakness – such that a person may fall and hurt
themselves – triggered by emotion such as laughter or the anticipation of laughter or fear. It
may be mistaken for epilepsy.
● Sleep paralysis – the inability to move while falling asleep or waking up.
● Hypnagogic and hypnopompic hallucinations – intense auditory or visual experiences which
are difficult to distinguish from reality and which occur at the beginning or end of sleeping
respectively.
● Disturbances of sleep during the night characterised by tossing and turning, leg jerks,
nightmares and frequent waking.
The peak onset of disabling symptoms is between the ages of 15 and 25 although some studies
report about half of patients presenting after the age of 40. Referral to a neurologist is sometimes
necessary to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment involves the use of strong central nervous stimulants.
Amphetamine and related compounds

Agents, such as dexamphetamine and methylphenidate (not licensed in the UK for narcolepsy)
have been used for narcolepsy for many years. They delay sleep and increase alertness but
can cause agitation and paranoid psychosis. Depression and fatigue often follow a period
of stimulation and there is a high rate of tolerance, especially when high doses are used.
Amphetamine abuse as a result of its euphoric effect is not uncommon.
Modafinil
Modafinil is not a general central nervous system stimulant but it does promote alertness and
wakefulness. Unlike the amphetamines it does not increase motor activity nor does it have any
significant effect on sympathetic activity. It does not cause euphoria or any other mood change
and is not hallucinogenic. There is little potential for dependency and so far tolerance has not
been reported. It is effective in about 75% of patients and has a longer duration of action than
amphetamines.
TCAs and SSRIs are treatments for catalepsy with the TCAs, particularly clomipramine, being
more effective but responsible for more troublesome side-effects. Their anti-cataleptic effect is
apparent within the first few days of treatment and thus may be mediated in a different way from
their antidepressant effects. Dreams and nightmares usually partially respond to these treatments
and benzodiazepines may help night-time insomnia.
Sleep apnoea syndrome

This condition is particularly prevalent in middle-aged men with thick necks and is strongly
associated with loud snoring. Normally the airway narrows during sleep but in patients with this
condition it completely collapses. Treatment is often carried out at a specialist sleep-disorder
breathing centre and involves continuous positive airway pressure via a mask worn during the night.
Sleep –wake cycle disorders

The period that we sleep is usually determined by our internal clock, triggered by light cues of
day and night. Many other factors determine our tendency to fall asleep including social and
environmental factors and the length of time since the last sleep period. It is when these factors
do not coincide with the body’s innate circadian sleep-wake rhythm that these disorders occur.
They are characterised by the desire to sleep during the day and the inability to sleep at night.
Jet lag
A rigid adherence to regular routines for eating and exercise should be effective as should the
implementation of simple sleep hygiene measures and the use of appropriately timed light – two
hours of bright light (daylight is best) in the morning and none in the evening.
Shift work
It is often difficult to return to a normal pattern of sleep and wakefulness after a period of shift
work. However, regular shift changes, rotating shifts clockwise and dividing sleep so that there is
a long main sleep period and then a short nap before work can all help. Modafinil is now licensed
for excessive sleepiness associated with ‘moderate to severe chronic shift work sleep disorder’.
Disorders in which environmental cues may be reduced

These include schizophrenia, learning disabilities and visual impairment. Sufferers of these
conditions may have difficulty sleeping at night. This has been managed in the past by a
methodical, systematic shift of sleeping time over a long period. More recently the use of bright
morning light has proved to be a more successful aid in resetting the body clock, accompanied by
a conscious reinforcement of environmental and social cues for waking and sleeping.
Melatonin has been used to re-set the circadian rhythm in these disorders usually at a dose of
2.5 –10 mg at the appropriate phase of the cycle – at night to bring on sleep and in the morning
to delay it. The use of melatonin as a hypnotic has been less successful.
Night terrors and sleep walking

These often co-exist and arise from slow-wave sleep. The patient is usually unaware of these
events, appearing to be asleep and uncommunicative throughout. Injury may occur to himself
or to others. These terrors are thought to be due to a welling up of anxiety from deep centres in
the brain which is normally inhibited by cortical mechanisms. Treatment with benzodiazepines or
paroxetine may be successful.
Nocturnal panic attacks can be distinguished from night terrors by the fact that the patient awakes
fully from light sleep before the symptoms have reached a peak and is fully aware of the attack.
Nightmares
These arise out of REM sleep and are reported by the patient as structured, often stereotyped
dreams which are very distressing. Usually the patient wakes up and remembers the dream in
vivid detail. Psychological treatment or drug treatment with agents that suppress REM sleep, such
as the MAOIs, may be appropriate.
Sleep paralysis
This also arises from REM sleep and is a state of being fully conscious and aware without being
able to move. It only lasts for a few seconds and is usually aborted by auditory or somatosensory
stimuli. It may be due to an incomplete arousal from REM sleep so that consciousness is restored
but the atonia remains. It is extremely frightening, so reassurance is important.
REM behaviour disorder

This is a lack of paralysis during REM sleep so that dreams may be acted out, often resulting in
injury to the individual or others. It can occur as a result of drug or alcohol withdrawal but it may
be chronic and associated with a neurological disorder. Treatment with clonazepam has been
successful.
Periodic limb movements in sleep

Many people experience jerking or kicking movements of the limbs, usually the legs, during
sleep, which tend to increase with age. In some people they become excessive and distressing
and may occur more than 25 times an hour. They can then be associated with arousals from sleep
in which case referral to a specialist sleep centre is indicated.
Summary
Sleep of adequate quality and duration is essential to mental and physical wellbeing. Inadequate
sleep can lead to considerable personal distress and impaired mental and physical functioning.
Non-drug treatments are the preferred intervention for the management of insomnia and
there are many strategies available to help restore satisfactory sleep patterns. Hypnotics should
normally be reserved for the treatment of severe and disabling insomnia.
Learning Outcomes
1. Describe a normal sleep pattern.
2. Use examples of the factors which can affect sleep patterns in the context of your practice.
3. Advise on non-pharmacological treatment strategies for insomnia.
4. Advise on appropriate pharmacological treatment of insomnia.
5. Apply the NICE guidance on the use of the ‘Z’ hypnotics.
6. Assess the presentation and management of some other sleep disorders and advise or refer
as appropriate.
Further reading
Allan Hobson J. Sleep. Scientific American Library 1995. ISBN 0-7167-6014-2.
Jagus CE, Benbow SM. Sleep disorders in the elderly. Advances in psychiatric treatment
1999;5(1):30-38.
Kripke DF, Garfinkel L, Wingard DL, Klauber MR, Marler MR. Mortality associated with sleep
duration and insomnia. Arch Gen Psychiatry 2002;59:131-6.
Novak M, Shapiro CM. Drug induced sleep disorder. Drug safety 1997 Feb. 16 (2) 133-149.
Wilson S, Nutt D. Treatment of sleep disorders in adults. Advances in psychiatric treatment
1999;5(1):11-18.
Yousaf F, Sedgwick P. Sleep Disorders. Brit J Hosp Med 1996 Vol 55 No.6 p353-358
Nutt, D. (2005) NICE: The National Institute of Clinical Excellence – or Eccentricity? Reflections on
the Z drugs as hypnotics. Journal of Psychopharmacology 19 (2) p125-127.
Alford,C and Verster J. (2005) NICE review: not nice for patients! Journal of Psychopharmacology
19 (2) p129-132.
Suggested answers

a. In the first instance Betty’s pain relief should be considered. If it is inadequate, then suitable
adjustment may obviate the need for a sleeping tablet.
b. If Tracey is not showing any symptoms indicative of depression and support and counselling
are not enough, then a short course of a short- acting hypnotic such as zolpidem or
zopiclone – no more than two weeks – may allow her to face her current situation and think
clearly unhindered by sleeplessness.
c. Cyril is showing some of the natural changes in sleep pattern with age – an explanation of
this to his wife is necessary here. Medication is not required. Separate bedrooms may be
the answer!
Chapter 8 Dementias
Objectives
● describe the key differences between the three most common dementias
● discuss the roles of cholinesterase inhibitors and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor
antagonists in various stages of dementia
● identify side-effects of medication and options for their management
● differentiate between the need for non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatments
for associated behavioural and psychological symptoms in dementia (BPSD)
● identify possible ways to improve pharmaceutical care for people with dementia
Chapter 8
Dementias
8.1 Introduction
The dementias are arguably some of the most insidious and cruel of all diseases, with a seemingly
relentless progression from mild memory impairment through to behavioural and personality
changes, to a complete inability for the individual to complete any activities of daily living or to
communicate effectively within their surrounding environment.
Dementia has been described as a syndrome where there is progressive impairment in two or
more areas of cognitive function (these include memory, language, visuospatial and perceptual
ability, thinking and problem-solving or personality) with the result that work, social function
and relationships are affected. This impairment occurs in the absence of delirium (acute
confusional state) or other psychiatric disorders such as depression or schizophrenia. Dementia is
generally irreversible except for a small number of so-called ‘pseudo-dementias’ (about 1% of all
dementias), which are remediable and will be discussed briefly later.
8.2 Epidemiology
The prevalence of dementia varies according to epidemiological studies, the age of the subjects
sampled, the method of determining the presence, severity and type of cognitive impairment
and the regions or countries being studied. However, dementias are primarily a disease of the
elderly, with the prevalence doubling every five years over the age of 65 years. Between the ages
of 65 and 69 years the prevalence is 2% but this rises to 20% in the 85– 89 year-old age group.
The incidence is estimated at one new case per 100 population per year, with the prevalence
being higher in men until the age of 74 years, but higher in women thereafter. In 2001, the
National Institute for Clinical Excellence approximated the number of people with dementia in
England and Wales as 700,000 and of these 400,000 would have Alzheimer’s disease (AD).
8.3 Symptoms1–5
The presence of a dementia may be indicated by any of the following symptoms that cannot be
explained by another cause.
● Memory loss, especially for recent events; in severe dementia, long-term memory is also
impaired (e.g. not recognising family members).
● Difficulties with learning and retaining new information; this may be demonstrated by the
person misplacing objects (e.g. car keys or spectacles) or being more repetitive.
● Having trouble with complex tasks such as cooking, driving or dealing with finances.
● Reduced ability to reason and problem solve.

● Impairment of spatial and visuospatial awareness (e.g. bumping into objects, getting lost
in a familiar place).
● Language problems are demonstrated by an inability to find the right word or to follow
conversations.
● Behavioural changes such as seeming to be more irritable, more passive or withdrawn or more
suspicious (see section 8.8).
The clinical features of dementia are many and varied, with the clinical picture being determined
by the patient’s pre-morbid personality. Individuals with good social skills can maintain a social
façade despite gross intellectual impairment. For example, they may claim that their watch is
broken when they are asked the time, and then they may ask what the time is so that they can
fix their watch. Individuals that are in social isolation or have visual or hearing impairment are
less likely to be able to compensate so well. Generally, the disorder develops gradually and is
often only noticed (by relatives or carers) after a change in social circumstance or physical illness.
Clinical features change over the time-course of the disorder, and are often subdivided into early,
mid and late symptomatology (see Table 11).
Table 11 The changing clinical features of dementia

Early Mid-stage Late-stage
Mood
Anxious Emotions and responses to Often unresponsive

events blunted
Irritable
Sudden mood changes occur,
Depressed
often with explosive angry
outbursts with no cause
Thinking
Slowed and impoverished Syntactical errors (getting Grossly fragmented

content words within a sentence in and incoherent
the wrong order)
Concrete thinking and Speech often meaningless,
decreased flexibility and Nominal dysphasia (impaired unintelligible or the patient
preservation content, order and/or is mute
understanding of speech)
Impaired judgement
False ideas, especially
persecutory, gain ground easily
Speech – searching for words
Table 11 (continued) The changing clinical features of dementia

Early Mid-stage Late-stage
Behaviour
Disorganised, distractible, Self-neglect Disorientated

restless and inappropriate
Neglect of social conventions Incoherent
Loss of interest and initiative
Behaviour often aimless, with Double incontinence
Personality changes – stereotypes and mannerisms
neurotic traits exaggerated occurring
Hallucinations or delusions Wandering
common
Antisocial behaviours,
including sexual disinhibition
and shoplifting
Cognitive function
Impaired memory Impaired attention Disorientation in time,

place and person
Difficulty in new learning Impaired concentration
Memory loss for recent Disorientation in time
events rather than remote
Excuses or confabulation
8.4 Diagnosing dementia1– 5

The most important part of the diagnostic procedure is taking an accurate and detailed history,
paying particular attention to intellectual functioning and neurological symptoms. The mode
of onset and the progression of symptoms should be detailed. Psychological tests, such as a
mini-mental state examination (MMSE) and assessments for depression should be performed as
part of the differential diagnosis process. These can then be used to monitor progression of the
disease or associated depressive states as appropriate.
Dementia presenting in individuals of 65 years or less, has no predominant cause, whereas
dementia presenting in individuals older than 65 years generally has a degenerative or vascular
cause. However, before a diagnosis is made of a progressive dementia, all remediable causes of
dementia should be excluded.
Recent clinical practice research has suggested that as little as 1% of all dementia syndromes may
be remediable, but to establish a ‘probable’ diagnosis of a dementia all other causes need to be
excluded. Remediable causes of dementia include:
● depressive pseudo-dementia
● hypothyroidism
● normal pressure hydrocephalus, other space-occupying lesions in the brain

● vitamin deficiency for example; thiamine, B12, folate, or iron deficiencies and elevated plasma
and total homocysteine levels
● acute confusional state (delirium).
Exercise 13
Suggest five possible causes of an acute confusional state:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Any remediable causes should be identified and treated as early as possible in the presentation
of the illness. An assessment of the degree of disability and the individual’s social circumstance
should be made, and the necessary service support implemented. It is important to improve the
functional ability of the individual as much as possible and relieve any distressing symptoms.
Some of the benefits of early diagnosis are:
● Excludes reversible conditions.
● Helps the patient and their family to plan for future care.
● Allows for personal affairs (e.g. updating wills, deciding on power-of-attorney for future needs)
to be put in order while the patient still has insight.
● Allows the patient to take part in discussions about their future care while they still may have
insight into their condition.
● Allows the early access by the patient and their family of support groups (Alzheimer’s Disease
Association) for further information and planning purposes.
● Helps to determine the prevalence of the disease.
● Allows future research treatments that may slow or halt the progression of the disease to be
more effectively targeted to the right stage of the disease.
● Allows for the appropriate medical treatment to be started at the most beneficial time.
8.5 Classification of the dementias1– 5

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) accounts for about 60% of all cases of dementia. Dementia with Lewy
Bodies (DLB) accounts for about 20% and vascular dementia (VaD) accounts for 10%. The
remaining 10% are generally subdivided into two further classifications:
● Frontotemporal dementias (which include Pick’s disease, frontal lobe dementia with or without
motor neurone disease and the primary aphasias).
● Subcortical dementia syndromes (that is those involving the basal ganglia, midbrain and
brainstem such as Huntington’s chorea; Parkinson’s disease (PD) and/or possibly Parkinson’s
disease dementia (PDD); hypoparathyroidism; multiple sclerosis; AIDS dementia complex and
normal pressure hydrocephalus).
There are many other diverse causes including multiple sclerosis, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, HIV
infection or progressive supranuclear palsy.
There is however considerable overlap of disease states with dementias of mixed aetiology (that
is a combination of AD and VaD, or DLB and PDD) being relatively common. For example it
is estimated that perhaps only 37% of people have pure AD, that 60% are of mixed aetiology
and the remaining 3% comprise all other dementia syndromes. All diagnoses are ‘probable’ as
confirmation is only possible at post mortem.
A useful table of comparisons to aid a diagnosis has been collated to help differentiate between
depression, delirium and dementia (Table 12).
Table 12 Differential diagnosis of depression, delirium and dementia

Depression Delirium Dementia
Onset Sudden Sudden Insidious
Course Generally rapid Fluctuating: Usually stable (except VaD
progression lucid intervals during day, – stepwise deterioration,
worse at night and DLB – fluctuations
in consciousness and
cognitive function during
any day)
Duration Weeks or months Hours to weeks Months or years
Attention Impaired Impaired, distractability Relatively unaffected
Alertness Usually normal Abnormally high or low Usually normal
Orientation Usually impaired Usually impaired Impaired in later stages
for time and place
Memory Person aware of Usually impaired Normal in early stages
memory loss
Thinking Slowed Disorganised, Impoverished
occasionally delusional
Table 12 (continued) Differential diagnosis of depression, delirium and dementia

Depression Delirium Dementia
Speech Poverty, reduced rate Incoherent, rambling Difficulty in finding words
Perception Hallucinations rare – Illusions and Hallucinations absent
usually auditory hallucinations – in earlier stages,
usually visual common later
Sleep – wake Disrupted, Usually disrupted Usually normal
cycle early morning wakening
Source: Adapted from Overshott R, Burns. A Clinical assessment in dementia. Psychiatry,

2004;3(12):13-17. See Further reading
Alzheimer’s disease (AD)

Progressive mental deterioration in old age has been recognised and described throughout
history. However, it was not until the early part of the 20th century that a collection of brain
cell abnormalities were specifically identified by Dr Alois Alzheimer, a German physician, in
1906. He lectured about a woman who had died after years of experiencing severe memory
problems, confusion and difficulty understanding questions. Upon her death, he performed an
autopsy on her brain and described dense deposits outside and around the nerve cells (amyloid
plaques). Inside the nerve cells he noted the presence of twisted bands of fibres (neurofibrillary
tangles). The observation of the plaques and tangles at autopsy is still required to obtain a
definitive diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. The formation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary
tangles (NFTs) are thought to contribute to the degradation of the neurons in the brain and the
subsequent symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease (Figure 6). In Alzheimer’s disease, there is an overall
shrinkage of brain tissue (Figure 7).
Figure 6 Neurofibrillary tangles and amyloid plaques
Neurofibrillary Amyloid
tangles plaques
Neuron
Normal Alzheimer’s
Amyloid is a general term for a family of protein fragments found in the brain. Amyloid is thought to play a
key role in the pathology of Alzheimer’s disease. In a healthy brain, these protein fragments would be broken
down and eliminated. In Alzheimer’s disease, the fragments accumulate to form hard, insoluble fragments.
Neurofibrillary tangles primarily consist of tau protein, which forms part of a structure called a
microtubule. The microtubule helps transport nutrients and other important substances from one part
of the nerve cell to another. In Alzheimer’s disease the tau protein is abnormal and the microtubule
structures collapse.
In the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, short-term memory begins to decline when the cells in
the hippocampus degenerate. The ability to perform routine tasks also declines. As AD spreads
through the cerebral cortex, judgment declines, emotional outbursts may occur and language
is impaired. Progression of the disease leads to the death of more nerve cells and subsequent
behaviour changes, such as wandering and agitation. The ability to recognise faces and to
communicate is completely lost in the final stages. Patients lose bowel and bladder control and
eventually need constant care. This stage of complete dependency may last for years before the
patient dies. The average length of time from diagnosis to death is four to eight years, although it
can take 20 years or more for the disease to run its course (see Table 13).
The cholinergic system is critical to normal memory and other cognitive functions. In AD there
is selective loss of cells in the basal forebrain. These cells produce acetylcholine (ACh) and
project diffusely into the hippocampus, basal nucleus of Meynert and the entorhinal cortex. The
depletion of neurons in this area correlates with memory and cognitive decline in AD.
When the first mild symptoms of AD occur, there is already a significant deficit in ACh. Levels
eventually reduce by 40 – 90% in moderate to severe AD. Other affected neurotransmitter systems
are: noradrenaline; dopamine; serotonin; glutamate and gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA).
Figure 7 Cross-sections of a normal brain and a brain affected by Alzheimer’s disease
Suclus Suclus
Gyrus Gyrus
Ventricle
Language Language
Normal Alzheimer’s
Memory Memory
The sulci (grooves or furrows in the brain) are noticeably widened and there is shrinkage of the gyri
(the folds of the brain’s outer layer). In addition, the ventricles are noticeably enlarged.
A useful reference which explains many of the changes occurring in people with Alzheimer’s
disease in lay language and which also has some helpful illustrative diagrams is Alzheimer’s
Disease: Unravelling the Mystery published by the National Institute of Aging, National Institutes
of Health in 2002. This may be downloaded via
www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimer’s/Publications/UnravelingTheMystery
The majority of AD is idiopathic but risk factors for developing AD so far identified include:
● increasing age
● a family history – familial Alzheimer’s disease (FAD) of late onset is associated with the ApoE ε4
allele on chromosome 19
● Down’s syndrome
● early onset AD is associated with gene mutations on chromosomes 1, 14 and 21.
Research has highlighted that the following factors may also be implicated. These are:
● head injury – amyloid is deposited in the brain within 24 hours of injury
● gender – females have greater incidence than men
● education – a high level of education is a protective factor in FAD
● ongoing intellectual activity – the ‘use it or lose it’ hypothesis suggests continued learning is
protective
● environmental toxin as a neurotoxin rather than a causative factor e.g. excessive alcohol intake,
pesticides, aluminium levels in water or diet.
It is likely that AD occurs as the result of complex interplay between genetic predisposition and
personal and environmental influences.
Table 13 Progression and staging of Alzheimer’s disease

Progression Clinical Presentation Associated physical problems
Early stages Recent memory impairment, forgetting Visospatial problems

1–3 years names, losing direction when out and (e.g. walking into things)
about, depression, impaired activities of
daily living, language difficulties
Mid-stages Amnesia, aphasia, inability to calculate Falls, accidents involving cooking or

2 –10 years solutions, inability to problem-solve, other activities, impaired motor skills,
personality change, behavioural changes may forget to eat and therefore have
e.g. wandering, psychiatric changes e.g. nutritional problems, may be unable
delusions; inability to bathe, eat, toilet or to use the toilet correctly and develop
dress without assistance chafing due to poor hygiene and soiling
Late stages Short and long-term memory loss, Inability to communicate their needs,
8 –12 years mutism or nonsensical speech, posture e.g. hunger, toileting, inability to
becomes rigid and in flexion, double swallow or chew food, decreased
incontinence, complete dependence on immune response, susceptibility
others, seizures to infections increased, double
incontinence, bedridden patients are
at risk of pressure sores developing,
pneumonia
Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB)

Lewy body dementia is a progressive, fluctuating dementia associated with primarily visual
hallucinations, periods of confusion and other psychotic symptoms. It is also associated with early
gait disturbances, extrapyramidal features such as rigidity, bradykinesia, tremor and fixed posture
(signs of parkinsonism). Sufferers demonstrate an extreme sensitivity to the extrapyramidal
side-effects of antipsychotic medication. This may be explained by deficits in nigrostriatal
dopamine neurones. Treatment with antipsychotics is best avoided where DLB is suspected.
Lewy body dementia is characterised by the histological feature of the presence of Lewy bodies
(an intracellular inclusion of a round hyaline mass) in the cerebral cortex and substantia nigra.
Senile plaques may also be present, but NFTs are absent. Lewy bodies are also found in the
post-mortem brains of patients with Parkinson’s Disease, Pick’s disease and Huntington’s chorea.
However, in non-demented Parkinson’s Disease patients, Lewy bodies are predominantly found
in the subcortical regions and the loss of choline acetyltransferase (CAT) in the cortex is modest.
In Parkinson’s Disease patients with dementia (PDD), Lewy bodies are present in the cortex and
there is pronounced loss of CAT.
Vascular dementia (VaD)

Vascular dementia (VaD) generally presents with sudden onset and the dementia follows a
step-wise progression, with periods of stability followed by periods of rapid decline. Generally
there is a history of hypertension, stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA). There are focal
neurological signs (which describe the physical or psychological symptoms directly related to
the area of brain damage) which are absent in AD, and often emotional lability and depression.
Common associated clinical features are early memory problems, apraxia, agnosia, dysarthria
and dizziness. Generally insight is more preserved than in AD, but this often leads to increasing
distress for the patient, as they are more aware of the prognosis of the disease.
In late stage VaD, there is a shuffling gait, which can be distinguished from Parkinson’s disease by
its broad base and preserved arm swing. Fitting and continued episodes of cerebral ischaemia are
also late features of VaD.
Risk factors for VaD include: family history; male gender; hypertension; history of stroke or TIA;
diabetes mellitus; smoking or atrial fibrillation (AF).
The National Service Framework for Coronary Heart Disease education programme aims to
improve the control of hypertension, AF and diabetes in primary care. An improvement in these
areas may result in a decrease in the proportion of vascular dementia observed. Preventative
therapy may include aspirin and the introduction of a statin. Evidence indicates that treatment
with a statin may lower the risk of developing vascular dementia in patients 50 years or older,
independent of the presence or absence of untreated hyperlipidaemia.
Features that distinguish VaD and DLB from AD are illustrated in Table 14.
Table 14 Distinguishing features of VaD and DLB compared to AD

Vascular dementia Dementia with Lewy bodies
Emotional lability and depression Fluctuating course

Sudden onset with stepwise progression Early gait disturbance and parkinsonism
In early stages patient has insight Extreme sensitivity to antipsychotic agents
History of cardiovascular disease Less severely impaired recent memory
Focal neurological signs such as gait Associated with hallucinations, periods of
disturbance, exaggeration of deep tendon confusion and psychotic symptoms
reflexes or weakness of an extremity
Late features include:
shuffling gait with a wide base, seizures and
continued episodes of cerebral ischaemia
CT indicating ischaemia and multiple
infarction
8.6 Assessment tools in dementia

Assessment scales and tools can be used to chart the clinical course of the disease and allow for
comparisons between different population groups and different studies. They generally classify
the stage of AD into categories of mild/early AD, moderate or mid-AD or severe/end stage AD, by
the severity of the clinical features presented. There are also assessment tools to assess cognitive
function; activities of daily living; behaviour, global function, quality of life and caregiver burden.
For an interactive overview see Family Practice Notebook at www.fpnotebook.com/NEU18.htm
(accessed 10 May 2005)
NICE guidance classifies the stages of AD according to an individual’s score on the Folstein Mini
Mental State Examination (MMSE), which is an assessment of cognitive function and scored out
of 30 (indicative of normal function).
Current research guidance on the efficacy of pharmacological treatments in people with
dementia, places emphasis and importance on the use of assessment tools to monitor disease
progress; especially the following:
● Clinicians’ Interview-Based Impression of Change (CIBIC), which is a measure of global outcome.
● Alzheimer’s disease assessment scale – cognitive subscale (ADAS-cog).
● Progressive Deterioration Scale (PDS); which is a measure of functional/quality of life.
● Behavioural Psychological Scale for Dementia (BPSD); which measures the incidence and
severity of behavioural changes.
● Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) which also measures the presence of neuropsychiatric
symptoms.
NICE questions the value of these instruments (except for the MMSE in mild to moderate disease)
to measure the real-life functional changes that may be meaningful to patients and their carers;
for example being able to dress themselves, feed themselves or occupy themselves with a book or
other activity.
8.7 Management of cognitive features of dementia6 –19

The treatment of any neurodegenerative disorder has two principal aims:
● the arrest or delay progression of the disease by increasing the functioning of deficient
neurotransmitter pathways
● the management of any associated behaviour problems.
This therapeutic strategy should be underpinned by the following principles:
● maintaining a safe and structured environment for the patient
● maximising the remaining functional abilities
● ensuring that nutritional needs and any appropriate medical care for concomitant physical
pathology are met
● maintaining the dignity of the patient
● at the end stages of the disorder, adhering to accepted principles of palliative care.
Pharmacological treatment of cognitive symptoms of dementia

There are two classes of pharmacological agents licensed for the treatment of the symptoms
of AD: the cholinesterase inhibitors (donepezil, rivastigmine and galantamine) and the NMDA
receptor antagonists (memantine).
Neurotransmitters and Alzheimer’s disease

Acetylcholine (ACh) is an important neurotransmitter in the brain and spinal cord. Central
cholinergic neurons are of two types, local circuit cells and projection cells.
Local circuit cells have relatively short axons, so that the whole neuron is contained within a single
brain region. Cholinergic nerves in the basal ganglia of the extrapyramidal system are examples of
local circuit cells. Anti-Parkinsonian, atropine-like drugs, that block muscarinic receptors, act here.
Projection cells generally have longer axons and connect two or more different brain regions. The
most important cholinergic projection cells lie in the basal nuclei of the forebrain and send axons to
almost all areas of the cerebral cortex. Cholinergic terminals are therefore widespread in the cortex.
Activation of excitatory presynaptic nicotinic ACh receptors enhances ACh release. It has been
suggested that the presence of these receptors could account for the (disputed) claims of reduced
incidence of Alzheimer’s disease in smokers.
Memantine is a non-competitive antagonist at the phencyclidine binding site within the ion
channels of the Glu-NMDA receptor. At low doses it is thought to prevent the harmful excesses of
excitotoxicity.
Cholinesterase Inhibitors (ChEIs) and Alzheimer’s Disease

In November 2006, NICE reviewed an earlier TA to produce the Technology Appraisal Guidance
Number 111, covering donepezil, galantamine, rivastigmine and memantine (NMDA receptor
treatment antagonist) for the treatment of AD.
The new NICE guidance differs from earlier recommendations in that donepezil, galantamine and
rivastigmine are recommended as options only in the management of patients with moderate
Alzheimer’s disease (MMSE score of between 10 and 20 points). When the MMSE score falls
below 10 points, patients should not normally be prescribed any of these three drugs. As with the
2001 NICE guidance, memantine is not normally recommended as a treatment option for people
with Alzheimer’s disease. The Final Appraisal Determination was issued in
May 2006. The updated guidance is now available via the NICE website; under the section of
www.nice.org.uk/appraisals
NICE also produced a clinical guideline (CG42) for Dementia in November 2006.
http://guidance.nice.org.uk/CG42/niceguidance/pdf/English
SIGN also produced a guideline for Scotland in February 2006 for the ‘Management of patients
with dementia’. www.sign.ac.uk/pdf/qrg86.pdf
These agents however are licensed for the symptomatic treatment of mild to moderate AD and
exert their pharmacological activity by inhibiting the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE) to
increase the availability of acetylcholine (ACh) at sites of neurotransmission. Galantamine also
enhances the action of ACh on nicotinic receptors. Although these agents belong to the same
group they all produce their pharmacological effect in a slightly different way, so if a response to
one agent is not seen, then it is justifiable to try another (See Table 15).
Table 15 Differences in ChEIs

AChEI Donepezil Rivastigmine Galantamine
Dosing 5 –10 mg daily 1.5 – 6 mg daily 8 –12 mg twice daily
Time to serum max 3 –5 hours 0.5– 2 hours 0.5– 1 hour
Effect of food No Yes Yes

on absorption
Serum t 1/2 70 –80 hours 2 hours 5 –7 hours

(8 hours activity)
Protein binding 96% 40% 10–20%
Metabolism and Liver CYP450 (3A4 and No liver metabolism, CI in severe hepatic and
excretion 2D6), Renal excretion Renal excretion renal impairment
Interactions Inhibitors of CYP 3A4 Nil Inhibitors of CYP450

and 2D6 significant 3A4 and 2D6
Cautions with ChEIs

ChEIs should be prescribed with caution in the following patients: those with ‘sick sinus
syndrome’ or other supraventricular conduction abnormalities; patients with concomitant
asthma, obstructive pulmonary disease or those with, or at risk from, peptic ulcer disease.
Rivastigmine should be prescribed with caution in patients with renal impairment or mild
to moderate hepatic impairment. All ChEIs cause gastrointestinal effects such as diarrhoea,
muscle cramps, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, insomnia and dizziness. These are generally mild
and transient, and often disappear within a few days of continued treatment. However in some
patients these effects may be severe and result in significant weight loss. To reduce these effects,
the medication can be taken after food and dose titrations should be over four-week periods
(but remember that this may prolong the time to reach the maximum therapeutic dose),
and an anti-emetic may be prescribed. If there is no history of PD or DLB, then long-acting
metoclopramide may be given during the dose titration period. The alternative is domperidone
at 10 –20 mg three or four times daily.
Selection of any medication for a person with dementia should include an analysis of its
propensity to cause anticholinergic effects. Any of the following agents is likely to produce
anticholinergic effects which will interfere with memory and may exacerbate or cause confusion:
hyoscine, oxybutynin, procyclidine, antipsychotics (including chlorpromazine, thioridazine,
flupentixol, fluphenazine, zuclopentixol, clozapine, olanzapine), tricyclic antidepressants,
furosemide, digoxin and cimetidine.
The controversy of treatment with ChEIs

Treatment with the licensed ChEIs remains a controversial issue, although much of this
controversy is centred on cost. The evidence to date, although compelling in some areas, is yet
to fully prove a long-term benefit in the treatment of AD. Some patients show no benefit, others
improve with time and others continue to decline.
The recently published AD2000 study, found that donepezil was no different from placebo in the
primary endpoints of institutionalisation or disease progression. However, the endpoints of the
trial had been designed to show a difference in a recruitment population of 3000 patients and
only 565 patients entered the study.
Interestingly, the authors of AD2000 commented that when they followed up patients who had
withdrawn from the study they had significantly worse cognitive and functional decline than
those who continued on active treatment.
Withdrawal/switching dilemmas with ChEIs

If a patient seems to have no improvement in objective scores but also no deterioration, it could
be argued that the neurodegenerative process is being held at steady state. Therefore the agent
should be continued. If the patient fails to tolerate the maximum effective dose of a particular
agent it seems appropriate to try an alternative rather than withdrawing treatment altogether.
Some specialist centres have initiated a policy that when a patient’s disease shows sign of
deterioration using objective and subjective measures then the agent should be withdrawn.
However, they stress the importance of careful follow-up of the patient over the next three
months and if the deterioration is increased, to restart the agent. Memantine may be of greater
benefit at this stage in a patient’s treatment as it is licensed for use in patients with moderately
severe to severe Alzheimer’s disease.
There is increasing evidence to support the observation that some patients may respond to a
change in ChEI after an initial trial with a first agent where no response was demonstrated.
Local monitoring procedures for ChEIs

Although NICE recommended a barrage of treatment assessments for patients on ChEIs, many
centres also use indicators that are important to the caregiver and/or the patient. Things such as
being able to make a cup of tea; being able to enjoy an interactive game or completing a simple
jigsaw; being able to take part in conversation; being able to wash, dress or eat for themselves.
Monitoring is often a trade-off between best practice and what is realistically achievable within
the framework of NHS budget and human resource.
Other pharmacological effects of ChEIs

Recent research has suggested that ChEIs are beneficial in reducing behavioural and
psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) as shown in Table 16. Therapeutic efficacy in
VaD, DLB, dementia associated with Down’s syndrome and PDD have also been demonstrated.
These are all unlicensed indications, but as dementias are a syndrome, the use of ChEIs in other
dementias is understandable.
Table 16 Efficacy of ChEIs in reducing behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia

Behaviour Donepezil Rivastigmine Galantamine
Agitation/aggression + + –
Irritability + + –
Anxiety + – +
Abnormal movements – + +
Apathy – + –
Depression – – –
Delusions + + –
Disinhibition + not examined +
Hallucinations – + +
Euphoria – – –
Sleep not examined + –
Appetite not examined + –
Key + statistically significant improvement – no significant effect
NMDA receptor antagonists

Memantine is the first NMDA-receptor antagonist to be licensed in the United Kingdom for the
treatment of moderately severe to severe AD. NMDA is involved in the regulation of glutamatergic
transmission. An excess of glutamate causes overstimulation of NMDA receptors, which allows
free-flow of calcium into the cell. Sustained levels of excess glutamate lead to a chronic overexposure
of calcium, which in turn leads to cell degeneration and ultimately cell death. Memantine binds to
the NMDA receptors to block the glutamate-gated receptor channels. It allows the physiological
activation of the receptors (which are involved in memory formation), but it blocks the pathological
activation (which is involved in cell degeneration).
Dosing starts at 5 mg once daily, increasing to a maximum of 10 mg twice daily, but is reduced in
moderate renal impairment. Concomitant prescribing of other NMDA antagonists should be avoided,
for example amantadine, ketamine and dextromethorphan. The main side-effects are hallucinations,
confusion, dizziness, headache and tiredness.
Memantine may cause significant improvements in cognitive function, behavioural disturbance and
global outcome. There is guidance on the use of memantine in dementias covered by SIGN (February
2006) at www.sign.ac.uk/guidelines/published/index.html and NICE (November 2006) http://
guidance.nice.org.uk/CG42 and http://guidance.nice.org.uk/TAIII/guidance/pdf/English
Future pharmacological strategies in dementia

These include intra-cerebral administration of nerve growth factor or brain stem cells; the
development of 5-HT1A antagonists and anti-amyloid vaccines.
8.8 Management of non-cognitive symptoms20–26
Behavioural and psychological problems

Frank psychiatric changes can include: hallucinations, persecutory delusions, depression and
personality changes. Other features of AD such as irritability, nocturnal wakening, aggressive
behaviour, resistive behaviour and restlessness also present major challenges for carers and
physicians alike. It is important to identify any underlying treatable cause.
Consider the following:
● Is the patient in pain?
● Is there underlying depression?
● Is there a superimposed delirium?
● Is the patient dehydrated?
● Is there an underlying acute confusional state?
● Is the patient’s communication hampered by visual, hearing or speech difficulties?
● Has the patient recently moved from another care environment?
● Is a patient more distressed in certain situations?
It is important to remember that AD is a progressive disorder and that the clinical features that
were a problem at one stage of the illness will not necessarily be the clinical feature presenting
at a later stage. Therefore the need for continued review and judicious use of any medication is
strongly advised. The advice from the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) (see
note below) and the National Service Framework for Older People is to observe the behaviour
for at least one month to determine causes, changes and what stops it, before starting any
pharmacological treatment.
Often it is the behavioural changes that upset family and carers most. Continually being asked the
same question or re-orientating people can be very tiresome. It is important for family and carers
to know that their loved one cannot help their behaviour and sometimes the repeated questions
are because they feel unsafe. The Alzheimer’s Society provides a useful support for family
members. It provides not only advice on how to handle these situations but will also organise
respite care (even for a few hours a day) so that the family can continue to have a semblance
of a life of their own. The Alzheimer’s Society has branches in most locations but further details
can be found at www.alzheimers.org.uk
In Scotland, Alzheimer Scotland provides some useful educational leaflets written in easily
readable language. www.alzscot.org
Note
SIGN Guideline No. 86 ‘Management of Patients with Dementia’ (February 2006) represents a
revision of the previous SIGN Guideline No. 22. Pharmacological interventions, including ChEIs
are assessed only on the basis of their clinical effectiveness. SIGN Guideline No. 86 additionally
endorses the use of ChEIs for the management of associated symptoms in people with
Alzheimer’s disease in addition to its use for treatment of cognitive decline in these people. In
addition, SIGN endorses the use of galantamine in treating cognitive decline in people with
mixed dementias and the use of rivastigmine to treat cognitive decline and in the management
of associated symptoms in people with dementia with Lewy bodies. The guidance is available via
www.sign.ac.uk
Psychotic symptoms
Patients with AD often have associated psychotic symptoms such as persecutory delusions
and hallucinations. Historically these symptoms were often treated with typical antipsychotics
such as thioridazine, haloperidol, promazine or chlorpromazine and more recently with the
atypicals, risperidone or olanzapine. However risperidone and olanzapine were reported by the
Committee on Safety of Medicines as being associated with an increased risk of mortality due to
cerebrovascular events. If an antipsychotic agent is indicated, it should be started at a low dose,
titrated slowly, reviewed regularly and withdrawn as soon as possible.
If psychosis is present, it should be treated, but the use of antipsychotics often extends to control
of antisocial or disruptive behaviours. Almost a decade ago, research demonstrated a statistically
significant association between the rate of cognitive decline and the prescribing of antipsychotics.
Under the OBRA guidelines in the USA such treatment without the patients consent is illegal.
Typical antipsychotics are particularly unsuitable in the elderly because of their higher risk of
EPS, anticholinergic side-effects and tendency to cause postural hypotension (increasing the
risk of falling). Patients with Lewy body dementia are extremely sensitive to the extrapyramidal
side-effects of typical antipsychotics.
Information on current recommended pharmacological treatments in Scotland can be obtained
in the guidance produced by the Royal College of Psychiatrists and SIGN Guideline No. 86
(Feb 2006). www.rcpsych.ac.uk
Agitation
In 1998, the Expert Consensus Guidelines for the Treatment of Agitation in Older Persons
with Dementia were published. These can be accessed via www.psychguides.com. They give
guidance on two treatment strategies – environmental intervention and the use of medication.
The guidelines describe mild agitation as being behaviour which is somewhat disruptive but
non-aggressive such as moaning, pacing, crying or arguing. They describe severe agitation as
behaviour that is aggressive or endangers the patient or others, e.g. screaming, kicking, throwing
objects, scratching others or self-injury.
Their first recommendation is that the family and/or caregiver(s) are educated about dementia
and agitation and are encouraged to join a support group.
The environmental intervention is divided into the subgroups of:
● Physical and psychological structuring, e.g. provide routine, the use of night-lights at night
and bright lights during the day (reinforcement of sleep-wake cycle) and familiar articles such
as family pictures.
● Behavioural interventions – providing reassurance, reducing isolation and providing
stimulating activities.
The most important aim is to identify the trigger for any problem behaviour. For example,
television programmes may trigger aggression especially if the patient has difficulty separating
reality from fantasy.
Depression
This is generally only a problem in the early stages of AD as insight into feelings and awareness
are generally lost by the later stages. An agent with the least anticholinergic and extrapyramidal
side-effects is the drug of choice. Sertraline or citalopram can be used, but these agents can
exacerbate anxiety in the short-term and are also mood-alerting, so should be given in the
morning. Trazodone administered at night is an option if agitation and restlessness are a problem.
Incontinence
As social awareness declines and the patient no longer remembers they actually need to go to the
toilet, or they cannot find the toilet, alternative measures are needed. Taking the patient to the
toilet at regular intervals during the day helps establish a toilet regimen. If the patient is doubly
incontinent, the use of a ‘constipating and laxative’ regimen is often employed. The patient is
kept deliberately constipated using codeine or loperamide and then given a stimulant laxative or
enema once or twice weekly to produce a controlled bowel action. Toilet-training involves less
medication and less distress and discomfort for the patient.
Seizures
Often end-stage AD is associated with the development of seizures. These should be controlled
with the appropriate agent for the patient. Treatment options include sodium valproate and
phenytoin. Treatment should be monitored for efficacy and any possible side-effects or any
change in cognition should be explained to the carer or family.
Sexual disinhibition or sexual aggression

Sexual disinhibition, not uncommon in dementia or other neurodegenerative disorders, is
often manifested as inappropriate nudity, public masturbation, stripping or direct advances.
The patient may simply not realise they are not alone in their own bedroom. Behavioural
management and distraction strategies work well. Medroxyprogesterone and cyproterone
acetate, have been used in male patients for the management of more aggressive sexual
behaviour. An effect is generally seen in 10 to 14 days as testosterone levels are reduced. The
continued need for this medication should be reviewed at regular intervals.
Sleep disorders
Dementia is often associated with a disturbance of the sleep-wake cycle. Even short-acting
benzodiazepines and ‘Z’ hypnotics are not indicated as they result in a classic ‘hangover’ effect
the next morning and can also cause confusion, impair memory and increase the risk of falls.
Small doses of clomethiazole (which increases the inhibitory effects of GABA) can be used for brief
periods to control nocturnal wakening, but it is highly addictive. Psychosocial methods such as
minimising daytime napping, lowering lights, decreasing external stimuli (noise from televisions
and nursing stations), warm milky drinks or a hot bath before bed may also help.
Wandering
Wandering is often aimless and without direction, but unchecked the patient can sometimes
disappear. Treatment with typical antipsychotics is potentially dangerous in ‘wanderers’ with
dementia as they frequently cause confusion and postural hypotension, which increases the risk
of falls in a mobile patient. It is generally safer to ensure the environment is free from obstruction
and allow patients to pace.
8.9 Older people and their medicines27-29

The physiological changes of the ageing process result in altered pharmacokinetics and
pharmacodynamics in the elderly, increasing their risk of adverse drug reactions and iatrogenic
disease. The elderly often suffer from chronic disease and the resulting polypharmacy increases the
risk of drug interactions. Medication should be reviewed frequently; at least once every six months.
Concordance is a significant problem in people with dementia because of the inherent memory
problems. The challenge is to develop an individualised system that helps the person and their
carer or family to manage their medication effectively. NICE guidance insists that the person
needs to have ‘a carer or care worker’ who can ensure compliance with treatment with a ChEI.
This may determine whether a once daily ChEI is prescribed.
The pharmacist needs to consider the patient’s ability to read the label, understand the directions
and access their medication, e.g. blister pack, bottle or compliance aid. A simplified repeat
ordering system with the full quantity supplied each time ensures all medicines can be ordered
simultaneously, minimising scope for confusion.
It is often important to know who else is involved in the patient’s care in case you need to discuss a
change in treatment or functional status. Education of the carer and family is also very important.
Exercise 14
List five areas in which you may be able to provide help or advice when providing medicines for
people with dementia.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

8.10 Communicating with patients

The most important thing to remember when talking to patients with dementia, is that they are
still able to communicate and may enjoy the opportunity to do so. However it is advisable to get
corroborative or supporting information from relatives or caregiver(s) when necessary, e.g. when
taking a medication history. Patients may make things up, rather than upset you, if they think that
they should be able to remember an answer to a question but cannot.
The fundamental principle of communication with patients with dementia is to try and capitalise
on preserved memory systems:
● speak clearly and audibly
● slow your speech rate
● simplify your vocabulary
● simplify your sentences
● use direct language wherever possible
● limit the number of participants in the conversation
● vary the pitch and tone of your voice
● use a pleasant, accepting tone
● talk about the here and now, not the abstract
● ensure that what you say is understood
● ask closed (‘yes’ or ‘no’) questions
● summarise if the patient forgets
● avoid teasing and sarcasm.
Summary
The dementias are a heterogeneous group of neurodegenerative disorders that result in
progressive mental decline.
Non-drug therapies are important in enabling patients and their carers to cope with cognitive
decline and challenging behaviours.
The objectives of drug intervention in the management of dementias are to arrest or reduce the
rate of disease progression and to manage associated behavioural and psychological symptoms.
The nature and severity of symptoms often changes over the course of the disease and therapy
should be reviewed at regular intervals.
Learning Outcomes
1. Identify and describe the key differences between the three most common dementias.
2. Consider the impact of the roles of cholinesterase inhibitors and N-methyl-D-aspartate
(NMDA) receptor antagonists in various stages of dementia.
3. Identify side-effects of medication and options for their management.
4. Differentiate in your practice between the need for non-pharmacological and
pharmacological treatments for associated behavioural and psychological symptoms in
dementia (BPSD).
5. Identify and contribute to the possible ways to improve pharmaceutical care for people with
dementia.
Further reading
Hughes CM et al. Impact of legislation on nursing home care in the Unites States: lessons for the
United Kingdom. BMJ 1999;319:1060-3
Lee PE et al. Atypical antipsychotic drugs in the treatment of behavioural and psychological
symptoms of dementia: systematic review. BMJ 2004;329:75
bmj.bmjjournals.com/cgi/content/full/329/7457/75
Overshott R, Burns A. Clinical Assessment in Dementia. Psychiatry 2004;3(12):13-17
Working group for the Faculty of the Psychiatry of Old Age Royal College of Psychiatry, Royal
College of General Practitioners, British Geriatric Society and Alzheimer’s Society following CSM
restriction on risperidone and olanzapine. Guidance for the management of behavioural and
psychological symptoms in dementia and the treatment of psychosis in people with history of stroke/TIA.
March 2004 www.rcpsych.ac.uk/college/faculty/oap/professional/guidance_summary.htm
References
1
Hodges JR. Dementia. In: Weatherall DJ, Ledingham, JGG, Warrell DA, editors. Oxford Textbook
of Medicine. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1996.
2
Harvey RJ, Fox NC, Rossor MN. Dementia Handbook. Martin Dunitz. 1999.
3
Bullock R. Guide to identifying and treating dementia. Prescriber. 2003:10:34-44.
4
Boustani M et al. Screening for dementia in primary care: a summary of the evidence for the US
Preventive Services Task Force. Annals of Internal medicine 2003;138(11):927-942.
5
Overshott R, Burns A. Clinical Assessment in Dementia. Psychiatry 2004;3(12):13-17.
6
National Institute for Excellence. ‘Donepezil, Rivastigmine and Galantamine for the Treatment of
Alzheimer’s Disease’. Technology Appraisal Guidance No. 19. London: NICE, 2001.
7
National institute for Health and Clinical Excellence. Final Appraisal Determination. Alzheimer’s
disease – donepezil, galantamine, rivastigmine (review) and memantine. A review in progress of NICE
Technology Appraisal No. 19. London: NICE, May 2006.
8
Jones R. Drug Treatment in Dementia (First Edition). Oxford: Blackwell Sciences, 2000.
9
Thomson FC et al. Drug Treatment of Dementia. Hosp Pharm 2001;8:41-49.
10
Maurer K et al. Auguste D and Alzheimer’s disease. Lancet 1999;349:1546-1549.
11
Schneider LS. AD2000: donepezil in Alzheimer’s disease. Lancet 2004;363:2100-2101.
12
AD2000 Collaborative Group. Long-term donepezil treatment in 565 patients with Alzheimer’s
disease: Randomised double-blind trial. Lancet 2004;363:2105-2115.
13
Wilkinson D. Pharmacotherapy of Alzheimer’s disease. Psychiatry. 2005;4:43-47.
14
Winblad B, Jelic V. Long-term treatment of Alzheimer disease: efficacy and safety of
acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. Alzheimer Dis Assoc Disord. 2004 Apr-Jun;18 Suppl 1:S2-8.
15
Loy C, Schneider L. Galantamine for Alzheimer’s disease. The Cochrane Database of Systematic
Reviews 2004, Issue 4. Art. No.: CD001747.pub2. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD001747.pub2.
16
Wild R, Pettit T, Burns A. Cholinesterase inhibitors for dementia with Lewy bodies. The Cochrane
Database of Systematic Reviews 2003, Issue 3. Art. No.: CD003672. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.
CD003672.
17
Tariot PN et al. Memantine treatment in patients with Alzheimer’s disease already receiving
donepezil. JAMA 2004;291:317-324.
18
Malouf R, Birks J. Donepezil for vascular cognitive impairment. The Cochrane Database of
Systematic Reviews 2004, Issue 1. Art. No.: CD004395. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD004395.
pub2.
19
Emre et al. Rivastigmine for dementia associated with Parkinson’s disease. New Engl Journ Med,
351(24)2509-2518.
20
Stanton LR, Coetzee RH. Down’s syndrome and dementia. Advances in Psychiatric Treatment.
200;10:50-58.
21
Grossberg GT The ABC of Alzheimer’s disease: behavioral symptoms and their treatment. Int
Psychogeriatr. 2002;14 Suppl 1:27-49.
22
Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN). Guideline No. 22. Interventions in the
Management of Behavioural and Psychological Aspects of Dementia. Edinburgh: SIGN, February
1998.
23
Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN). Guideline No. 86. Management of Patients with
Dementia: A national clinical guideline. Edinburgh: SIGN, February 2006.
24
McShane R, et al. Do neuroleptic drugs hasten cognitive decline in dementia? Prospective study
with necropsy follow up. BMJ 1997;314:266-270.
25
Hughes CM et al. Impact of legislation on nursing home care in the Unites States: lessons for the
United Kingdom. BMJ 1999;319:1060-3.
26
McKeith IG et al. Neuroleptic sensitivity in patients with senile dementia of the Lewy body type.
BMJ 1992:305:673-8.
27
Department of Health. Public Health Link CEM/CMO/2004/1. Atypical antipsychotics and stroke.
London. Department of Health, 2004. ( 199.228.212.132/doh/embroadcast.nsf/).
28
Working group for the Faculty of the Psychiatry of Old Age Royal College of Psychiatry, Royal
College of General Practitioners, British Geriatric Society and Alzheimer’s Society, following
CSM restriction on risperidone and olanzapine. Guidance for the management of behavioural and
psychological symptoms in dementia and the treatment of psychosis in people with history of stroke/
TIA. London: March 200426.
29
Alzheimer’s Disease Education and Referral Center (ADEAR), National Institute of Aging, U.S.
National Institutes of Health. ‘Alzheimer’s Disease: Unraveling the Mystery’, USA, 2002.
Suggested answers

Substance withdrawal or substance intoxication
Endocrine disturbances especially hypo- or hyperparathyroidism; Cushing’s syndrome, hypo-
or hyperthyroidism, Addison’s disease
Electrolyte disturbances especially low blood glucose, hyponatraemia or hypercalcaemia
Organ dysfunction for example, hepatic encephalopathy, renal failure, hypoxia or heart failure
Systemic infection, commonly urinary or respiratory tract infections
Other systemic causes such as metastatic cancer, lymphoma or porphyria

Medicines management:
● side-effects and how to manage them
● symptomatic treatment not curative
● dose titration
● withdrawal issues
● compliance issues
● carer role in monitoring medication
● other chronic conditions
● behavioural problems
● other problems
Education:
● on the disease
● support services
● local memory clinics
Advice
● local and national support groups
● advocacy
● living wills
● social service issues

Chapter 9 Multiple pathology, multiple problems
Objectives
● recognise the impact physical illness and non-psychotropic drug
therapies have on psychotropic drug selection and vice versa
● discuss ‘polypharmacy’ in mental health
● identify common drug interactions involving psychotropic
medication and have an understanding of their mechanism
● discuss changing and stopping psychotropic medication
Chapter 9
Multiple pathology, multiple problems
9.1 Introduction
It is rare for patients to present as a textbook case with a single diagnosis and one medication.
Although physical illness predisposes to some mental illnesses, e.g. depression associated with
chronic pain or a major stressful event such as heart attack or stroke, it is a golden rule of mental
illness that it can affect anyone, including hypertensives, asthmatics, diabetics, epileptics, etc.
It is therefore essential to consider physical health as well as mental health when selecting
psychotropic medication. Whatever the medication, the more prescribed, the greater the
potential for drug interactions and iatrogenic disease.
There are higher levels of physical morbidity and mortality in patients with severe mental illness
compared to the general population.
9.2 Psychotropic medication and physical illness

Psychotropic drugs can adversely affect some physical illnesses therefore medication choice needs
to be made very carefully, considering the risks and benefits of prescribing (and not prescribing).
Close monitoring of the physical illness, psychiatric illness and/or medication may be required.
Furthermore some psychotropic medication can cause or mimic the signs/symptoms of a physical
condition, e.g. antipsychotics and Parkinson’s disease.
Exercise 15
Consider the list of physical conditions below and indicate what issues they may present
in relation to psychotropic drugs. The first one is completed for you.
Physical condition Issues raised with respect to psychotropic therapy
Epilepsy Antidepressants and antipsychotics can lower the seizure threshold
Benzodiazepines increase the seizure threshold
Many anticonvulsants interact with a wide range of psychotropic drugs
Diabetes
Cardiovascular disease
Parkinson’s disease

The presentation of some physical conditions can be very similar to the symptoms of mental illness.
Exercise 16
Mrs Jones is recently retired and comes into the pharmacy wanting to buy a ‘health tonic’.
She says she’s been feeling tired recently, lacking in energy and motivation and is having
problems concentrating and remembering things.
Which of the symptoms detailed above are also associated with the following illnesses?
Diagnosis Symptom(s)
Depression
Dementia
Hypothyroidism
Anaemia
It is also important to remember that some medications used to treat physical illnesses have been
associated with causing psychiatric symptoms.
Exercise 17
Which psychiatric disorders can the following drugs precipitate or worsen?
Medication Psychiatric disorders precipitated or worsened
Levodopa
Diclofenac
Methyldopa
Prednisolone
Cimetidine

9.3 Dual diagnosis

There is no agreed definition of the term dual diagnosis, which refers to two concurrent disorders.
However, with respect to psychiatric co-morbidity, it is generally understood to be a combination
of mental illness and substance misuse. It is recognised that psychiatric co-morbidity covers
a broad spectrum of mental health and substance misuse problems.
There are four categories of dual diagnosis:
1. A primary diagnosis of a major mental illness with a subsequent (secondary diagnosis)
of substance misuse which adversely affects mental health.
2. A primary diagnosis of drug dependence with psychiatric complications leading to
mental illness.
3. A concurrent substance misuse and psychiatric disorder.
4. An underlying traumatic experience resulting in both substance misuse and mood disorders,
e.g. post-traumatic stress disorder.
Identification of the primary diagnosis may be problematic. This is because of the mimicking
effect of signs and symptoms of mental illness by signs of intoxication and withdrawal of
substance use that can lead to misdiagnosis. It is necessary to assess symptoms and syndromes
carefully to identify a genuine disorder, as characterised by a DSM IV or ICD 10.
The nature of the relationships between mental disorders and substance misuse use are complex
for the following reasons:
● Substance use (even one dose) and withdrawal from substances may lead to psychiatric
syndromes or symptoms.
● Intoxication and dependence may produce psychological symptoms.
● Substance use may exacerbate or alter the course of a pre-existing mental disorder.
● Primary mental disorder may precipitate substance use disorder which in itself may lead to
psychiatric syndromes.
Psychiatric co-morbidity (dual diagnosis) is not a new issue but it is only relatively recently that it
has been recognised by practitioners and policy makers. As a complex area of health and social
care, it requires further research in the UK, since the evidence base to date is primarily based on
studies in the USA.
A study carried out in Australia, found that among 53 psychiatric hospital inpatients with a
diagnosis of substance misuse and schizophrenia, 40% misused mainly alcohol, 40% misused
cannabis, 8% amphetamines and 20% misused more than one substance. Of these 80% reported
substance use for the relief of anxiety and dysphoria. A US study found that 47% of schizophrenic
patients, and 61% bipolar patients, had a substance-related disorder. In the UK it is estimated
that one third of patients in mental health services have a substance misuse problem, and around
50% of patients in drug and alcohol services have a mental health problem (most commonly
depression or personality disorder).
For further information on comorbidity prevalence see ‘Comorbidity of substance misuse and
mental illness in community mental health and substance misuse services’. British Journal of
Psychiatry (2003) 183. p304–313.
Other commonly implicated substances include GHB, (crack) cocaine, anabolic steroids, opiates
(e.g. heroin, morphine, dihydrocodeine), LSD, ecstasy, magic mushrooms, poppers (alkyl
nitrites), solvents, benzodiazepines, ketamine, caffeine and nicotine.
Table 17 Psychiatric effects when particular substances are misused

Substance misused Psychiatric condition
Alcohol Anxiety, Depression, Alcohol hallucinoses,

Withdrawal leading to shakes (DTs)
Cannabis Paranoia/Delusions leading to psychosis,

Low mood leading to depression, Anxiety
Cocaine Formication (cocaine bugs),

when taken with alcohol, a centrally active Paranoia leading to psychosis, Depression
metabolite cocaethylene is formed which has a
longer t1/2 and is more potent than cocaine
Amphetamine Low mood leading to depression,

Amphetamine psychosis
Ecstasy Mid-week crash/comedown,

Altered mental state resembling psychosis
Heroin Low mood/depression, Anxiety disorders
Benzodiazepines Anxiolytic, Sleep aid. Can be taken with

opiates to intensify effect. Also common with
stimulant users to aid sleep
Psychiatric disorders and common misused substances:

● Bipolar Affective Disorder Increasing prevalence with alcohol and cocaine misuse.
● Schizophrenia Increasing prevalence with cannabis and alcohol misuse.
● Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Increasing prevalence with alcohol and opiate misuse.
● Affective disorders (including anxiety) Increasing with use of alcohol and opiates.
● Personality Disorders Increasing with use of alcohol and benzodiazepines.
Pharmacists are likely to encounter people with dual diagnosis requiring pharmacy services for
both their mental illness and substance misuse. They may require the following services:
● advice and support
● needle exchange service
● signposting towards appropriate services
● dispensing and information provision:

– substitute medication, e.g. methadone, buprenorphine (Subutex)
– detoxification medication, e.g. lofexidine, chlordiazepoxide
– substance aversion medication, e.g. disulfiram, naltrexone
– medication for their mental illness
– compliance support/ monitoring
– medication for substance misuse-associated complications, e.g. hepatitis, infections at
injection sites.
In addition, pharmacists can provide a professional link between services, as it is often the case
that one service looks after the mental illness and another, the substance misuse.
Pharmacists should be aware that individuals with mental health problems and a co-occuring
substance misuse problem are likely to present with problems often associated with the
substance misusing fraternity which include: criminality, financial worries (debt) chaotic lifestyles,
homelessness, physical ill health and general poor hygiene. These factors may contribute to non-
compliance of a recommended treatment regime or relapse.
For further information regarding Scottish drug using prevalence and trends see: Drug Misuse in
Scotland: Findings from the 2004 Scottish and Victimisation survey Scottish Exec Social Research,
2006 www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/136999/0034040.pdf
9.4 Polypharmacy
Polypharmacy is an ill-defined term, generally referring to the use of more than one medication
to treat a certain condition, but can also be defined as using more than one type of drug from the
same class. This is generally considered to be poor prescribing practice, particularly when both
medicines belong to the same class of medication. However, the use of more than one medication
from different classes is often accepted practice within psychiatric treatment protocols.
For example the use of a typical and an atypical antipsychotic would generally be considered
poor practice – NICE guidance on atypical antipsychotics for schizophrenia states that:
‘atypical and typical antipsychotic drugs should not be prescribed concurrently, except for
short periods to cover changeover of medication’.
However the long-term combination use of an antipsychotic and a mood stabiliser may
be appropriate for treating bipolar disorder if the patient fails to respond to monotherapy
and continues to experience sub-threshold symptoms or relapses – British Association of
Psychopharmacology (BAP) Guidelines.1
Exercise 18
List some of the potential benefits and problems of polypharmacy
Benefits Problems
There are a variety of reasons why polypharmacy may occur in the treatment of mental illness,
they include those listed below.
● Prophylaxis against an undesirable effect, e.g. someone with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder
(manic depression) requiring antidepressant medication may be on a mood stabiliser to
protect against the antidepressant provoking a manic/hypomanic episode (refer to Section 5.6
for further information). The combination is thought to provide a unique effect only achieved
by using more than one drug (not usually supported by a strong evidence base but there is
good evidence to support the combination of an antipsychotic and mood stabiliser in mania
refer to Section 5.6 for further information.
● Treatment of the psychotropic drugs’ side-effects, e.g. EPS with the older typical antipsychotics
(and some atypicals) being treated with an antimuscarinic agent such as procyclidine or
akathisia in the early stages of treatment with an SSRI being treated with a benzodiazepine
(maximum two weeks).
● Medication not being regularly reviewed, e.g. continuation of an antimuscarinic agent to treat
EPS without reviewing the need for it.
● Augmentation of treatment in treatment resistance, e.g. addition of lithium to an
antidepressant or sulpiride to clozapine. Such practices are only appropriate under specialist
supervision.
● Changing from one drug to another (see later section for more information) – sometimes
the person appears to be much better during the cross-titration and both medications are
continued intentionally. However, at other times this may be an oversight!
● Where distressing symptoms are unlikely to respond to medication immediately, e.g. for severe
anxiety and/or insomnia in depression – a short course of an anxiolytic/ hypnotic may be
helpful for the first one to two weeks of antidepressant treatment.
● In the experience of the patient, or sometimes the prescriber, a particular combination has
proved/is being successful (albeit that this may be due to a ‘placebo’ response).
● In the hope of producing an earlier onset of action, e.g. pindolol with antidepressants –
(refer to Section 4.4 for further information).
● To avoid exceeding the BNF maximum dose of one medication, a second medication is added
– this is not a safer or better option: it is difficult to know which is producing the response and
there is a greater potential for interactions. Furthermore this approach doesn’t work: when two
or more antipsychotics are combined, the doses should be added together and calculated as a
percentage of the BNF maximum, so the maximum is still exceeded.
● To treat relapse in a patient prescribed a depot antipsychotic an oral antipsychotic is often
added for several months until symptoms resolve or a higher dose of depot becomes effective.
Exercise 19
Suggest possible rationales for the following prescriptions:
Patient 1
36-year-old male
Lithium Carbonate MR (Priadel) 800 mg ON
Semisodium valproate 500 mg BD
Patient 2
28-year-old female
Risperidone long-acting injection 25 mg IM every two weeks
Risperidone tablets 2 mg BD
Procyclidine 5 mg BD
Patient 3
45-year-old male
Paroxetine 20 mg OD
Diazepam 2 mg TDS

9.5 Drug Interactions

Many psychotropic/psychotropic and psychotropic/non-psychotropic combinations involve
an interaction. Most are predictable, some are of limited clinical relevance and many can be
managed safely. However a few are potentially very dangerous and should be avoided. It is
important to be aware of what may happen when drugs are combined and advise accordingly.
Interactions between drugs are either pharmacodynamic (the effects of one medication are
changed by the presence of another at its site of action) or pharmacokinetic (one medication
interferes with the absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination of another medication).
Pharmacodynamic interactions
Below are some examples:
Additive effect on By drugs such as
Postural hypotension Tricyclic antidepressants, benzodiazepines,
antipsychotics, antihypertensive medication
CNS depression Tricyclic antidepressants, benzodiazepines,
antipsychotics, older antihistamines, alcohol
Anticholinergic effects Tricyclic antidepressants, antimuscarinics,
antipsychotics, hyocine hydrobromide
Risk of serotonin syndrome* Antidepressants in high dose or in combination
with other antidepressants, tramadol or lithium
Opposing effect on By drugs such as

Sedation Caffeine
Dopamine Typical (and some atypical) antipsychotics
versus anti-parkinsonian medication
*Serotonin syndrome is due to an excess of serotonin in the synapse causing hyper-stimulation and
presents with the following symptoms: restlessness, agitation, fever, diaphoresis (excessive sweating),
diarrhoea, tremor, shivering, hyper-reflexia, poor coordination, myoclonus, confusion, convulsions.
It can be fatal.
Pharmacokinetic interactions
The majority of pharmacokinetic interactions associated with psychotropic medication are related
to metabolism. The liver breaks down many psychotropic medications, through the cytochrome
p450 enzyme system. This enzyme system has many subtypes, e.g. 2D6, 1A2, and medications
are metabolised by different subtypes. Essentially medications that inhibit a particular enzyme
subtype are likely to increase the level of that enzyme’s substrate and vice versa if the enzyme is
induced. However, to complicate the issue, most medications can affect and are substrates for
more than one enzyme subtype.
Below are some commonly encountered pharmacokinetic interactions:
Medication Effect on enzyme Examples of effect on other medication
Carbamazepine Induces CYP3A3/4 Reduces the level of diazepam, quetiapine,

risperidone, valproate, zopiclone
Triazole antifungals, Inhibits CYP3A3/4 Increases the level of diazepam,

macrolide antibiotics carbamazepine, quetiapine, risperidone,
valproate, zopiclone
Fluvoxamine, cimetidine, Inhibits CYP1A2 Increases the level of clozapine, diazepam,

erythromycin, omeprazole theophylline, some TCAs
SSRIs (fluoxetine, Inhibits CYP2D6 Increases the level of some TCAs, venlafaxine
paroxetine, sertraline)
Exercise 20
For each of the following prescriptions, comment on the possible drug interactions and
on what action you would take.
1. Mrs White presents with a prescription for:
carbamazepine 200 mg BD, increase to 400 mg BD after one week.
You note from her PMR that she normally takes risperidone 2 mg BD.
2. Mr Brown comes to the pharmacy with a prescription for:

chlorpromazine 200 mg BD, procyclidine 5 mg BD.
He says he’s had both medications before ‘for ages’.
3. Mr Green presents with a prescription for:

phenelzine 15 mg OD. Last week you dispensed a prescription for fluoxetine 20 mg OM (30).
4. Mrs Orange brings in her regular prescription for:

Lithium carbonate (priadel) 400 mg ON together with a new script for Diclofenac 50 mg TDS prn.
9.6 Stopping medication

There will be times when it is necessary to stop a psychotropic medication. Sometimes it is
necessary to stop the medication abruptly; for example due to a severe physical illness or a severe
adverse drug reaction. Ideally however, the dose of psychotropic medication should be gradually
reduced to avoid discontinuation symptoms and prevent relapse. This is normally possible if
the reason for stopping medication is non-urgent, e.g. due to lack of effect (despite adequate
dose being taken for an adequate duration) or annoying but not serious side-effects that persist
beyond two weeks and/or are unacceptable to the individual.
Problems associated with stopping

Some drugs such as benzodiazepines and some hypnotics are addictive, and if used regularly
for over four weeks do need to be withdrawn very gradually; for example by reducing the dose
by approximately one-eighth every two weeks. If stopped abruptly, the person may suffer with
symptoms such as agitation, anxiety, insomnia, panic attacks, tremor, dry mouth, headache,
palpitations, loss of appetite/weight, sweating, tinnitus, perceptual disturbances and seizures.
Other drugs, although not addictive, do need to be withdrawn gradually to prevent withdrawal
problems. The extent and symptoms of withdrawal depends on the medication, duration of
treatment and dose.
Antidepressants
It is now recognised that all antidepressants have the potential to cause discontinuation
symptoms, particularly if they have been taken continuously for eight or more weeks, although
some antidepressants e.g. paroxetine and venlafaxine, seem particularly troublesome on
discontinuation. Where possible, antidepressants should be withdrawn gradually (over a four
week period or longer if required) to prevent this occurring, although this is probably not
necessary with a normal dose (20 mg/day) of fluoxetine due to its very long half-life.
Discontinuation effects may be similar to the original depressive symptoms, but can also
include flu-like symptoms (myalgia, chills, headache), insomnia, excessive dreaming, ‘shock
like’ sensations, dizziness and irritability. These effects usually occur within five days of stopping
the antidepressant and do not usually last more than one to two weeks, resolving if the
antidepressant is reinstated.
Drugs with anticholinergic (antimuscarinic) activity (e.g. procyclidine, and some

antipsychotics and antidepressants)
The sudden withdrawal of such medications can result in cholinergic rebound which presents
as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, headache and restlessness.
Other medications
If some medications are withdrawn abruptly this can precipitate an acute episode of mental
illness. For example, if lithium is abruptly stopped this is highly likely to provoke an affective
episode of mania or depression. Lithium should be reduced over at least four weeks to minimise
the likelihood of this occurring. Abrupt cessation of most antipsychotics, particularly clozapine,
can result in rebound psychosis.
9.7 Changing medication

There are different ways of changing from one medication to another. The choice of strategy is
usually influenced by factors such as;
● the medications involved
● the reason for the medication change
● the patient’s location (for example, an inpatient can be more closely monitored but is probably
more acutely unwell)
● the patient’s preference/past experience of medication change
● the risk/consequences of relapse.
Exercise 21
Listed below are four different ways of changing medication. List one advantage and one
disadvantage of each strategy.
Start the new medication, in addition to the original medication. When the new medication is
at a therapeutic dose remove the original medication.
Advantage Disadvantage
Stop the original medication one day, start the new medication the next day.
Cross titrate, i.e. gradually reduce the dose of the original medication (to zero), as the dose of
the new medication is gradually increased.
Allow a washout period between medications, i.e. a period without medication.


Exercise 22
Mrs Taylor was started on amitriptyline 25 mg at night, and advised to increase the dose by
25 mg every night until she reached a dose of 150 mg. Her GP phones you to tell you that Mrs
Taylor is not willing to take the amitriptyline anymore and therefore he would like to change
her to fluoxetine 20 mg in the morning.
a. What questions would you ask the GP?
b. What advice would you give?
c. What monitoring might you advise?
Summary
Severe mental illness often presents with complex symptomatology that may require a
combination of psychotropic agents. Mental illness secondary to substance misuse is also
common as is the misuse of substances to self-medicate primary mental illnesses. Psychotropic
polypharmacy is a frequently encountered problem.
The symptoms of mental illness often fluctuate over time and the emphasis of treatment may
change accordingly from management of an acute episode to prevention of relapse or cessation
of treatment.
Physical and mental illness often co-exist giving rise to enormous potential for drug interactions
and requiring careful consideration of the treatment of each condition with respect to the other.
Learning Outcomes
1. Recognise the impact physical illness and non-psychotropic drug therapies have on
psychotropic drug selection and vice versa.
2. Assess the impact of ‘polypharmacy’ in mental health in the context of your practice.
3. Identify common drug interactions involving psychotropic medication and have an
understanding of their mechanism.
4. Discuss and consult with people about changing and stopping psychotropic medication.
Further reading
Bazire S. Psychotropic Drug Directory 2003/04. 2003 Salisbury: Fivepin Publishing. ISBN 0-9544839-0-1
Reference
1
Association of Psychopharmacology. J Psychopharmacol 2003;17(2):149-173
www.bap.org.uk/consensus/FinalBipolarGuidelines.pdf
Suggested answers

Physical condition Issues raised with respect to psychotropic therapy
Epilepsy Antidepressants and antipsychotics can lower the seizure threshold.
Benzodiazepines increase the seizure threshold.
Many anticonvulsants interact with a wide range of psychotropic drugs.
Diabetes Antipsychotics, especially some of the atypical antipsychotics, increase
the risk of developing diabetes and exacerbate existing diabetes.
Antidepressants can also affect glycaemic control.
Cardiovascular disease Psychotropic drugs can affect the cardiovascular system in various ways
such as:
● changing the heart rate
● altering the blood pressure (e.g. causing postural hypotension)
● prolonging the QTc interval (predisposes to potentially fatal
Torsades de Pointes)
● causing arrhythmias and conduction disturbances
Parkinson’s disease Antipsychotics, especially the older ones, cause extrapyramidal side-
effects, also referred to as pseudo-Parkinsonism.Some antidepressants
have been associated with causing movement problems too, e.g.
paroxetine.

Diagnosis Symptom(s)
Depression Tired, lacking in energy and motivation, problems concentrating,
memory problems.
Dementia Problems concentrating (distractable), memory problems.
Hypothyroidism Lack of energy, problems concentrating, memory problems.
Anaemia Lack of energy, tired.

Medication Psychiatric disorders precipitated or worsened
Levodopa Agitation, hypomania, psychosis (delusions, hallucinations, paranoia),
depression, anxiety, insomnia, aggression.
Diclofenac Nervousness, depression, insomnia, anxiety, psychotic reaction.
Methyldopa Psychosis, depression.
Prednisolone Euphoria, psychological dependence, depression, insomnia, psychosis,
‘aggravation of schizophrenia’.
Cimetidine Confusion, depression, hallucinations.

Benefits Problems
Increased therapeutic benefit Increased risk of drug interactions.
May be more acceptable to the patient, e.g. More complex medication regimens are more
if they’ve done well on a combination before. difficult to comply with.
Increased risk of side-effects.
More expensive both in terms of drug costs
and prescription charges.
Exercise 19 (page 187-189)

Patient 1 – 36-year-old male
Lithium Carbonate MR (Priadel) 800 mg ON
Semisodium valproate 500 mg BD
● Change from mood stabiliser to another, i.e. cross titration
● Addition of second drug due to lack of efficacy with monotherapy
● Lack of communication between primary and secondary care resulting in unintentional
combination therapy
Patient 2 – 28-year-old female

Risperidone long-acting injection 25 mg IM every two weeks
Risperidone tablets 2 mg BD, Procyclidine 5 mg BD
● Depot antipsychotic preparations take several months to reach steady state and during
this time oral medication is often continued. (Note: Risperidone long-acting injection only
releases the majority of the dose into the body three weeks after it is administered.)
● Risperidone can cause EPSE. These are usually dose-related, occurring more commonly at
doses above 4 –6mg/day. Procyclidine may therefore be needed, however as the advantage
of risperidone, i.e. lack of EPS, is not being realised, it may be better to consider alternative
treatment.
● Medication may not have been reviewed; procyclidine may have been prescribed when she
was on typical antipsychotic medication and its use has not been reviewed since she started
on an atypical antipsychotic.
● If it is more than three weeks since she began to receive the resperidone long-acting
injection, the oral risperidone should ideally be stopped, or at least be under regular review.
If the combination has continued for longer than four weeks (SmPC minimum time between
dose increments; in practice probably leave for longer before increasing the depot dose),
perhaps the dose of the injection needs increasing to 37.5mg every two weeks.
Patient 3 – 45-year-old male
Paroxetine 20 mg OD, Diazepam 2 mg TDS
● He may be suffering the severe anxiety and/or depression. Although the anxiety may resolve
as the antidepressant takes effect this may take around two weeks. The diazepam treats this
in the interim.
● Paroxetine could be causing anxiety. Diazepam is not a long-term solution in this situation
and perhaps the choice of antidepressant needs to be reviewed.
● His anxiety/depression is usually well controlled on the paroxetine however he is currently
under a lot of stress and is experiencing breakthrough symptoms of anxiety.
● He has been prescribed diazepam for a non-psychiatric indication.
Exercise 20 (page 191-192)

1. Mrs White presents with a prescription for carbamazepine 200 mg BD increase to 400 mg BD after
one week. You note from her PMR that she normally takes risperidone 2 mg BD.
Interactions
● Carbamazepine is a potent enzyme inducer and can halve the serum level of risperidone
potentially rendering it ineffective and risking the relapse of psychosis.

● Risperidone may lower the seizure threshold and may be the reason why carbamazepine is
prescribed, although this is unlikely – see action required to check indication for carbamazepine.
Actions required
● Identify the indication for the carbamazepine.
● Contact the prescriber regarding the risperidone/carbamazepine interaction and advise

that the dose of risperidone may need to be increased. Could an alternative mood stabiliser/
anticonvulsant that does not interact be prescribed?
● Counsel Mrs White accordingly.
2. Mr Brown comes to the pharmacy with a prescription for chlorpormazine 200 mg BD, procyclidine
5 mg BD. He says he’s had both medications before ‘for ages’.
Interaction
● Increased risk of anti-muscarinic side-effects eg constipation.
Actions required
● Would be reasonable to dispense.
● Enquire whether Mr Brown is happy with/suffering any side-effects with his medication.
● If appropriate, provide printed information, refer him to reliable internet resources,
for example the patient information section of the NICE schizophrenia guideline.
● Consider asking prescriber to review the ongoing need for the procyclidine (may no longer
be required, also possibly increases the risk of developing tardive dyskinesia).
3. Mr Green presents with a prescription for: phenelzine 15 mg OD. Last week you dispensed a
prescription for fluoxetine 20 mg OM (30).
Interaction
● Fluoxetine and phenelzine interact with potentially life-threatening consequences. A
washout period is essential and in the case of fluoxetine this is at least five, ideally six weeks.
Actions required
● Do not dispense the prescription.
● Ask Mr Green when he last took a dose of fluoxetine.

● Contact the prescriber to advise of the need for a five to six week washout period between
the drugs, or to consider another antidepressant.
4. Mrs Orange brings in her regular prescription for Lithium carbonate (priadel) 400 mg ON together
with a new script for Diclofenac 50 mg TDS prn.
Interaction
● Diclofenac can increase lithium levels by about a quarter, probably due to inhibition of
renal prostaglandin causing reduced renal blood flow. Depending on MRs Orange`s current
lithium level, this could result in lithium toxicity.
Actions required
● Contact the prescriber, check that he is aware of the interaction and will be monitoring the
lithium levels closely (as per initiation of lithium); consider reducing lithium dosage unless pre-
NSAID levels allow for potential increase without toxicity.
● Consider suggesting an alternative analgesic, e.g. paracetamol, sulindac, aspirin or a topical
preparation.
● If oral diclofenac is considered essential, suggest the dose is taken regularly rather than when
required – more consistent and manageable effect on lithium level.
● Counsel Mrs Orange regarding the interaction, check that she knows what the early signs of
lithium toxicity are (tremor, nausea, diarrhoea).

Start the new medication, in addition to the original medication. When the new medication is at a
therapeutic dose remove the original medication.
Ensures condition is treated throughout Risk of interactions/toxicity
Need to ensure the process is completed,
i.e. first medication is stopped
Stop the original medication one day, start the new medication the next day.
Less complicated for the patient and prescriber Risk of withdrawal problems
to manage
Risk of interactions
Some medications need gradual
titration of dose
Cross-titrate, i.e. gradually reduce the dose of the original medication (to zero), as the dose of the
new medication is gradually increased.
Minimises likelihood of withdrawal problems Complicated for the patient to follow
Allows gradual introduction of new medication, Risk of interactions
minimises side-effects
Allow a washout period between medications, i.e. a period without medication.

Avoids risk of drug interactions Leaves illness untreated for prolonged period
of time (washout periods usually one to two
May be more straightforward to manage
weeks, depending on medication, five weeks
for fluoxetine)
This may not be acceptable to the patient
but could point out that a few days washout
is unlikely to affect symptoms

a. What questions would you ask the GP?
● Is Mrs Taylor’s refusal to continue with the amitriptyline due to side-effects?
A slower titration rate would probably reduce the incidence of side-effects;
(however, an SSRI is a better choice anyway).
● What other medication is she taking currently?
● How did she get on with any antidepressants taken previously?
● What dose has she got to? NICE suggests that not everyone needs to reach a dose of 150mg
to achieve efficacy.
● How long ago did she start the amitriptyline?
b. What advice would you give?

● Reduce the dose of amitriptyline to around 50mg/day and start fluoxetine. Reduce/stop the
amitriptyline over the next week.
Note
This advice would depend upon how long Mrs Taylor had taken the amitriptyline for and what
dose she had reached. A long duration of high dose of amitriptyline would require a more cautious
reduction in amitriptyline dose.
c. What monitoring might you advise?

● mental state – if Mrs Taylor did not achieve a therapeutic dose of amitryptyline,
her depression has been without treatment for some time.
● side-effects: e.g. nausea, headache, agitation, insomnia.
● any other adverse drug reactions, e.g. serotonin syndrome, rash.
Chapter 10
The role of the pharmacist in managing mental health
Objectives
● consider the issues that affect concordance in mental health patients
● identify some information resources that are available to you that could be of use with your
patients and assess their place in your practice
● monitor for side-effects and drug interactions
● assist patients in an advocacy role to ensure that they receive the most appropriate
drug therapy
● identify five of your patients with mental health problems who are most at risk from poor
pharmaceutical care
● discuss the attitudes, needs and perspectives of users and carers to the medicines prescribed
for mental health problems
Chapter 10
The role of the pharmacist in managing mental health
10.1 Introduction
Working with patients with mental health problems presents pharmacists with both opportunities
and challenges. Pharmacists have opportunities to use their training and develop their skills; but
often have to examine their own pre-conceptions of mental health and mental illness.
Previous sections have concentrated on supporting a knowledge base in relation to the concept
of mental illness, specific mental illnesses and effective therapeutic interventions. This section is
designed to show how pharmacists can build on this core knowledge and skill to become more
effective members of the mental health workforce.
10.2 Setting the scene

Mental health has been one of the key clinical priorities for NHS Scotland since 1995. The vision
of how services for all people with mental health problems and their informal carers should
be structured comes from the essential features in the Framework for Mental Health Services in
Scotland (1997). The Framework is a ‘living’ document and remains relevant to the latest thinking
and policy advances by additions when and where necessary of new sections or expanded
entries to the text. For example: additional service profile on services for women with postnatal
depression (March 1999), guidance on services for those with an eating disorder (October 2001),
additional service profile on Perinatal Mental Illness and Postnatal Depression Hospital Admission
and Support Services (March 2004) and services profile for co-ordinated services for those with
dementia and their carers (November 2004).
Our National Health: a plan for action, a plan for change (Scottish Executive, 2001) endorsed
the principles of the Framework as providing a joint planning template for health, social work,
housing agencies and voluntary sector partners for the provision of a modern comprehensive
range of services and support from hospital to domiciliary care.
www.scotland.gov.uk/library3/health/onh.pdf
Model schemes for pharmaceutical care provided an opportunity for community pharmacists to
support people with mental health problems in the community.
Partnership for Care. Scotland’s Health White Paper (Scottish Executive, 2003) further promotes
joint working between health service, local authorities, the voluntary sector and communities.
Modernisation of NHS Scotland by systematic redesign, and integration is envisaged to form a
single system, working to improve the patient’s pathway of care and to promote better use of
shared resources. www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/47032/0013897.pdf
The SEHD Delivering for Mental Health which was published in December 2006 in response to
one of the key recommendations from Delivering for Health, to develop a national Mental Health
Delivery Plan by the end of December 2006. The principles should accelerate improvements in
mental health services and that where possible these services should be delivered as locally as
possible, provide systematic support for people with long-term conditions, reduce the health
inequality gap and actively manage admissions and discharges to and from hospital. Pharmacists
have a key role to play in working with other healthcare professionals, social work colleagues,
carers and patients in delivering this agenda.
www.scotland.gov.uk/resource/doc/157157/0042281.pdf
The strategic work programme of NHS Quality Improvement Scotland (NHSQIS) for 2005 –08
outlines their plans to improve the quality of mental health services in Scotland, to deliver better
outcomes for all those receiving mental health services. The current challenges include the new
Mental Health Act, establishment of Community Health Partnerships and new ways of working
with other agents including the Care Commission, NHS Education for Scotland, Mental Welfare
Commission, Social Work Inspection Agencies as well as the Mental Health and Well Being
Support Group. The strategic work programme can be viewed at
www.nhshealthquality.org/nhsqis/files/Final%20Strategy.pdf
Refer to Chapter 1 (Section 1.7) for the following:
● SIGN Guidelines
● NHS QIS Standards
● NICE technology appraisals
● NICE guidelines
Many of these documents are weighty and you are not expected to access and read them all!
However you should be aware of how the key elements are being implemented in your locality
and how your practice could make a positive contribution. More broadly, the policies outlined
in Communities and Neighbourhoods are also relevant to tackling the social exclusion and
discrimination experienced by people with mental health problems.
The National Institute for Mental Health in England is working to improve the way mental health
services are provided. Part of their work is to ensure that people working in mental health share
the same values. The document The Ten Essential Shared Capabilities: A Framework for the Whole
of the Mental Health Workforce was developed a starting point for this. The document can be
accessed at www.nimhe.org.uk/downloads/78582-DoH-10%20Essentials.pdf
Although this document has been developed for practice in England it provides an opportunity
to reflect on your practice. Similar values are also seen within the Millan principles relating to the
Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act. (See Chapter 1.)
The Ten Essential Shared Capabilities for Mental Health Practice
Working in partnership
Developing and maintaining constructive working relationships with service users, carers,
families, colleagues, lay people and wider community networks. Working positively with any
tensions created by conflicts of interest or aspiration that may arise between the partners in care.
Respecting diversity
Working in partnership with service users, carers, families and colleagues to provide care and
interventions that not only make a positive difference but also do so in ways that respect and
value diversity including age, race, culture, disability, gender, spirituality and sexuality.
Practising ethically
Recognising the rights and aspirations of service users and their families, acknowledging
power differentials and minimising them whenever possible. Providing treatment and care
that is accountable to service users and carers within the boundaries prescribed by national
(professional), legal and local codes of ethical practice.
Challenging inequality
Addressing the causes and consequences of stigma, discrimination, social inequality and
exclusion on service users, carers and mental health services. Creating, developing or maintaining
valued social roles for people in the communities they come from.
Promoting recovery
Working in partnership to provide care and treatment that enables service users and carers to
tackle mental health problems with hope and optimism and to work towards a valued lifestyle
within and beyond the limits of any mental health problem.
Identifying people’s needs and strengths

Working in partnership to gather information to agree health and social care needs in the context
of the preferred lifestyle and aspirations of service users their families, carers and friends.
Providing service user-centred care

Negotiating achievable and meaningful goals; primarily from the perspective of service users
and their families. Influencing and seeking the means to achieve these goals and clarifying the
responsibilities of the people who will provide any help that is needed, including systematically
evaluating outcomes and achievements.
Making a difference
Facilitating access to and delivering the best quality, evidence-based, values based health and social
care interventions to meet the needs and aspirations of service users and their families and carers.
Promoting safety and positive risk-taking

Empowering the person to decide the level of risk they are prepared to take with their health and
safety. This includes working with the tension between promoting safety and positive risk taking,
including assessing and dealing with possible risks for service users, carers, family members, and
the wider public.
Personal development and learning

Keeping up-to-date with changes in practice and participating in life-long learning, personal
and professional development for one’s self and colleagues through supervision, appraisal and
reflective practice.
Throughout this section consider how your response to each exercise fulfils at least one of the
shared capabilities and identify any personal learning needs necessary to enable you to expand
your capabilities in your CPD portfolio.
Pharmaceutical Care in Mental Health

The role of the pharmacist for mental health patients can be wide and varied depending on the
sector of care that the pharmacist works in, their interest in getting more involved in caring for
mental health patients and their expert knowledge and skills. The community pharmacist is a
frontline healthcare professional who is likely to see their mental health patients or carers on a
regular basis. Some of the initiatives that they may wish to get involved in are listed below:
● Involvement in any local Community Health Partnership (CHP) initiatives for mental health
patients.
● Collaborate with other professionals, local authorities, carers and patients in relation to mental
health services in the local area.
● Provide information in their pharmacy on self-help groups/ websites/ support groups etc. They
should also consider the availability of information in other languages depending on their local
patient group.
● Be mindful that individuals with mental health problems often have poorer physical health
than individuals without mental health problems. The reasons for this are many, but side effects
from psychotropic medication are known to play a significant part.
● Carry out a needs assessment for patients e.g. there is a national Needs Assessment Tool
developed for Depression available from the NES website resources section
www.nes.scot.nhs.uk/pharmacy/resources. As a result of the needs assessment the
pharmacist may then deliver pharmaceutical care in some of the following areas depending on
the patient’s needs:
– Ensure the prescribed drug is on the local formulary.
– Can the prescribed regime be reviewed with regards to dose/frequency/duration?
Could other non-pharmacological treatments be recommended?
– Are there any contra-indications to the prescribed treatment regime that the GP
should be made aware of?
– Advise and counsel the patient of any side-effects they may experience e.g. dry mouth
with the tricyclic antidepressants can be alleviated by sucking sugar-free sweets or chewing
sugar-free chewing gum, and then need for attention to dental care.
– Advise the patient on any drug interactions with other medicines (prescribed or OTC) e.g.
St Johns Wort has various clinically significant interreactions.
– If antidepressants are being changed, is the ‘switching’ process being carried out in a safe
and appropriate manner?
– Advise the patient on how other issues can impact on their mental health and the treatment
of it e.g. substance misuse.
Exercise 23
Consider how you would respond to a patient or carer presenting with a new prescription
and request for information about each of the following:
Ramipril for hypertension
Simvastatin for secondary prevention in diabetes
Citalopram for depression
Lithium after a recent manic episode
Olanzapine for residual psychotic symptoms previously treated with haloperidol
There are no right or wrong answers to the exercise, but you may have considered it appropriate
to discuss what the medicine is for, when and how to take the medicine, what the expected
benefits of treatment are, any possible side-effects and how to deal with them, any special
considerations, e.g. interactions and cautions. If you felt more confident discussing hypertension
and diabetes than depression and psychosis, you are not alone. However, it may be an indication
that you need to re-examine your knowledge of psychotropic medication, your understanding of
mental illness or your attitude to mental health – or even all three.
Case study 6
John
John is a young man who has been using your pharmacy for some years. He has been prescribed
lithium 800 mg SR nocte for the last 14 months since his previous admission to hospital. He was
discharged from an inpatient mental health unit two months ago following an acute manic
relapse. John presents his repeat prescription for dispensing. It does not include lithium.
What are the possible explanations and how would you respond?
10.3 Information needs of patients and their carers

Pharmacists may have preconceived ideas about the information patients need about their
medication. It is important to invite questions and tailor replies to the needs of the patient and
their carers.
Information leaflets are a common and relatively easy means of providing information in response
to questions by patients, but vary widely in their suitability for individuals. When considering
which ones best suit which patients, the issues to consider are:
● the range of questions covered
● the depth of detail in answering a particular question
● the language used – text that…
– uses short words (not longer than three syllables)
– uses short sentences (less than 15–20 words per sentence) and
– avoids jargon
– is usually easiest to read.
Case study 7
A man appears in your pharmacy with a prescription for risperidone. His address is not local and
he appears anxious to talk to you. He explains that he doesn’t have schizophrenia or any other
kind of psychotic disorder and doesn’t understand why he has been given risperidone. He is
also unhappy about taking a drug that labels him as ‘mad’ and which will make him fat.
How will you deal with this situation and what care issues can you identify?
Practice point
Extend your consideration of jargon to the language that you use with your patients.
How could you communicate with patients more effectively?
Make notes in your CPD portfolio to help you do this.
Some people want very superficial information; others want lots of detail. Some people want
answers to very specific questions; others want general information. Try and build up a range of
information to cater to varying needs. Ask your local acute, mental health or primary care division
what information they provide. Other sources of patient information include:
● Well Informed leaflets cover the typical issues dealt with on a manufacturer’s patient information
leaflet, but avoid the legal requirements. They are usually written to answer questions about
specific drugs. www.northmersey.nhs.uk/Informed/WIMEDCONTENTS.HTM
● United Kingdom Psychiatric Pharmacy Group (UKPPG) patient advice leaflets available on a
CD ROM offer answers to fewer questions but in much more depth. Many users and carers
appreciate the table of side-effects and how to treat them. The leaflets are generally about
groups of drugs. www.ukppg.org.uk/ukppg-pals.html
● Norfolk and Waveney Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust pharmacy department website
– detailed and wide ranging but still generally deal with groups of drugs.
www.nmhct.nhs.uk/pharmacy/drug_idx.htm
● Manufacturer’s PILs are available from the Electronic Medicines Compendium.
www.medicines.org.uk
● Patient groups (for example, Rethink, Mind, Alzheimer’s Society, Manic Depression Fellowship).
● Royal College of Psychiatrists – excellent generic information resources on the illnesses and
their treatments. www.rcpsych.ac.uk/mentalhealthinformation.aspx
● The National Electronic Library for Mental Health – evidence based treatment summaries
for healthcare professionals currently only available for antidepressants. Less detailed
information leaflets on antidepressants, antipsychotics, benzodiazepines, mood stabilisers and
anticholinergic medication are also available.
www.nelmh.org/home_therapeutic_approaches.asp?c=20
Leaflets may be required in languages other than English or in large print. There are a also a wide
variety of other formats available – videos and DVDs from www.videosforpatients.co.uk in their
What you really need to know about series and helplines for example,MIND Infoline, Breathing
Space, NHS24 and UKPPG. Further information is available in Appendix 3 and in the resource
pack developed by NES and SPMH for ‘Depression’.
www.nes.scot.nhs.uk/pharmacy/resources/depression_resource/depression_resource.html
Practice point
Search out new patient information resources. The Internet is a good place to start as long as
you are confident about judging the content of unaccredited websites. Make notes in your CPD
portfolio to help you do this.
10.4 Patients at special risk

People at particular risk of mental illness are those who have undergone a major life event in the
last six months; e.g. bereavement, divorce or redundancy. Others at risk include people living
alone, people with co-morbidity, substance misusers and those who have a blood relative with
mental health problems.
Practice point
Do you have patients who you are concerned about and want to keep an eye on? Do you
record observations and incidents that concern you? Make a note in your CPD portfolio to
remind you to consider it soon.
10.5 Concordance with medication

Concordance is a complex issue at the best of times but the same fundamental principles apply
to concordance in mental healthcare that apply in the management of physical conditions.
Professionals involved in patient care, the patient and, if appropriate, their carer should reach
agreement on an appropriate treatment plan. Without concordance, non-adherence to
treatment is often justified. Once an agreement has been reached on the treatment strategy, the
carer and members of the community mental health team (CMHT) should ensure that patients
adhere to their therapy. Non-adherence with therapy in mental illness is no more common than
in any other illness but may have serious consequences beyond the immediate health of the
patient, e.g. broken relationships, financial difficulties, family breakdown.
Exercise 24
List some of the influences that contribute to non-adherence and consider how these might
vary in the context of different illnesses and indeed different stages of a mental illness.
What support can you offer your patients who have compliance problems?

Case study 8
A regular customer informs you that her elderly mother is depressed and has come to live with
her for a while until she starts to feel better. She tells you that her mother is refusing to take her
antidepressants because ‘they don’t work’. She has been thinking of opening the capsule and
sprinkling the contents into a fruit yogurt. She wants to know if the medication will still work if
she does this.
What is your response and what are the care issues in this situation?

10.6 Stopping the medication

One of the most common questions asked of pharmacists is ‘When can I stop taking my
medicines? I don’t want to get hooked on these.’ This is often a more complicated question
than it first appears. On the one hand, pharmacists are keen to ensure that patients don’t take
medication for longer than necessary. On the other hand, they know that stopping medication is
one of the primary causes of relapse.
Pharmacists should also be aware of discontinuation syndrome which can arise if antidepressant
therapy is abruptly stopped. They should be aware of what the symptoms are and offer
reassurance to patients.
Case study 9
Sara
Sara, a school teacher, became depressed following a series of assaults at school. This coincided
with a period of difficulties with her teenage daughter and her husband (who was having an
affair). She recently returned to work after a three-month break and is finding the environment
very stressful. For the last four months she has taken paroxetine 30 mg daily, which she feels has
helped her greatly. Unfortunately she feels nauseous from time to time and her daughter keeps
calling her a ‘junkie’, saying that she should not be taking drugs. She asks ‘Should I stop taking
the medicines? I feel fine now.’
Which of the following course(s) of action would you follow?
a. Support her in her desire to stop taking the medicines.
b. Advise her to reduce the medicines very slowly. She should discuss with her GP a reduction of
10 mg now and see how it goes in a month.
c. Not want to get involved or give an opinion and refer her to her GP.
d. Tell her that it is usual for treatment to continue for six months to a year, and if she stops
taking the antidepressant now the likelihood is that she will relapse.
e. Tell her that any decision to stop the medication should be following a discussion with the
prescriber.
f. Tell her that there are other effective treatments that may not cause so much nausea.
g. Tell her that it may be possible to reduce the dose to 20 mg daily and achieve the same
results with fewer side-effects.
h. Refer her to the NICE patient guide for managing depression.
www.nice.org.uk/pdf/CG023publicinfo.pdf
10.7 Prodromes for mental illness

Many patients have minor symptoms in the days or weeks preceding an acute episode or are
aware of factors that often precipitate an episode. Often a pattern is established and such
‘prodromes’ are particularly important for patients with frequent relapses, when relapses are
severe or episodes are difficult to treat. Patients and their carers and family can be taught to
recognise the early signs of a relapse and get professional advice quickly. Rapid interventions may
prevent relapse or reduce the duration or severity of the episode. Some patients are particularly
good at using prodromes to manage their mental health problems and self-management
techniques are being taught by the mental health charities.
For more information see www.rethink.org/recovery/self-management
Case study 10
Edward
Edward is a 68-year-old man who takes lithium (Priadel) 600 mg SR tablets at night for bipolar
affective disorder. He is normally well and effectively maintained on this dose but recently
complained about having problems swallowing his tablets. You told him that a liquid was
available and suggested that he should ask his GP to prescribe it.
Several months later Edward comes into the pharmacy with his prescription for Priadel liquid
5 ml at night. He says he’s never felt better and you find it difficult to get a word in edgeways in
the conversation.
What questions would you ask and what would you do?

10.8 An advocacy role for pharmacists

There are a number of organisations, run by former mental health service users, which provide
assistance to patients and their carers. One of the most common requests of the various helplines
operated by these organisations is for advice and assistance about medicines. The people
operating the helplines feel unable to answer many of the questions as they do not have the right
access to professional advice.
This was one of the core reasons why the UK Psychiatric Pharmacy Group telephone helpline was
established. The helpline is run by pharmacists from the Maudsley Hospital in South London and
is financially supported by the National Institute for Mental Health in England www.nimhe.org
The fact that there is such a demand for medication information from a helpline suggests that the
assistance available locally does not fully meet the needs.
No doubt you are confronted with issues on a regular basis. Do you feel that it is your
responsibility to speak on the patient’s behalf, or do you prefer to represent the prescriber and the
medical perspective? Consider the following situation.
Case study 11
Danny
Danny suffered from schizophrenia, the main features of which were that he developed
paranoid delusions of a persecutory nature, which resulted in his behaviour becoming
unacceptable. During his 15-year illness, many aspects of his pharmaceutical care were less
than optimal:
● he was prescribed flupentixol decanoate depot injection which caused him to gain a
considerable amount of weight.
● he remained on the medicine for many years without a review.
● he was prescribed medication to assist weight loss which was contraindicated and on which
he became dependent (taking up to 200 tablets per month).
● he stopped accepting the antipsychotic and became ill.
How could intervention by a community pharmacist have assisted Danny?

There are no right or wrong answers, but this case raises the following issues:
● When you have concerns about a patient’s drug treatment, how effectively can you influence
the action of the prescriber?
● Do you have many patients who remain on long-term treatments without review?
● Do you know who else to contact who may be able to influence the action and behaviour of
the patient?
● How explicitly do you counsel your patients about side-effects?
● How does Danny’s case fit the recommendations of the NICE technology appraisal for newer
(atypical) antipsychotics?
Practice point
If you found you were ‘out of your depth’, what additional resources do you need to be able to
offer more help? Make notes in your action planner to help you.
10.9 The specialist mental health pharmacist

Specialist mental health pharmacists have been appointed in most areas of Scotland and are
usually based within secondary care. Specialist mental health pharmacists have a complementary
and supporting role to non-specialist pharmacists (community and hospital) in the management
of patients with mental health conditions. Community pharmacists should find out who the local
specialist mental health pharmacist(s) is/are in their local areas in order that they can support you
in developing your services to mental health patients in your practice.
Scottish Pharmacy in Mental Health (SPMH) is a group open to membership from pharmacy staff
(hospital, primary care, academia, community pharmacists and pharmacy technicians) interested
in pharmaceutical care within mental health. SPMH aims to encourage, develop and promote
the delivery of quality pharmaceutical care within mental health. Several clinical meetings and a
seminar are organised each year and a newsletter is circulated to members at least twice a year.
Membership is free – details are available at the website www.spmh.org.uk
The United Kingdom Psychiatric Pharmacy Group (UKPPG) is a UK-wide special interest group
for all pharmacists and pharmacy support staff who work in mental health. Membership of the
group offers a number of opportunities – the bulletin and newsletter keep members up-to-date
with topical issues; training courses and an international annual psychiatric pharmacy conference
are available; an e-discussion group can be used to pose your queries and get support from
colleagues around the world. The website address is www.ukppg.org.uk
In parallel, the United Kingdom Mental Health Pharmacy Technicians Network (UKMHPTN) is
working to represent and fulfil the needs of pharmacy technicians working in mental health.
Its website address is www.pastonsites.co.uk/ukppg/technicians.html
A few years ago, it was felt that a mechanism of accreditation was required for specialist mental
health pharmacists, for a number of reasons. Principally, the new clinical governance agenda that
the government was proposing was a challenge that the UKPPG could not realistically deliver. The
College of Mental Health Pharmacists (CMHP) was developed and now works to encourage the
recognition and accreditation of specialist mental health pharmacists in the UK. Accreditation is
by submission of a portfolio of evidence in conjunction with an oral viva voce exam. Pharmacists
are accredited against a wide range of core competencies including pharmacology, clinical
practice and management issues.
Further information is available on the website www.ukppg.org.uk/cmhp.html
10.10 What do users think?

It is government policy to encourage healthcare providers to invite users of services to give their
opinion of those services. Mental health services should involve both current and past service
users in designing the future service. In preparing this section, a local mental health charity was
invited to provide a digest of users’ views of community pharmacy services. Many users were
complimentary of the services offered and held the local community pharmacist in high regard.
They also, however, suggested some areas where changes in attitude or practice may help.
People reported that:

● They are often treated in an ‘off hand’ manner.
● The counter staff cause embarrassment by asking or allowing other customers to hear the
details of their medication.
● Even though the pharmacist knows from the prescribed medicine that the patient has mental
health problems, they can still behave in an ‘off hand’ and inappropriate manner.
● Patients have to ask for information about the side-effects of medication, which may indicate
that information about side-effects is not always provided.
Other suggestions included:

● Even if details of the medication have been explained on numerous occasions, pharmacists
should offer this information.

● People wanted to be able to discuss other prescribed alternatives to their medication with the
pharmacist.
● A poster could invite people to discuss side-effects and alternatives to prescribed medication
with the pharmacist, to take the onus for this initiative off the service user.
● People wanted an independent opinion on their medication, as little information is given by
their doctors or nurses.
● People wanted an explanation if a ‘different’ medication is given, e.g. when given a branded
instead of a generic drug or vice versa, as this change can cause confusion and concern.
● Information leaflets about prescribed medicines could be added to the medication bag.
● There is often a perception among service users that a request to a nurse or doctor for
information is interpreted as the patient being ‘unwell’ or intending to stop taking medication.
Pharmacists would be an appropriate alternative as they have no ‘power’ to change the
medication or dose.
● It was felt that pharmacists need to promote themselves more proactively in this role – stressing
their independence, confidentiality and accredited competence.
● Changing to a generic presentation without warning causes confusion – ‘I know I take a white
round tablet in the morning but there is no white round one there!’ *
● People want a supportive attitude from pharmacy staff – some pharmacists showed a lack of
knowledge, sympathy or understanding of their patients’ conditions; others have a negative
attitude when their clients are unwell.*
Sources include:
‘Service users’ experiences of medication.’ Pendulum, Autumn 2003: 9
‘Membership survey: Making your views count.’ Pendulum, Spring 2004: 12–13 and Summer
2004: 8-10.
*
Comments from the Manic Depression Fellowship – personal communication.
Practice point
Does this feedback from service users prompt you to take action? Identify three areas of your
practice that you wish to improve on. Make notes in your RPSGB CPD records at
www.uptodate.org.uk
Exercise 25 - answer here

Community Pharmacy Contract in Scotland
The New Community Pharmacy Contract in Scotland has been introduced to modernise NHS
community pharmacy services by developing a new system of remuneration for community
pharmacists, which provides incentives to improve and deliver quality care health services
focussing on the provision of pharmaceutical care rather than the supply function.
The outline framework of the New Contract consists of two main elements:
● Essential Pharmaceutical Care Services – centrally negotiated (terms of service and
remuneration) consisting of the:
– Public Health Service
– Minor Ailment Service
– Chronic Medication Service
– Acute Medication Service.
● Additional Services – these will be locally negotiated with a national framework and
benchmark tariff available to support the process.
Within the Essential Services, the Public Health Service and the Minor Ailment Service were
introduced in 2006, with the plan to introduce the other parts in 2007/08.
Additional Services will be subject to local NHS Board negotiation, for example – the supply and
supervision of methadone and needle exchange services which may be important as substance
misuse can accompany mental health problems. In addition, smoking cessation services may be
important since there is a high incidence of cardiovascular and respiratory problems amongst
people with enduring mental illnesses. Details on additional local services will be available from
your local NHS Board.
Public Health Service (PHS)

Pharmacies will be paid a fixed fee for delivering public health messages to communities as part
of the Scottish Executive’s drive to use community pharmacies as ‘healthy living walk in centres’.
This service provides an opportunity for community pharmacists to provide education and advice
on smoking cessation, substance misuse and lifestyle behaviours.
‘Those who suffer from mental illness have greater risk of, and higher rates of, heart disease,
diabetes, respiratory disease and infections. They also have higher rates of smoking, alcohol
consumption and drug misuse. They die younger and have a poorer quality of life’.
Source: Delivering for Mental Health, SEHD, 2006.
Practice Point
Consider how the Public Health Service could help to improve the health and wellbeing
of people with mental illness.
Minor Ailment Service (MAS)

The service allows patients who are exempt from NHS prescription charges to receive advice
and/or treatment for any presenting common clinical conditions from a community pharmacy,
free of charge.
The advantages of MAS include:
● enhanced services to patients
● greater use of pharmacists’ skills
● enhancement of the pharmacist’s local primary care role and better integration with other
members of the local primary health care team
● better access to NHS services for patients as no appointment is necessary to see a pharmacist.
Conditions covered by the service include: athlete’s foot, bites and stings, back pain, diarrhoea,
cough, fever, hay fever, headache/earache, head lice, mouth ulcers, soft tissue injury, sore
throat, sprain/strain, vaginal thrush, nasal congestion, constipation, and indigestion/heartburn/
stomach upset.
Patients with mental health problems often present with minor ailments particularly due to the
side-effects of medication, e.g. constipation, blurred vision, headaches or perhaps due to poor
self care e.g. athlete’s foot.
Chronic Medication Service (CMS)

This service will allow pharmacists to manage a patient’s medication for up to 12 months as part
of a shared care arrangement with the patient and his or her GP. A patient’s medicines will be
dispensed, monitored and reviewed. Patients involved in the service will need to register with the
pharmacy.
Within Scotland the `Pharmaceutical Care Model Schemes` (PCMS) were the forerunners of
the new contract and will form the clinical and practice components of the CMS. Patients with
mental health problems benefited from these schemes for example by – improved concordance
with medication, reduction in the impact of side-effects, minimisation of the risk of drug
interactions, and reduced opportunity for overdose.
Medication regimes used to treat mental health problems and any concurrent physical illness may
be complex. Compliance is further compromised by inadequate understanding and knowledge
of medication, unpleasant side-effects and illness-related factors such as poor motivation, lack of
insight and impaired memory. In addition, patients with enduring mental illnesses have a high
incidence of cardiovascular and respiratory problems. There is also a high incidence of diabetes
in people with schizophrenia and those treated with antipsychotics, particularly olanzapine and
clozapine. As a result, patients with mental health problems amy be included in your delivery of
the Chronic Medication Service.
Practice Point
Half of people with long-term conditions fail to take their medicines properly.
Consider how the CMS could benefit someone with an enduring mental illness.
Summary
Managing mental health problems can be both demanding and rewarding. Often the most
challenging aspect is addressing personal lack of understanding and pre-conceptions about
mental illness.
Some pharmacists may aspire to become specialists in this area, while others will be content to
fulfil a supporting role. Whatever your aspirations, your personal contribution will be greatly
enhanced by an ability to engage effectively with people suffering from mental disorders and
their carers.
Further reading
1
Scottish Association for Mental Health. ‘All you need to know?’ 2004 (A survey of mental health
service users’ views on psychotropic medication) www.samh.org.uk
2
NSF (now Rethink), MIND, MDF (now the Bipolar Organisation). ‘A Question of Choice’ 2000 (A
survey of people’s views on medicine and other interventions for mental health illness.
www.rethink.org/how_we_can_help/publications/a_question_of.html
Learning Outcomes
1. Consider the issues that affect concordance in mental health patients and take account of
these in your consultation with patients.
2. Identify suitable information resources, assess their place in your practice and make available
for use with your patients.
3. Adapt procedures to monitor for side-effects and drug interactions.
4. Assist patients in an advocacy role to ensure that they receive the most appropriate drug
therapy.
5. Identify five of your patients with mental health problems who are most at risk from poor
pharmaceutical care.
6. Consider the attitudes, needs and perspectives of users and carers. Inform and involve them
as appropriate with the medicines prescribed for mental health problems.
Suggested answers
Case study 6 – John (page 210)

Discontinuation of lithium may be intentional. Is there any evidence of alternative treatment,
e.g. valproate? The simplest solution would be to ask John why there is no lithium on his
prescription. Many patients have difficulty coming to terms with their illness and may lack
insight when ill and find it easy to deny the illness when well.
Some may simply enjoy the experience of hypomania (although full blown mania is often far
from pleasant) and resent medical interference. If it is apparent from the information John
provides that he has decided not to take lithium anymore he is at high risk of manic relapse.
He may be aware of the fact and choose to accept the risk but it would be helpful to know
what his reasons for discontinuing treatment are. Often patients are reluctant to discuss their
concerns about medication with people immediately involved in their care for fear that it will
be interpreted as a sign they are becoming ill again.
Pharmacists are in the advantageous position of being experts on medicines but having no
power to impose treatment on patients and this can make it easier for patients to discuss their
beliefs and concerns about treatment. Whatever the outcome of your discussions, it would
be appropriate to contact John’s GP and/or community mental health team and alert them
to the fact that he is no longer taking lithium so that they can make appropriate provision
for follow-up.
Case studies with Pharmaceutical Care Issues
Case study 7 (page 211)

Pharmaceutical Care Issue Action
Patient needs correct factual information Find out what the risperidone is being used for
Ask the patient why they went to the doctor
What information (if any) has he been given?
Is he consulting the internet?
Which website(s) is he consulting?
Can you recommend a particular site that might
be more helpful?
What are his symptoms? (It is possible that the
risperidone is being used off license for another
indication? If so, how will you describe ‘off license’
use to this individual?)
Patient is aware of stigma associated Discuss and reassure the patient about stigma.
with medication and illness Refer to ‘SeeMe’ etc. if required for
further support

Reasons for non-adherence
● Lack of insight (psychotic illnesses in particular).
● Lack of motivation (depression – apathy, mania – enjoys the highs, substance misuse – enjoys
the effects of continued misuse).

● Distrust (delusional beliefs about medication).
● Denial of illness.
● Poor previous experience with medication (eg manic switching on antidepressant therapy).
● Family, personal or cultural prejudices about the illness.
● Forgets (poor cognition – dementia, schizophrenia).
● Runs out of medication (poor personal organisation or social isolation, eg dementia,
schizophrenia, depression).
● Fear of dependence or addiction.
● Side effects of medication (actual or anticipated).
● Medication regime inconvenient or too complicated.
● Poor doctor patient relationship.
● Lack of information about the illness or the treatment.
● Ill-informed or incorrect information.

Exercise 24 (continued)
Support a pharmacist could offer:
● Determine the reasons for non adherence, ie accidental or deliberate.
● Identify the factors contributing to non-adherence.
● Address the need for more information about drug therapy and possible alternatives,
either personally or via external sources, eg UKPPG National Medication Helpline number
(Telephone: 020 7919 2999 available 11am –5pm weekdays).
● Counsel patients on the benefits of treatment and the risks associated with defaulting
from treatment.
● Refer to GP, CMHT member, care coordinator.
● Consider compliance aids, alternative formulations, simplified regimes, etc.
● Provide details of local and national support services and self help organisations, eg NHS24,
Bipolar Fellowship Scotland, Depression Alliance, National Schizophrenia Fellowship (Scotland).
Case Study 8 (page 214)

Pharmaceutical Care Issue Action
Covert administration of medication What is a pharmacists professional and ethical

obligation in such a situation?
Consult RPSGB legal department for advice
Or Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland
See website www.mwcscot.org.uk/
goodpractice/guidancedocuments
Patient and her daughter need accurate Ascertain why patient thinks ‘medication
information about the condition and its won’t work’
treatment, what will you tell them?
You might have to explain that the
antidepressant effect can take time
Prescribing in the elderly Polypharmacy (might have physical

co-morbidity)
What issues are specific to the elderly that
need to be addressed? Administration of medication
(may need a compliance aid)
Increased susceptibility to side effects
Case study 9 – Sara (page 215)

Answers d, e, f, g and h apply, but if she is insistent, warn her of the problems associated with
abrupt discontinuation.
Case study 10 – Edward (page 216)

From Edward’s presentation, there is a concern that he may be developing hypomania – rapid
speech, expansive mood. This may progress to mania.
600 mg lithium carbonate daily does not equate to lithium citrate 5 ml daily. Non-modified release
preparations of lithium must be given twice daily; lithium carbonate 200 mg (5.4 mmol Li+) is
equivalent to lithium citrate 509 mg. Total daily dose was 16.2 mmol Li+, equivalent to 7.5 ml
(8.1 mmol) lithium citrate twice daily. This is a mistake which can be made by psychiatrists, GPs,
nurses and pharmacists, which puts the patient’s mental health status at real risk.
Ask Edward if he is taking his medication and how long he has been feeling like this?
Actions to be taken
1. Contact whoever arranged the swap from tablets to liquid – the GP, psychiatrist or CMHT
key-worker. Has he had a 12-hour lithium blood test recently? The results will show that the
serum lithium concentration has dropped from 0.75 – 0.23 mmol.
2. Liaise with the GP and change the prescription to Priadel liquid 7.5 ml bd. Repeat the
standard 12-hour lithium level in about 5 –7 days time.
3. Dependent on Edward’s mental health state, alert the CMHT or his key-worker so that close
monitoring can be instituted and/or a short course of an appropriate anti-manic medication
can be prescribed.
Glossary and appendices
Glossary 229
Glossary
The following glossary of terms is taken from Anxiety
the National Service Framework for Mental A mood state in which feelings of fear
Health, the National Electronic Library for predominate and where the fear is out of
Mental Health and similar sources for Scottish proportion to any threat. Frequently associated
mental health definitions. with physical symptoms which include fast
pulse rate, palpitations, sweating, shaking,
Acute dystonia ‘pins and needles’. Anxiety disorders can
Involuntary contraction of the skeletal muscles include simple phobias, fear of a specific object
of the face, neck and trunk that occur as a or situation, generalised anxiety disorder, panic
side-effect of antipsychotic medication. disorder, agoraphobia, obsessive-compulsive
disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder.
Affective or mood disorders
These reflect a disturbance in mood, resulting Approved Social Worker (ASWs) (England)
generally in either depression or elation, see MHO for Scotland
which is often chronic or recurrent in nature. Approved social workers are social workers
There are usually also associated alterations specifically approved and appointed under
in activity, sleep and appetite. Affective Section 114 of the Mental Health Act 1983 by
disorders vary greatly in severity and include a local social services authority ‘for the purpose
bipolar mood disorder or manic depressive of discharging the functions conferred upon
illness. They may also be often associated with them by this Act’. Among these, one of the
symptoms of anxiety. most important is to carry out assessments
under the Act and to function as the applicant
Akathisia in cases where compulsory admission is
A subjective feeling of motor restlessness felt deemed necessary. Before being appointed,
mostly in the legs that occurs as a side-effect of social workers must undertake post qualifying
antipsychotic medication. training approved by the Central Council
for Education and Training in Social Work
Akinesia (CCETSW).
An extrapyramidal side-effect of antipsychotic
medication characterised by apathy and a Assertive outreach (assertive community
decrease in spontaneous movement. treatment, intensive case management)
An active form of treatment delivery: the service
Anticholinergic effects can be taken to the service users rather than
Includes dry mouth, blurred vision, expecting them to attend for treatment. Care
constipation, urinary retention, hypotension. and support may be offered in the service
user’s home or some other community setting,
Antipsychotic drugs at times suited to the service user rather than
Drugs used to treat psychosis, including focused on service providers’ convenience.
schizophrenia and mania. They also have Workers would be likely to be involved in direct
tranquillising effects, reducing agitation. delivery of practical support, care co-ordination
and advocacy as well as more traditional
therapeutic input. Closer, more trusting
relationships may be developed with the aim
of maintaining service users in contact with the
service and complying with effective treatments.
Atypical antipsychotic drugs Clinical governance

Newer and more expensive antipsychotic A framework through which NHS
drugs which have a different range of organisations are accountable for continuously
side-effects from the standard antipsychotics, improving the quality of their services and
and generally have a lower incidence of safeguarding high standards of care by
extrapyramidal side-effects. creating an environment in which excellence
in clinical care will improve.
Care co-ordinator (or key worker)
A worker (team member) with responsibility Cognitive behaviour therapy
for co-ordinating CPA reviews for mental A form of psychological treatment based
health service users with complex needs and on learning theory principles used mostly
for communicating with others involved in the in depression but increasingly shown to
service user’s care. Care co-ordinators usually be a useful component of treatment in
have the most contact with the service user. schizophrenia.
Care management Commission for Health Improvement (CHI)

A system of organising care to vulnerable A national body responsible for overseeing
adults by local authority social services and supporting the implementation of clinical
departments. It involves assessing needs, care governance and the quality of clinical services.
planning, the organisation of care packages
within available resources, monitoring and Community mental health nurse/
review and close involvement with service community psychiatric nurse (CPN)
users and carers. For mental health service Mental health nurse with specific expertise in
users it should be integrated with the Care working with patients in the community, in
Programme Approach. functioning in a multidisciplinary team and
in working across the inpatient/community
Care Programme Approach (CPA) interface.
The CPA provides a framework for care
co-ordination for service users under specialist Co-morbidity
mental health services. The main elements The simultaneous presence of two or more
are a care co-ordinator, a written care plan, disorders, often refers to combinations of
and at higher levels, regular reviews by the severe mental illness, substance misuse,
multi-disciplinary health team and integration learning difficulties and personality disorder.
with the social services care management The term dual diagnosis or complex needs
system. Updated and simplified guidelines, may also be used.
with two levels of CPA, standard and
enhanced, were published by the Department Compliance therapy
of Health in association with the National The frequent finding of poor compliance
Service Framework. (Also used within NHS with prescribed treatments in individuals
Scotland). with severe mental ill health has led to the
development of a cognitive-educational
Carers treatment package. The aim is to improve
Relatives or friends who voluntarily look after a patient’s understanding of their illness
individuals who are sick, disabled, vulnerable and to identify and tackle reasons for lack of
or frail. adherence to suggested treatments.
Glossary 231
Crisis Resolution/Home Treatment Team Extrapyramidal side-effects

Specialist multidisciplinary team providing Includes acute dystonia, akathisia,
support and treatment at the patient’s home Parkinsonism, akinesia, and tardive dyskinesia.
as an alternative to hospital admission or to
support early discharge from hospital. First-level advice from NHS 24
First-level advice to provide comprehensive
Depression information about services and treatments
A negative mood state which involves a feeling that are available locally. If necessary, NHS
of sadness. Depression can range from mild 24 aims to ensure callers are directed to the
to severe, with the treatment depending right service, providing referral on to specialist
on the severity. Depression can frequently helplines or mental health services.
coexist with and complicate other physical
illnesses. The most frequent disorder found in Gender dysphoria
the National Morbidity Survey was a mixed (gender identity disorder)
anxiety-depression. A conviction that one is ‘trapped’ in a body of
the wrong gender. Tends to have been present
Disengagement from childhood. The individual wishes to live in
Loss of contact with services by the service user. the opposite gender role from their biological
one and often pursues the goal of achieving
Dual diagnosis surgical gender reassignment.
Dual diagnosis and complex needs are used
to describe people with a combination of Home treatment
drug and alcohol misuse and mental illness, Treatment may be offered in a patient’s home
a combination of medical needs, including rather than in clinical settings, either by a
diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation; and separate team or by a community mental
social needs, including housing, social care health team. Frequent home visits by various
and independent living. Some of those in this members of the multidisciplinary team
group may also have a history of offending and can lead to an avoidance of some hospital
involvement in the criminal justice system. They admissions and provide support to informal
are all amongst the most socially excluded. carers. Such services should be available at
weekends and in evenings as well as during
Eating disorders office hours.
These disorders include anorexia nervosa and
bulimia nervosa. They are disorders that tend to Independent sector
have an early onset in childhood or adolescence Voluntary, charitable and private care providers
and are less frequently seen in males. Anorexia of services to people with mental health
nervosa involves a distortion of body image problems.
in which the person believes they are much
fatter than they actually are. They very carefully Mental disorder
restrict their intake of calories, exercise to Mental disorder is defined in the 1983 Mental
excess, are markedly underweight and may Health Act and Mental Health Scotland (1984)
be very secretive. Bulimia nervosa involves Act as ‘mental illness, arrested or incomplete
episodic binges of over-eating, and self-induced development of mind, psychopathic disorder
vomiting and laxative abuse in some cases. and any other disorder or disability of mind’.
They may maintain a more normal body weight The Act does not define mental illness, which is
but can have severe physical complications. a matter for clinical judgement.
Mental health Parkinsonism

An individual’s ability to manage and cope Tremor, muscular rigidity, or absence of
with the stresses and challenges of life. movement that occurs as a side-effect of
antipsychotic medication.
Mental Health Officers (MHOs) Scotland
Are specialist qualified social workers, with at Personality disorder
least two years experience and an additional This covers a variety of clinically significant
MHO qualification. They provide a statutory, conditions and behaviour patterns, which tend
specialist, social work service 24 hours a to be persistent and to arise in childhood or
day. They are employed by the local council adolescence. They are not secondary to other
and NOT the NHS. They act as a safeguard mental disorders but may coexist with them.
to ensure that medical, and nursing staff The disorder will generally involve problematic
consider alternatives that may be available, relationships and may be associated with
before, admitting a person to hospital under a personal distress. A very small subgroup
statutory order. of those with personality disorder may be
antisocial and dangerous.
Mental health organisations
Health and social care commissioners and Psychological therapies
providers of specialist mental healthcare, Talking therapies, including psychotherapy,
including independent sector providers. counselling, family therapy, and cognitive
behaviour therapy.
Mental health services
Specialist provision of mental health and social Psychotropic drugs
care provision integrated across organisational Medication used in the treatment of mental
boundaries. disorder.
Mental illness Regional Secure Units (RSU) known as

Range of diagnosable mental disorders that Medium Secure Units in Scotland
excludes learning disability and personality Medium secure units are for individuals who
disorder. are thought to pose special risks, particularly of
violence to others. (See Security – medium).
National Institute of Clinical Excellence
(NICE) (England) Schizophrenia
Established in April 1999, the Institute is Schizophrenia is a severe psychotic mental
responsible for promoting clinical excellence illness in which there may be distorted
and cost-effectiveness, producing and issuing perceptions and thinking, as well as
clinical guidelines. inappropriate or blunted mood. Individuals
with this disorder may hold beliefs that seem
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome impossible to others.
This rare and potentially fatal side-effect of
antipsychotic medication is characterised by
altered consciousness, high temperature, and
muscular rigidity.
Glossary 233
Security Substance misuse

Low Includes illicit drug use, such as heroin and
Some local hospitals have wards with locked other opiates, amphetamines, ecstasy, cocaine
doors and above average staff ratios. Also and crack cocaine, hallucinogens, cannabis,
known as intensive care or high dependency and prescribed drugs such as benzodiazepines,
units. as well as substances such as alcohol.
Substance misuse can cause psychological,
Medium
physical, social and legal problems.
Medium units, including Regional Secure Units
(see above) which care for patients whose
Supervised discharge
behaviour is too difficult or dangerous for local
Under the 1995 Mental Health (Patients in
hospitals but who do not require the higher
the Community) Act consultant psychiatrists
levels of security available in special hospitals.
may apply for powers of supervision of
High patients following discharge from hospital. A
Provided by the three special hospitals supervisor, typically a community psychiatric
in England – Ashworth, Broadmoor, and nurse acting as care co-ordinator, has the
Rampton and one in Scotland (State Hospital, power to ‘take and convey’ the patient to a
Carstairs). Their patients are often very place of treatment, but not to treat them.
dangerous and violent and require intensive
care, supervision and observation within the Tardive dyskinesia
most secure surroundings. Potentially irreversible involuntary movements
of the mouth, lips, and tongue, and possibly
Service user(s) involving limb and trunk movements,
People who need health and social care for which occur as a side-effect of antipsychotic
their mental health problems. They may be medication.
individuals who live in their own homes,
are staying in care, or are being cared for in
hospital.
Social care
Personal care for vulnerable people, including
individuals with special needs which stem
from their age or physical or mental disability,
and children who need care and protection.
Examples of social care services are residential
care homes, home helps and home care
services. Local authorities have statutory
responsibilities for providing social care.
Appendix 1
Mental healthcare through the ages Consilium motivation

Factum working history
2,000 BC
Mesopotamian priest-physicians dealt with Casus significant life events
mental disturbance which was attributed to
Orationes form and content of discourse
demonic possession, whilst ‘lay’ physicians
dealt solely with physical injury. This was the which remained in use for 1600 years until the
first known division between mental and dissolution of the monasteries.
physical symptoms.
c 40 BC
c460 BC Asclepiades spoke out strongly against
Hippocrates wrote 76 treatises which are still incarceration of mentally ill people. He
considered to be the foundations of modern disliked the term ‘insanity’, referring to
medicine and psychiatry. He described ‘passions of sensations’, and differentiated
melancholia, postpartum psychosis, mania, between hallucinations and delusions.
phobias and paranoia and believed that
thoughts and feelings occur in the brain, 25 BC –50 AD
rather than the heart. The influence of enlightened views of the
Roman doctors began to decline, and
c400 BC Cornelius Celsus recommended starvation,
Plato proposed a view of the soul (psyche) fetters and flogging and anything ‘which
as a charioteer driving two horses, one thoroughly agitates the spirit’. He reinstated
noble, the other driven by base desires. the idea that some illnesses were caused by
The charioteer struggles to balance their the anger of the gods, and his words were
conflicting impulses. used in the Middle Ages to justify the burning
of witches.
c110 BC
Cicero designed an interview format used 50 –130 AD
throughout the Roman empire containing the Aretaeus established the fact that manic and
following items: depressive states occur in the same individual
and that lucid intervals exist between manic
Nomen clan/tribe, region, connections
and depressive episodes. He also understood
Natura sex, nationality, family status, that not everyone with mental illness is
age, physique destined to suffer intellectual deterioration, a
fact not adequately emphasised until the 20th
Victus education, association,
century.
habits/lifestyle
Fortuna rich/poor, free/slave, social class 130 AD
Soranus of Ephesus stressed the importance
Habitus appearance
of convalescence and aftercare. He also
Affectio passions, emotions, suggested that mania should be treated
temperament with the alkaline waters of the town that
contained high levels of lithium – a treatment
Studium interests
rediscovered by John Cade in the 1940s.
Appendix 1 Mental healthcare through the ages 235
865 –925 AD Some enlightened care was offered in

Rhazes was a chief physician at a Baghdad monasteries and a Franciscan monk
hospital where there was a psychiatric ward. prescribed music and occupation for
Because the Arabs had no fear of demons, depressed patients and sleep and gentle
patients were kindly treated and appear to binding for frenzied patients in his book De
have made use of forms of behaviour therapy. Proprietatibis Rerum.
12th century 16th century

Medieval laymen had more enlightened Demonology and witch-hunts continued while
attitudes toward mental health problems than others had more enlightened beliefs. Juan
did professionals; poetry and other literature Luis Vives (b. 1492) put forward a concept of
present very realistic views of the subject. treatment for mental distress which we would
In the early days of the Bethlehem hospital do well to bear in mind today:
(Bedlam), patients were treated with concern
‘Since there is nothing in the world more
and issued with arm badges to wear so that
excellent than man, nor in man than
they could be returned to hospital if their
his mind, particular attention should be
symptoms recurred. Vagrants sometimes
given to the welfare of the mind; and it
counterfeited the badges so that they could
should be considered a highest service if
be taken for former patients of Bedlam!
we either restore the minds of others to
sanity or keep them sane and rational….
14th century
One ought to feel great compassion for so
People with mental health problems were
great a disaster to the health of the human
considered witches and again became victims
mind, and it is of utmost importance
of persecution.
that the treatment be such that insanity
be not nourished and increased, as may
15th century
result from mocking, exciting or irritating
Two Dominican monks wrote Malleus
madmen…’
Maleficorum (The Witches’ Hammer),
a gruesome and pornographic book which Weyer (b.1515) had a profound influence on
became the witch-hunter’s bible. A lot of the the treatment of mental distress, emphasising
information was about deviant behaviour, that illnesses attributed to witches came from
much of it overtly sexual. This was at least natural causes. He also considered the effects
partly due to the belief that insanity was of drug-induced hallucinations, and provided
caused by possession by the devil, and a devil clinical descriptions of auditory hallucinations
possessed a witch by copulating with her. and persecution mania.
As the ultimate salvation of the immortal soul
was more important than the comforts of 17th century
the possessed body, physical punishments There was a belief that if mad people behaved
such as drowning and burning were used to like animals, they should be treated like
make the body an intolerable refuge for the animals. Thomas Willis, a neuroanatomist and
devil. Dissemination of the book was greatly doctor, advocated intimidation via threats
facilitated by the development of printing and and beatings. In contrast to this Robert
it ran into 10 editions. Burton proposed a therapeutic programme of
exercise, music, drugs and diet and stressed
the importance of discussing problems with a 19th century

close friend (or a doctor). At the beginning of the century there was
public outcry about conditions in asylums and
In the 17th century people with mental health
a select committee report describes appalling
problems were often cared for privately.
conditions of inadequate clothing, cramped
This system of private treatment began with
and crowded accommodation filthy with
Helkiah Crooke, physician to James I and
excrement on straw, with patients chained
Bethlem Hospital who took patients into his
to the walls, and in one case, a surgeon who
own home for treatment. From boarding a
was known to be drunk and insane. Despite
single lunatic it was a short step to providing
this a lot of doctors were proud to work
accommodation for numbers of patients, and
in the new asylums and there was a new
thus setting up a private madhouse. Thomas
endeavour to study insanity which culminated
Allen, a physician at Bethlem Hospital also ran
in Emil Kraepelin’s (1855-1927) systematic
a private asylum.
classification of mental disease which forms
the basis of modern systems.
18th century
New asylums were built to house people Alfred Meyer (1866 –1950) believed in,
with mental health problems separately from seeing the patient in his own world. His wife
houses of correction and poor houses. The became what was later called a social worker,
New Bethlem appeared so magnificent it was visiting Meyer’s patients to learn more about
thought ‘everyone might become half mad their home backgrounds. Rather than seeing
in order to lodge there’. However palatial disturbance as the result of brain pathology
it looked, it was built on a land-fill site and he saw it as a reaction or maladjustment
deteriorated rapidly! Whilst mental hospitals involving the total person. He helped to
in London were reasonably managed, the change the hospital’s approach from custody
provincial institutions were often very poor. to active therapy, and stressed the importance
of unhurried conversations with patients.
In 1774 it became essential to produce a
medical certificate confirming insanity before In the second half of the 19th century,
non-pauper lunatics could be confined, but Darwin’s Origin of Species (1859) led to a
the rights of paupers were totally disregarded. pessimistic feeling that insanity, instead of
For the wealthy there was still the option being concerned with the will and moral
of being a private patient of a doctor or management was a hereditary incapacity,
clergyman. leading to reduced concern for the
unfortunate, and a feeling that the mad
William Battie (1703 –1776) was a pioneer in
ought to be locked up. The 1845 Lunacy Act
the care of mental patients who helped raise
was about running good hospitals; the 1890
the ‘mad business’ to a respectable medical
Lunacy Act was about locking people up.
speciality. He believed that institutionalising
patients in asylums was, in itself, therapeutic. At the end of the 19th century advances in
His name gave rise to the term ‘batty’. general medical knowledge led to a search
for organic causes of mental distress. Instead
Novel therapies of the 18th century included
of doctors in asylums going out and playing
water immersion therapy, non-injurious
cricket with patients, they began to spend
torture (!), a special spinning stool to
their time on research in the hope of finding
rearrange the contents of the brain and a
the causes of the conditions they were
form of ECT for which the rich paid sixpence
treating.
and the poor were ‘electrified gratis’.
Appendix 1 Mental healthcare through the ages 237
20th century Other physical treatments used in the

The search for organic causes and treatments 20th century include insulin coma therapy and
for mental health problems continued, camphor injections to induce fits in the 1930s.
spurred on by the successful identification
Psychosurgery was used in the mid-20th
and treatment of conditions such as
century with an enthusiasm verging on
phenylketonuria and thyroid conditions. The
abandon, and an appalling level of technical
observation of changes in emotional state
crudeness. However a refined version is still
in people treated for other conditions, eg
practised on a small number of patients. The
the antidepressant effect of iproniazid for
Mental Treatment Act 1930 introduced the
tuberculosis, began the continuing search
category of voluntary patients and the notion
for biochemical treatments for every kind of
of rehabilitation.
mental state.
During the 1950s the tradition of caring for
Sedatives such as morphine, hyoscyamus
mentally ill people within large institutions
and chloral were widely used. Patients with
came under intense criticism from both
mania were treated with apomorphine
inside and outside the system. There was
and hyoscine to induce vomiting in order
a growing realisation that the structure
to wear them out and thus calm them.
and organisation of mental hospitals was
Bromide was fashionable for a while and
essentially pathogenic.
lead to the development of deep sleep
treatment, whereby patients would sleep for In 1961 Enoch Powell made his ‘water
prolonged periods and awaken apparently tower’ speech at a meeting of the National
free of psychotic symptoms. When bromide Association for Mental Health, announcing
was deemed too toxic it was replaced by the proposed closure of the large psychiatric
barbiturates until deep sleep therapy was institutions with the development of care in
finally discredited in the 1960s. the community.
Appendix 2
Psychological treatments Janet’s view was that the neurotic lacked

of mental illness sufficient mental energy to hold his psyche
together in a state of integration; as a result
The 18th century saw the beginning of modern
parts of it functioned in disassociation from
psychology as a separate discipline. The word
the rest. Freud’s view by contrast was that
psychology was used in the first half of the
there were diverse mental energies in conflict
century to mean the philosophical analysis
with one another.
and interpretation of mental phenomena. In
the latter half of the 19th century its reference Freud’s ideas are the basis for psychoanalytic
shifted from the philosophical to the scientific theory. Although this began as a contribution
study of mental phenomena. to psychopathology, it quickly expanded into
a more general theory. The interpretation of
Wilhelm Wundt (1832 –1920) is commonly
dreams, the explanation of slips of the tongue
regarded as the founder of scientific
and of the pen, and an account of the psychic
psychology. Although other people began
origins of art, religion and society began with
experimental psychology earlier, Wundt had
Freud and have become part of everyday
the first laboratory for teaching and research
currency. Literature and literary criticism,
in the subject.
art, morality and religion have all felt this
Alexander Bain (1818 –1903) was not an influence.
experimenter but wrote two very influential
In the 20th century, there have been
books, The Senses and the Intellect (1855) and
two major developments in psychology:
The Emotions and the Will (1859). At the same
Gestalt theory (a holistic approach), and
time there were considerable influences from
behaviourism (a stimulus-response theory).
the growing understanding of the physiology
These two approaches begin to merge in the
of the nervous system.
techniques of cognitive behavioural therapy,
One development of the late 18th century that which is increasingly practised at the present
had a significant influence on the development time.
of psychological practice was Mesmerism.
In the 1st World War the treatment of
Mesmer began by using magnets in the
shell shock with talking therapies by
belief that they exercised some influence on
psychiatrists such as William Rivers led
the human body. He later abandoned this
eventually to treatment for what is now
notion, but induced a number of phenomena,
called post-traumatic stress disorder, with
which are now recognised as suggestion
debriefing for victims of traumatic incidents
and hypnosis. An active school of hypnosis
such as hostages, and eventually to the
developed in Paris under the leadership
regular provision of counselling for survivors
of Charcot who established a notable
of traumatic incidents. The approach to
neurological clinic at La Salpetriere.
traumatic stress in the 2nd World War was
In the closing years of the 19th century several a spur to the evolution of group therapy by
medical psychologists were developing people such as Wilfred Bion and Foulkes.
psychogenic theories of the neuroses.
The second half of the 20th century has
Outstanding among them were Pierre Janet
seen the development of ‘anti-psychiatry’,
(1859 –1949) and Sigmund Freud (1856 –
whose main proponents were Ronald Laing
1939) who was a pupil and protégé of Charcot.
and Thomas Szasz. Laing and his followers
Appendix 2 Psychological treatments of mental illness 239
set up the Philadelphia Association, and also people like Szasz and Laing, and partly by the
Kingsley Hall, an experimental therapeutic growing perception of a need for sensitivity
community whose most famous patient was in dealing with people from other cultures
Mary Barnes who was encouraged to regress whose mental distress may be expressed as
into babyhood as a means of achieving her a spiritual crisis in a way that has become
recovery from psychosis. almost unknown in Western culture.
Ronald David Lang was born in the Govanhill At the end of the 20th century, rather than
district of Glasgow and went on to study adopting either ‘the medical model’ or
medicine at Glasgow University. He worked ‘the social model’ of mental illness, people
in psychiatry at Gartnavel Royal Hospital from working in the field of mental ill health are
1953 to 1956. beginning to recognise that mental distress
has many different causes, and many different
Szasz has described mental illness as a
disciplines and approaches have a part to play
metaphorical illness because ‘the mind
in treatment. Distress may be explained in
(whatever that is) is not an organ or part of
terms of responses to circumstances, of brain
the body. Hence it cannot be diseased in
chemistry, of genetics, and all are increasingly
the same sense as the body can’. He takes
seen not to be mutually exclusive but to
the view that any psychiatric diagnosis is
interact and play a part in mental health:
a licence for coercion and the exercise of
life events almost certainly change brain
psychiatric power. ‘If mental illness is not
chemistry for good as well as for ill, and many
a disease why then treatment or indeed
different treatments may be successful in
admission?’ He also accepts that the corollary
different circumstances.
of this is that if patients have rights, they
also have responsibilities, and should, for One of the most widely practised
example accept responsibility for all their psychological therapies is cognitive
actions whatever their state of mind when behavioural therapy (CBT). Although there
they committed them. He has concluded that are many variants of CBT, these are unified by
the only help that can be given to patients is the proposition that psychological problems
through psychotherapy. arise as a direct consequence of faulty
patterns of thinking and behaviour. Patients
Psychotherapeutic treatment has declined in
tend to misinterpret situations or symptoms
the latter part of this century, partly because
in ways that undermine their coping. Their
of a case brought in 1979 against a private
abnormal behavioural patterns exacerbate
psychiatric clinic in the USA by a physician
and consolidate these problems. The critical
with psychotic depression. The patient sued
factor lies in how patients assess specific
successfully on the grounds that he should
situations or problems, as summarised by
have been treated with proven effective
Epictetus, a first century Greek philosopher:
medication rather than spending seven
‘Men are disturbed not by things, but the
months undergoing in-depth psychoanalysis,
views they take of them.’
and the case left a strong impression that
treating psychiatric illness with psychoanalysis The link between psychological problems
constituted malpractice. and faulty patterns of thinking and behavior
can be illustrated by Beck’s original model
New perceptions of mental illness are
of depression. He proposed that negative
beginning to develop, informed partly by
thinking in depression has its origins in Although CBT was originally developed as a
attitudes and assumptions arising from treatment for depression, it has wide-ranging
experiences early in life. Such assumptions applications in the management of residual
can be positive and motivating, but they psychotic symptoms, panic disorders, social
can also be too extreme, held too rigidly, phobias, etc. In CBT, the therapist and
and be highly resistant to revision. Once patient work together to identify specific
a person is depressed a set of cognitive patterns of thinking and behaviour that
distortions known as the cognitive triad underpin the patient’s difficulties. Treatment
(negative view of oneself, current experience, continues between sessions with homework
and the future) exert a general influence assignments both to monitor and challenge
over the person’s day-to-day functioning, specific thinking patterns and to implement
and negative automatic thoughts become behavioural change. CBT is increasingly
increasingly pervasive. Other biases in available in the form of self-help books and
information-processing also act to consolidate interactive computer programmes.
the depression.
Appendix 3 Support agencies, self-help groups and useful websites 241
Appendix 3
Support agencies, self-help groups Alzheimer Scotland

and useful websites Alzheimer Scotland helps people with
dementia, their carers and families.
These contact details are correct as at
Alzheimer Scotland provides information,
September 2007.
runs practical services, and campaigns.
Membership includes carers, relatives, people
Alcohol Concern
with dementia, professionals, groups and
Alcohol Concern
organisations.
64 Leman Street
London E1 8EU Alzheimer Scotland
22 Drumsheugh Gardens
Telephone: 020 7264 0510
Edinburgh EH3 7RN
Fax: 020 7488 9213
Telephone: 0131 243 1453
Email: contact@alcoholconcern.org.uk
Website: www.alzscot.org
Website: www.alcoholconcern.org.uk
Dementia helpline: 0808 808 3000
Alcohol Concern is the national agency on
alcohol misuse. It works to reduce the levels Association for Post Natal illness (APNI)
of alcohol misuse and to develop the range APNI offers support to mothers suffering from
and quality of helping services available to post-natal illness. Leaflets in Bengali, Gujarati,
problem drinkers and their families. Hindi, Punjabi, and Urdu are also available.
APNI
Alzheimer’s Disease International
145 Dawes Road
ADI is an umbrella group of Alzheimer
Fulham
associations throughout the world. Each of its
London SW6 7EB
members is the national Alzheimer association
in their country who support people with Helpline: 020 7386 0868
dementia and their families.
Website: www.apni.org
Website: www.alz.co.uk
Bipolar Fellowship Scotland
Alzheimer Europe Bipolar Fellowship Scotland aims to provide
Alzheimer Europe is a non-governmental information, support and advice for people
organisation aimed at raising awareness of all affected by bipolar disorder, and all who care.
forms of dementia through coordination and
Bipolar Fellowship Scotland
cooperation between Alzheimer and related
Studio 1016, Mile End Mill
disorders organisations in Europe, as well as
Abbeymill Business Centre
organising support to the people with the
Seedhill Road
disease and their carers.
Paisley PA1 1TJ
Website: www.alzheimer-europe.org
Telephone: 0141 560 2050
Website: www.bipolarscotland.org.uk
Breathing Space The Children’s Trust

Breathing Space is a free and confidential The Children’s Trust is a national charity
service for any individual who is experiencing working with children who have multiple
low mood or depression, or who is unusually disabilities and complex health needs. Based
worried and in need of someone to talk in Surrey but its services (including respite
to. Breathing Space specifically, but not facilities, hospice facilities, rehabilitation,
exclusively, targets young men who are education for parents) are offered to children
experiencing difficulty in their lives and aims from across the UK.
to provide help ‘at an early stage to prevent
Children’s Trust
problems escalating.
Tadworth Court
Website: www.breathingspacescotland. Tadworth
co.uk Surrey KT20 5RU
Breathing Space Telephone: 01737 365000
Clyde Contact Centre
Fax: 01737 365001
Beardmore Street
Clydebank G81 4HX Email: enquiries@thechildrenstrust.org.uk
Telephone: 0141 435 3901 Website: www.thechildrenstrust.org.uk
Helpline: 0800 83 85 87 6pm to 2am
Chinese Mental Health Association –
Wah Sum Helpline
British Association for Counselling and
Wah Sum Helpline is a confidential; service
Psychotherapy (BACP)
which offers information, advice, service
BACP House
referral, signposting and emotional support to
15 St John’s Business Park
Chinese people suffering from mental distress
Lutterworth
and their carers.
Leicestershire LE17 4HB
Helpline: 0845 1228660
Helpline: 0870 443 5252
Monday to Friday, 10am – 8pm
Website: www.bacp.co.uk
The Chinese Mental Health Association
Centre for Counselling and Diagnosis (CMHA)
in Dementia CMHA provides support within the Chinese
National Hospital for Neurology and community in the UK and has translated
Neurosurgery several MIND booklets into Chinese – these
Queen Square are available from:
London WC1N 3BG
CMHA
Website: www.dementia.ion.ucl.ac.uk 2nd Floor, Zenith House
155 Curtain Road
The official website of the Dementia Research
London EC2A 3QY
Centre.
Telephone: 020 7613 1008
Monday to Friday,
9.30am – 5.30pm
Website: www.cmha.org.uk
Choose Life Cry-sis Support Group

The Choose Life website is an information Cry-sis offers support to families with
and education resource as part of the national excessively crying, sleepless and demanding
strategy and action plan to prevent suicide in babies. It runs a national network of self-help
Scotland. Provides a list of helplines for people telephone contacts and provides information
who are feeling suicidal to contact. and advice.
Website: www.chooselife.net BM Crysis
London WC1N 3XX
CJD Surveillance Unit
Helpline: 08451 228 669 9am to 10pm
The incidence of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease
(CJD) is monitored in the UK by the CJD Website: www.cry-sis.org.uk
surveillance unit based at the Western General
Hospital in Edinburgh, Scotland. Also refers Defeat Depression
onto other organisations concerned with CJD. Defeat Depression provides accessible
information, education, support and better
Website: www.cjd.ed.ac.uk
understanding of the most common mental
health problems for carers, families and those
Cruse Bereavement Care
affected.
Cruse Bereavement Care provides counselling
and support to promote the well-being of Website: www.depression.org.uk
bereaved people and to enable them to
understand their grief and cope with their Dementia.com
loss. It offers information, advice, education Dementia.com provides information for
and training services. caregivers and healthcare professionals.
Subscribers can customise the site, receive
Cruse
newsletters and benefit from the Medline mail
Riverview House
service, providing access to over 3 million
Friarton Road
online articles.
Perth PH2 8DF
Website: www.dementia.com
Telephone: 01738 444 178
Website: www.crusescotland.org.uk Depression Alliance
Depression Alliance
Cruse Bereavement Care’s Youth 212 Spitfire Studios
Involvement Project – road for you (rd4u) 63–71 Collier Street
A website designed for young people to offer London N1 9BE
support after the death of someone close.
Telephone: 0845 123 2320
Website: www.rd4u.org.uk
Website: www.depressionalliance.org
Freefone 0808 808 1677 Monday to Friday
Depression Alliance is the leading UK charity
helpline: 9.30am – 5.00pm
for people with depression and offers
information. Support and understanding for
people who suffer with depression and for
their relatives who want to help.
Depression Alliance Scotland Drugscope

Depression Alliance Scotland provides DrugScope is the UK’s leading independent
information and support both for anyone centre of expertise on drugs. Its aim is to
affected by depression and their friends and inform policy development and reduce
family. drug-related risk.
3 Grosvenor Gardens DrugScope
Edinburgh EH12 5JU 40 Bermondsey Street
London SE1 3UD
Telephone: 0131 467 3050
Telephone: 020 7940 7500
Website: www.depressionalliancescotland.org
or www.dascot.org Website: www.drugscope.org.uk
The website offers a link to a free online
ECT Anonymous
course ‘Living Life to the Full’. This is a
ECT Anonymous publishes information on the
life skills course which utilises a cognitive
damaging effects of ECT.
behavioural therapy approach and was
developed by The Glasgow Institute for ECT Anonymous
Psychosocial Interventions in association with 14 Western Avenue
Depression Alliance Scotland Riddlesden
Keighley BD20 5DJ
Website: www.livinglifetothe full.com
Telephone: 01535 661493
Destigmatize
Self-help group enquiries to:
Destigmatize provides information on mental
Una Parker
health problems, particularly anxiety, in a
8 Wenthill Close
variety of Asian languages including Urdu,
Ackworth
Punjabi, and Hindi. Aims to destigmatise
Pontefract WF7 7LP
mental health in the ethnic minorities.
Telephone: 01977 704659
Destigmatize
National Phobics Society Website: www.ontheside.org/ukfed/
Zion Community Resource Centre ectanon.htm
339 Stretford Road
Hulme
Manchester M15 4ZY
Telephone: 0870 122 2325
Website: www.destigmatize.org.uk
Education and Resources for Improving Foundation for People

Childhood Continence (ERIC) with Learning Disabilities
ERIC Here you will find the latest news and
34 Old School House events on learning disability issues, as well
Britannia Road as information on topics such as advocacy,
Kingswood accommodation and employment and
Bristol BS15 8DB further links . In addition there is information
on the GOLD programme (Growing old with
Telephone: 0117 960 0401
learning disabilities).
Helpline: 0845 370 8008
Website: www.learningdisabilities.org.uk
(10am – 4pm Monday to Friday).
Language live is available to callers
The Genetic Interest Group (GIG)
who do not have English as a first
A national alliance of organisations people
language.
affected by genetic disorders/ diseases. Its
Website: www.eric.org.uk primary goal is to promote awareness and
understanding of genetic disorders so that
ENABLE Scotland high quality services for people affected by
ENABLE Scotland campaigns for a better genetic conditions are developed and made
life for children and adults with learning available to all who need them.
disabilities and, by providing services,
Website: www.gig.org.uk
supports them and their families to
participate, work and live in their local
Gingerbread
communities.
Gingerbread provides information about
ENABLE support for lone parents.
6th Floor, 7 Buchanan Street
Gingerbread
Glasgow G1 3HL
1307 Argyle Street
Telephone: 0141 226 4541 Glasgow G3 8TL
Website: www.enable.org.uk Telephone: 0141 576 5085/7976
Website: www.gingerbread.org.uk
Families Anonymous
To help families and friends of people with drug
HeadsUpScotland
dependency problems. Runs self-help groups.
HeadsUpScotland is a national project aiming
Families Anonymous at improve the mental health of all children
Doddington and Rollo Community and young people by ‘promotion, prevention
Association and care’.
Charlotte Despard Avenue
HeadsUpScotland
Battersea
Scottish Development Centre for
London SW11 5HD
Mental Health
Helpline: 0845 1200 660 172 Leith Walk
to locate local groups or for further Edinburgh EH6 5EA
information
Telephone: 0131 555 8430
Website: www.famanon.org.uk
Website: www.headsupscotland.co.uk
Hearing Voices Network Holiday Care Service

To offer information, support and To provide a free information and advice
understanding to people who hear voices and service to anyone who has difficulty finding
those who support them. a suitable holiday on account of age or
disability. Also advises single parents, people
Hearing Voices Network
living alone and people under severe financial
79 Lever Street
pressure and runs a holiday helpers scheme.
Manchester M1 1FL
This recruits and introduces holiday carers/
Telephone: 0845 122 8641 companions to people seeking holiday help.
Email: info@hearing-voices.org Holiday Care Service
7th floor, Sunley House
Website: www.hearing-voices.org
Bedford Park
Croydon CR0 2AP
Hearing Voices Network Dundee
Aims to create acceptance that hearing voices Telephone: 0845 124 9971 Information
is a valid experience with many explanations,
Telephone: 0845 124 9974 Access advice
and erasing the stigma for voice hearers.
Website: www.holidaycare.org.uk
126–220 Hilltown
Dundee DD3 7AU
In Touch
Telephone: 01382 223023 In Touch provides information on all aspects
of mental handicap and to run a contact
Website: www.hearingvoicesnetwork.co.uk
service for parents of children with rare
disorders.
Highland Users Group (HUG)
HUG is a network of mental health service In Touch
users which aims, by campaigning, to 10 Norman Road
improve the rights, services and treatments of Sale
people with mental health problems. Cheshire M33 3DF
Highland Community Care Forum Telephone: 0161 905 2440
Highland House
Fax: 0161 718 5787
20 Longman Road
Inverness IV1 1RY Website: www.inclusive.co.uk/support/
intouch.shtml
Telephone: 01463 718817
Website: www.hug.uk.net
Invalids at Home Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland

Invalids at Home (MWCScotland)
Bamford Cottage The MWC Scotland is the statutory body
South Hill Avenue with responsibility for protecting the welfare
Harrow of people with mental disorder (including
Middlesex HA1 3PA learning disabilities) in Scotland.
Telephone: 020 8864 3818 Telephone: 0131 222 6111
To provide financial help to substantially Website: www.mwcscot.org.uk
handicapped or chronically ill people living
at home, who are in need. Grants can be Mouth and Foot Painting Artists
made for almost any expense not statutorily To encourage physically and mentally
covered. handicapped children to take part in painting,
music and drama. Gives financial help.
The LivingWorks Program
Mouth and Foot Painting Artists
The LivingWorks Program provides training
9 Inverness Place
for ‘suicide first aid’, aiming to provide
London W2 3JG
caregivers with intervention strategies to
prevent suicides. Telephone: 020 7229 4491
Website: www.livingworks.net Website: www.mfpa.co.uk
Mental Health Act (Care and Treatment) Mildmay Hospital UK

(Scotland) Act 2003 Mildmay Hospital specialises in the care of
Training on the Act for frontline health and people at all stages of HIV infection – from
social care professionals can be accessed on- initial diagnosis through to final phase,
line from NHS Education for Scotland. including rehabilitation for people with
cognitive deficits caused by the HIV virus.
Website: www.nes.scot.nhs.uk/mha
Website: www.mildmay.org.uk
Mental Health Foundation
The Mental Health Foundation provides
information about mental health issues, and
aims to help people survive, recover from and
prevent mental health problems.
Mental Health Foundation
Scotland Office
5th Floor, Merchants House
30 George Square
Glasgow G2 1EG
Telephone: 0141 572 0246
Website: www.mentalhealth.org.uk
MIND Multikulti Language Choice

(National Association for Mental Health) Aims to support citizenship through culturally
Telephone helpline and useful publications appropriate and accurately translated
including factsheets on mental health information – debt, employment, health,
problems and ‘Making sense’ booklets e.g. housing, immigration, and welfare benefits.
lithium, antidepressants, antipsychotics.
Understanding Depression, Postnatal
MIND Depression, and How to Improve Your Mental
15 –19 Broadway Wellbeing available in Albanian, Bengali,
London E15 4BQ Chinese, English, Farsi, French, Gujarati,
Portuguese, Somali, Spanish. Turkish and
Telephone: 020 8519 2122
Urdu.
MindinfoLine: 0845 766 0163
Website: www.multikulti.org.uk
Monday to Friday,
9.15am – 5.15pm
Multiple Sclerosis Society
(Language Line available for translation and The Society funds MS research, runs holiday
interpreting service with access to over 100 homes and respite care, provides grants,
languages. Three-way conferencing facilitates education, information, publications and
communication through trained interpreters. training on MS, and a freephone specialist
Deaf or speech impaired enquirers can be telephone support service.
assisted on the same number – prefixing with
Website: www.mssociety.org.uk
18001 if using BT Textdirect)
Helpline: 0808 800 8000
Website: www.mind.org.uk
Multiple Sclerosis Society Scotland
MINDOUT
The MS Society Scotland is part of the
An active campaign aiming to stop stigma
MS Society and has a network of 36 branches
and discrimination surrounding mental
in Scotland.
health. Useful downloads including
employers’ pages providing resources for staff MS Society Scotland
management to use in the workplace. National Office
Ratho Park
Website: mindout.clarity.uk.net
88 Glasgow Road
Ratho Station
Moodjuice
Newbridge EH28 8PP
Moodjuice Forth Valley is an internet site
offering information and advice to those Telephone: 0131 335 4050
suffering troublesome thoughts, feelings and
Website: www.mssocietyscotland.org.uk
actions. Self-help guides e.g. depression,
anxiety, stress, panic and sleep problems, can
National Statistics
be printed off from the site.
Website: www.statistics.gov.uk
Website: www.moodjuice.scot.nhs.uk
National Programme to Improve the Mental National Schizophrenia Fellowship

Health and Well Being of the Scottish (Scotland)
Population The National Schizophrenia Fellowship
The programme flows from the Scottish (Scotland) works to improve the wellbeing
Executive’s commitments to social justice and and quality of life of those affected by
health improvement with respect to mental schizophrenia and other mental illness,
health. including families and carers.
Website: www.show.scot.nhs.uk/sehd/ National Schizophrenia Fellowship (Scotland)
mentalwellbeing 130 East Claremont Street
Edinburgh EH7 4LB
National Institute for Mental Health in
Telephone: 0131 557 8969
England (NIMHE)
NIMHE aims to improve the quality of life of Website: www.nsfscot.org.uk
people of all ages who experience mental
distress and is responsible for supporting the National Self-Harm Network (NSHN)
implementation of positive change in mental NSHN provides support to people that
health and mental health services in England. self-harm and the people it affects.
NIMHE NHSN
Room 8E 46 PO Box 7264
Quarry House Nottingham NG1 6WJ
Quarry Hill
Email: info@nshn.co.uk
Leeds LS2 7UE
Website: www.nshn.co.uk
Telephone: 0113 254 5127
Website: nimhe.csip.org.uk/home NCH Careline
To provide a confidential telephone
National Phobics Society counselling service for children, young
The National Phobics Society provides people, and adults under stress.
advice and counselling to combat phobias,
NCH Careline
depression and obsessional neurosis. Also
Cardinal Heenan Centre
produces newsletter and access to online
326 High Road
support.
Ilford
National Phobics Society Essex IG1 1QP
Zion CRC
Telephone: 020 8514 5444 Administration
339 Stretford Road
Hulme M15 4ZY Telephone: 0845 122 8622 Counselling
Telephone: 0870 122 2325 Website: www.ukselfhelp.info/careline
Website: www.phobics-society.org.uk
NHS24
NHS24 provides confidential health advice
and information for people in Scotland.
Telephone: 08454 24 24 24
Website: www.nhs24.com
Overeaters Anonymous Progressive Supranuclear Palsy

Overeaters Anonymous offers practical help (PSP-Europe) Association
to people with eating disorders Provides information and support to sufferers
of this progressive neuro-degenerative disease,
Overeaters Anonymous
their carers and their families across Europe
PO Box 19
and internationally, and promote awareness of
Stretford
the disease, particularly in the UK.
Manchester M32 9EB
The PSP Association
Website: www.oagb.org.uk
PSP House
167 Watling Street West
Parkinson’s Disease Society
Towcester
Some people with Parkinson’s develop
Northants NN12 6BX
dementia. The Society offers information
advice, and support for people with Telephone: 01327 322410
Parkinson’s and their families
Website: www.pspeur.org
Website: www.parkinsons.org.uk
Helpline: 01939 270889 Counselling
Penumbra
QUIT
Penumbra provides a wide range of person-
QUIT aims to help people stop smoking
centred support services for adults and young
by various methods. Smokers Quitline
people across Scotland with mental health
offers advice, moral support and referral to
problems including Korsakoff’s syndrome.
nearest smoking cessation services. Also runs
Penumbra information resource service for healthcare
Norton Park professionals and workplace courses.
57 Albion Road
QUIT
Edinburgh EH7 5OY
Ground Floor
Website: www.penumbra.org.uk 211 Old Street
London EC1V 9NR
Telephone: 0131 475 2380
Telephone: 020 7251 1551
Pick’s Disease Support Group
Fax: 020 7251 1661
For carers of frontotemporal dementia:
Pick’s Disease, Frontal Lobe Degeneration, Email: info@quit.org.uk
Dementia with Lewy Bodies, Corticobasal
Smoker’s Quitline: 0800 002200
Degeneration and Alcohol Related Dementia.
Website: www.quit.org.uk
Website: www.pdsg.org.uk
Also gives Scottish contact details
Rape Crisis Scotland
Rape Crisis Scotland provides support and
Princess Royal Trust for Carers
information for women and girls who have
Provides information, advice and support
experienced any form of sexual violence at
to carers.
any time in their lives.
Website: www.carers.org
Website: www.rapecrisisscotland.org.uk
Relate Scotland SANE

Relate Scotland (formerly Couple Counselling Operates a national out-of-hours help-line
Scotland) provides confidential counselling (SANELINE) giving practical information,
for couples (people in marriage or other crisis care and emotional support to
intimate relationships) in Scotland. anybody affected by mental health problems
(including carers).
Relate Scotland
18 York Place SANELINE: 0457 67 8000 1pm – 11pm
Edinburgh EH1 3EP
SANE
Telephone: 0845 119 6088 1st Floor, Cityside House
40 Adler Street
Website: www.relatescotland.org.uk
London E1 1EE
(local contact details)
Telephone: 020 7375 1002
The Richmond Fellowship Scotland
Website: www.sane.org.uk
The Richmond Fellowship operates
140 services across Scotland supporting
Schizophrenia Association of GB (SAGB)
people to live as independently as possible
SAGB provides advice for sufferers and
within their own homes and communities.
promotes research.
The Richmond Fellowship Scotland
SAGB
3 Buchanan Gate
Bryn Hyfryd
Buchanan Gate Business Park
The Crescent
Cumbernauld Road
Bangor
Stepps
Gwynedd LL57 2AG
North Lanarkshire G33 6FB
Telephone: 01248 354048
Telephone: 0845 013 6300
Website: www.sagb.co.uk
Website: www.trfs.org.uk
Scottish Association for Mental Health
Samaritans
(SAMH)
Samaritans offer a confidential 24 hour service
SAMH provides services for people across
for people in distress or despair.
Scotland who experience mental health
See website or local telephone directory for problems, homelessness, addictions and
nearest branch. other forms of social exclusion.
Chris SAMH
PO Box 90 90 Cumbrae House
Stirling FK8 2SA 15 Carlton Court
Glasgow G5 9JP
National Helpline: 08457 90 90 90
Telephone: 0141 568 7000
Email: jo@samaritans.org
Website: www.samh.org.uk
Website: www.samaritans.org.uk
Scottish Huntington’s Association Seasonal Affective

The association provides information, advice, Disorder Association (SADA)
support and publications for families affected SADA informs the public and healthcare
by Huntington’s disease inScotland. professionals about SAD and supports and
advises sufferers of the illness.
Website: www.hdscotland.org
PO Box 989
Scottish Huntington’s Steyning
AssociationYouth Project West Sussex BN44 3HG
Provides advice and information on an
Telephone: 01903 814942
individual and group basis to children
and young people living in a family with Website: www.sada.org.uk
Huntington’s Disease.
See Me
Website: www.hdscotland.org/youth
The See Me campaign challenges stigma and
discrimination around mental ill-health in
Scottish Pharmacy
Scotland.
in Mental Health (SPMH)
Membership of SPMH is available (free) See Me
to technicians and pharmacists working 9 –13 Maritime Street
in mental health in hospital, community, Edinburgh EH6 6SB
primary care and academia. SPMH aims to
Telephone: 0131 624 8945
develop best practice in pharmaceutical care
within mental health by providing education Website: www.seemescotland.org
and training through meetings and a
newsletter. TACADE (The Advisory Council
on Alcohol and Drug Education)
Website: www.spmh.co.uk
TACADE supports professionals (particularly
teachers) in social. Health and citizenship
Scottish Recovery Network
education (including drugs, alcohol, tobacco
The Scottish Recovery Network aims to
and sexual health) for children and young
engage communities across Scotland in
people.
debate on how best to promote and support
recovery from long-term mental health TACADE
problems. Old Exchange Building
St Ann’s Passage
Scottish Recovery Network
Manchester M2 6AD
Baltic Chambers
320 – 321 Telephone: 0161 836 6850
50 Wellington Street
Email: ho@tacade.co.uk
Glasgow G2 6HJ
Website: www.tacade.com
Telephone : 0141 240 7790
Website: www.scottishrecovery.net
Turning Point Scotland Victim Support Scotland

Turning Point Scotland provides customised Victim Support Scotland helps people
community care packages for people affected by crime – victims, witnesses and
who have been socially excluded as a others – by providing emotional support,
result of mental health, learning disability, practical help and essential information.
homelessness or drug or alcohol misuse.
Victim Support Scotland
Turning Point Scotland 15 –23 Hardwell Close
54 Govan Road Edinburgh EH8 9RX
Glasgow G51 1JL
Telephone: 0131 668 4486
Telephone: 0141 427 8200
Website: www.victimsupportsco.demon.
Website: www.turningpointscotland.com co.uk
United Kingdom WellScotland

Advocacy Network (UKAN) Information on the Scottish Executive’s
The UK Advocacy Network (UKAN) was National Programme for Improving Mental
founded in 1990 to be a national resource, Health and Well-being in Scotland launched
linking mental health user groups of all types. in October 2001 and the initiatives to change
The common aim is the use of advocacy in knowledge, attitudes and behaviour towards
many forms to empower people who use mental health.
specialist services.
Website: www.wellscotland.info/index.html
UK Advocacy Network
Volserve House Women’s Royal Voluntary Service
14 –18 West Bar Green Scotland (WRVS Scotland)
Sheffield S1 2DA WRVS provide a wide range of services to
support people in need who might otherwise
Telephone: 0114 272 8171
feel lonely and isolated, whether at home, in
Email: office@u-kan.co.uk hospital, or in times of crisis.
Website: www.u-kan.co.uk WRVS Scotland
6 Hill Street
United Kingdom Psychiatric Edinburgh EH2 3JZ
Pharmacy Group (UKPPG)
Telephone: 0131 225 9835
The UKPPG exists to ensure best treatment
with medicines for people with mental Website: www.wrvs.org.uk
health needs and their carers. This is being
achieved by developing educational facilities
and accreditation for pharmacists, providing
support through local and national resources
and providing a network of support for
mental health pharmacists.
Email: contact@ukppg.org.uk
Website: www.ukppg.org.uk
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this represents.
Background
1. In relation to the statistics for mental health in the UK, which of the following
statements are correct:
a) One in five people will be affected by a mental disorder
at some time during their lives. true ■ false ■
b) One in four families is likely to have at least one member
with a mental disorder. true ■ false ■
c) Unipolar depression accounts for 10% of years of life lived with
disability (YLD) for all diseases and injuries. true ■ false ■
d) Alzheimer’s disease is one of the top 20 causes of disability
for men and women of all ages. true ■ false ■
2. Mental Health services have developed over the years with many new support systems
and organisations being set up. Which of the following statements are true:
a) Closure of mental health in-patient beds proceeded much faster
in Scotland than in England. true ■ false ■
b) The ‘Choose Life’ strategy launched in 2002 is a 10-year plan
aimed at reducing suicide in Scotland by 20%. true ■ false ■
c) ‘Breathing Space’ is a free and confidential phone line which is
aimed specifically, but not exclusively, at young men between
16 – 40 years who are a vulnerable at-risk suicide group. true ■ false ■
d) ‘See me’ was launched in 2004 to raise awareness that people can
and do recover from long-term and serious mental health problems. true ■ false ■
Neurochemistry and neuroanatomy

3. Psychopharmacology is complex and sometimes contentious. A basic understanding
of the structure and function of neurons and synapses is essential to understand the
mechanism of action of psychotropic drugs:
a) The action potential is self propagating and does not diminish
as it travels along the neuron. true ■ false ■
b) The effect of the neurotransmitter serotonin (5HT)
is inactivated by enzymatic breakdown outside the cell. true ■ false ■
c) There are six small molecule transmitters involved in one way
or another, in the synaptic mechanisms of most psychoactive drugs. true ■ false ■
d) Receptors are the key to specificity in the nervous system and
allow the development of selective drug development. true ■ false ■
Schizophrenia
4. Schizophrenia is a condition, which comes under the umbrella term of psychotic
disorders.
a) The incidence of schizophrenia is equal in both sexes
(but onset is earlier in males). true ■ false ■
b) There are increased rates of schizophrenia found
in affluent areas of large cities. true ■ false ■
c) People with schizophrenia usually only have positive
symptoms present when they are first diagnosed. true ■ false ■
d) A genetic predisposition to schizophrenia exists with a 12%
prevalence rate if one parent is schizophrenic. true ■ false ■
5. The management of schizophrenia involves a comprehensive package of care aimed at

addressing all of the person`s clinical, emotional and social needs:
a) Chlorpromazine was the first drug used to treat the symptoms
of schizophrenia. true ■ false ■
b) The ‘atypical’ antipsychotics have more risk of side-effects such as
extrapyramidal symptoms than the traditional antipsychotics. true ■ false ■
c) Clozapine is effective in treatment-resistant schizophrenia. true ■ false ■
d) Hyperprolactinaemia only occurs with typical antipsychotics. true ■ false ■
Depression
6. Depression is the third most common reason for consultation in general practice.
In relation to this condition, which of the following statements are correct:
a) It is now common practice to define depression as mild, moderate
or severe which is related to the number and duration of symptoms. true ■ false ■
b) Overall the causes of depression are probably multifactorial. true ■ false ■
c) There is no genetic link to an individual developing a depressive illness. true ■ false ■
d) Depression and its treatment are linked to the serotonergic and
noradrenergic pathways in the brain. true ■ false ■
7. Psychological therapies are receiving increasing prominence as options for the

treatment of depression, but the use of antidepressant medication remains important.
Which of the following are true:
a) The recovery rates with computerised cognitive behavioural therapy
(CCBT) are less than those seen with face-to-face therapies. true ■ false ■
b) Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) should only be used for severe
non-responsive depressive illness, when the condition could be
considered as potentially life-threatening. true ■ false ■
c) Tricyclic antidepressants are less commonly used now due to their
side-effects and increased risk of suicide. true ■ false ■
d) The third generation antidepressants such as venlafaxine are
more effective than traditional antidepressants. true ■ false ■
8. In relation to depression which of the following statements are correct:

a) Tricyclic antidepressants are highly toxic in overdose. true ■ false ■
b) Weight gain can be a sign of depression. true ■ false ■
c) Antidepressant drug therapy can be stopped as soon as
the symptoms have resolved. true ■ false ■
d) All selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors can be stopped abruptly. true ■ false ■
Bipolar disease
9. Bipolar affective disorder (BAD), or ‘manic-depression’ is a disorder characterised by
extremes of emotion, ranging from euphoria to despair.
a) The lifetime risk of suicide in bipolar illness is 30%. true ■ false ■
b) During a manic episode, bipolar patients may require little or no sleep. true ■ false ■
c) 5% of sufferers experience four or more episodes a year which is
known as rapid cycling, associated with a poorer prognosis. true ■ false ■
d) Genes play a major role in susceptibility to BAD. true ■ false ■
10. There is increasing evidence to support a variety of drugs in the management of bipolar
affective disorder. Which of the following are correct:
a) Lithium can be used to treat acute mania but takes longer
to work than the atypicals. true ■ false ■
b) Lithium levels of greater than 1.0mmol/l are required
for a therapeutic effect. true ■ false ■
c) Carbamazepine is only licensed for the prophylaxis of manic-depressive
psychosis in patients unresponsive to lithium. true ■ false ■
d) Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) has been shown to be useful
in bipolar disorder. true ■ false ■
Anxiety
11. In its pathological form, anxiety can present with a wide spectrum of symptoms, both
physical (somatic) and psychological.
a) Due to the complexity of the brains anxiety systems,
there are a variety of neurotransmitters involved. true ■ false ■
b) Repetitive, purposeful handwashing is a form of
obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). true ■ false ■
c) Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) involves an intense, prolonged
and sometimes delayed response to a traumatic event. true ■ false ■
d) Agoraphobia is the fear of enclosed spaces. true ■ false ■
12. There are various options available for the management of anxiety disorders:
a) CBT has only short-term effectiveness. true ■ false ■
b) Barbiturates are one of the mainstay treatments for anxiety. true ■ false ■
c) Beta-blockers are mainly useful for the physical symptoms of anxiety. true ■ false ■
d) Antidepressants are often used in the treatment of anxiety disorders. true ■ false ■
13. Sleep is a vital biological process that is necessary to restore both body and mind. In
relation to this which of the following statements are correct:
a) Non-REM sleep is characterised by rapid sweeping of the eyes
under the eyelids. true ■ false ■
b) REM sleep is the deepest stage of sleep. true ■ false ■
c) Insomnia can involve both difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep. true ■ false ■
d) The older you are the more likely your sleep pattern will be
more fragmented and of shorter duration. true ■ false ■
14. Non-drug treatment strategies and where necessary drug treatment can be used to
manage insomnia. As a result:
a) A variety of herbal remedies are available which claim
to help relaxation and promote sleep. true ■ false ■
b) The use of lavender oil on a pillow at night
is not recommended for people with epilepsy. true ■ false ■
c) All hypnotics are licensed for short-term use only. true ■ false ■
d) Zopiclone has an elimination half-life of 3.5 to 6 hours hence
it has a low incidence of residual daytime problems. true ■ false ■
15. In the management of anxiety which of the following statements are correct:
a) Psychological plus pharmacological therapies are useful in combination. true ■ false ■
b) Barbiturates still have a role to play. true ■ false ■
c) Panic disorders can be treated initially with an SSRI
and a benzodiazepine. true ■ false ■
d) Of the beta-blockers, only propranolol and oxprenolol are licensed
for the treatment of anxiety. true ■ false ■
Dementia
16. In dementia where there is a progressive impairment in two or more areas of
cognitive function.
a) It is primarily a disease of the elderly, with prevalence increasing
every 5 years over the age of 65 years. true ■ false ■
b) Long-term memory loss is more affected than memory of recent events. true ■ false ■
c) When dementia presents in individuals under the age of 65 years
it is usually of vascular origin. true ■ false ■
d) Alzheimer’s disease is likely to result from an interplay of genetic
predisposition along with personal and environmental influences. true ■ false ■
17. In the pharmacological management of dementias:

a) Donepezil, rivastigmine and galantamine
are cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs). true ■ false ■
b) If there is no response to one of the ChEIs it is not worth trying
any of the others. true ■ false ■
c) All of the ChEIs can cause gastrointestinal side-effects. true ■ false ■
d) Memantine is an NMDA-receptor antagonist licensed
for early Alzheimer’s Disease. true ■ false ■
Miscellaneous
18. There are higher levels of physical morbidity and mortality in patients with severe
mental illness compared to the general population. As a result:
a) Psychiatric co-morbidity often relates to a broad spectrum of
mental health and substance misuse problems. true ■ false ■
b) Most pharmacokinetic drug interactions related to the use of
psychotropic medication are related to metabolism. true ■ false ■
c) Clozapine therapy should be stopped if the patient develops neutropenia. true ■ false ■
d) When changing psychiatric medications a ‘washout period’
is always required. true ■ false ■
19. Working with patients with mental health problems presents pharmacists with both
opportunities and challenges. Which of the following statements are correct:
a) The Framework for Mental Health Services in Scotland outlines
the vision of how services for all people with mental health problems
should be structured. true ■ false ■
b) People with long-term mental health problems are more likely
to develop other problems such as diabetes, obesity, coronary
heart disease and stroke, compared to the general population. true ■ false ■
c) Pharmacists have a role in advising patients on concordance
and stopping medication. true ■ false ■
d) The Scottish Pharmacy in Mental Health (SPMH) group is open
to membership from all pharmacy staff interested in mental health. true ■ false ■
20. In relation to mental health:

a) Approximately 30% of patients treated with typical antipsychotics develop
parkinsonian side-effects which usually occurs early in treatment. true ■ false ■
b) There is little clinical difference between the available SSRIs. true ■ false ■
c) Flattened mood is classified as a negative symptom. true ■ false ■
d) Alzheimer’s disease (AD) accounts for about 60% of all cases of dementia. true ■ false ■
Notes
Multiple choice questionnaire Answer sheet
1 a ■ 2 a ■ 3 a ■ 4 a ■ Your details
b ■ b ■ b ■ b ■
c ■ c ■ c ■ c ■ Name
d ■ d ■ d ■ d ■
Address
5 a ■ 6 a ■ 7 a ■ 8 a ■
b ■ b ■ b ■ b ■
c ■ c ■ c ■ c ■
d ■ d ■ d ■ d ■
9 a ■ 10 a ■ 11 a ■ 12 a ■ Postcode
b ■ b ■ b ■ b ■
c ■ c ■ c ■ c ■ RPSGB registration number
d ■ d ■ d ■ d ■
13 a ■ 14 a ■ 15 a ■ 16 a ■ Post to
b ■ b ■ b ■ b ■ NHS Education for Scotland (Pharmacy)
c ■ c ■ c ■ c ■ 3rd floor, 2 Central Quay
d ■ d ■ d ■ d ■ 89 Hydepark Street
Glasgow G3 8BW
17 a ■ 18 a ■ 19 a ■ 20 a ■ Telephone: 0141 223 1600

b ■ b ■ b ■ b ■ Fax: 0141 223 1651
c ■ c ■ c ■ c ■ Email: pharmacy@nes.scot.nhs.uk
d ■ d ■ d ■ d ■ Website: www.nes.scot.nhs.uk/
pharmacy
Comments
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3rd floor, 2 Central Quay
89 Hydepark Street
Glasgow
G3 8BW
Pharmacy

If no CD is here, please call 0141 223 1600

3rd Floor, 2 Central Quay
89 Hydepark Street
Glasgow
G3 8BW
Telephone 0141 223 1600

Fax 0141 223 1651
E-mail pharmacy@nes.scot.nhs.uk
Website www.nes.scot.nhs.uk/pharmacy

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Pharmacy

Introduction to Pharmaceutical Care in Mental Health

If no CD is here, please call 0141 223 1600

NHS Education for Scotland (Pharmacy)

Telephone 0141 223 1600

Specialist Editors – Scotland (SPMH)

Specialist Reviewers – Scotland (SPMH)

Design and print

Chapter 1 Introduction to mental health and mental illness 11

Chapter 2 Neurochemistry and neuroanatomy 39

Chapter 5 Bipolar affective disorder 91

Chapter 6 Anxiety disorders 111

Chapter 7 Sleep disorders 135

Chapter 8 Dementias 153

Chapter 9 Multiple pathology, multiple problems 179

Chapter 10 The role of the pharmacist in managing mental health 203

Glossary and appendices 227

Multiple choice questions 255

About this pack

Objectives of the pack

Activity Key Facts Suggested Answers

Case Studies Learning Outcomes Assessment

Multiple choice questionnaire

How this package can assist your CPD

1.2 History of mental healthcare

We need to adopt a far more tolerant attitude to people

We have a responsibility to provide the best possible care for people

People with mental illness don’t deserve our sympathy

People with mental illness are a burden on society

Virtually anyone can become mentally ill

Mental illness is an illness like any other

People with mental illness should not be given any responsibility

Most women who were once patients in a mental hospital

As soon as a person shows signs of mental disturbance they should be hospitalised

As far as possible, mental health services should be provided through community-

It is frightening to think of people with mental problems living in residential

1.3 Development of mental health law

The asylums and beyond

Outpatients, day-care and after-care

Social policy and community care

Developing the policy for community care

Scotland’s Mental Health First Aid

The Scottish Recovery Network

National Resource Centre for Ethnic Minority Health

Mind the gaps

The Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003

Short term detention

Compulsory Treatment Order (CTO)

1.4 Definitions and controversy

Turn to the end of the chapter for suggested answers

1.5 Classification systems for mental and

Disorders usually ﬁrst diagnosed in infancy, Mental retardation, autism, ADHD

Delirium, dementia, and amnestic and other Alzheimer’s disease

Mental disorders due to a general medical AIDS-related psychosis

Substance-related disorders Alcohol abuse

Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders Delusional disorder

Mood disorders Clinical depression

Anxiety disorders Generalised anxiety disorder

Somatoform disorders Somatisation disorder

Factitious disorders Munchausen syndrome