Effect of the addition of aripiprazole on hyperprolactinemia associated with risperidone long-acting injection.

We sought to assess the effect of the addition of a fixed dose of 5 mg daily of aripiprazole on hyperprolactinemia induced by risperidone long-acting injectable (RLAI) treatment in patients with chronic psychoses and the adverse events related to the addition of aripiprazole and its impact on the disease. This is an open uncontrolled clinical trial with 13 patients with a severe mental disorder (schizophrenia and other unspecified psychoses) treated with RLAI and with increased serum prolactin levels. Subjects received the addition of a fixed dose of 5 mg daily of aripiprazole for 3 months. The main efficacy outcome was the change in serum prolactin levels after 3 months of treatment. Twelve of the 13 patients showed a decrease in serum prolactin levels (81 ± 46 µg/L at baseline vs 42 ± 21 µg/L at month 1, P < 0.001, 52% mean reduction). In 2 patients, prolactin levels reverted normality. In 8 patients who continued treatment for 2 more months, the decrease in prolactin levels was maintained. Symptoms associated with hyperprolactinemia improved, and no worsening of the Clinical Global Impression Scale scores was observed. The adverse effects due to the addition of aripiprazole were mild and transient. The addition of aripiprazole 5 mg daily to RLAI was associated with a significant decrease in hyperprolactinemia levels and no major additional toxicity in patients with chronic psychosis.

Impact of a social and employment crisis on the demand for mental health care (Footwear Crisis, Elche 2004).

INTRODUCTION: Between December 1999 and December 2004 the footwear manufacturing industry in Elche suffered a 24% fall in employment. In this context, it was decided to conduct study to detect possible changes in the demand for mental health care. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The first-time consultations between December 2001 and June 2002 were compared with those seen between October 2004 and April 2005. Differences were looked for in the percentage of referrals for work-related stress factors. The role of these work-related stress factors in the changes detected in the sociodemographic profile of the patients was also evaluated. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Changes were detected in the sociodemographic profile (gender and education level), employment status and reason for consultation. First consultations increased in the following groups: males, with a higher education level, unemployed, on sick leave or pensioners, and also those with employment problems as the main reason for consultation or a worsening of other health conditions.

Estudio descriptivo del parasuicidio en las urgencias psiquiátricas / Descriptive analysis of parasuicide in the psychiatric emergencies

El parasuicidio supone un importante problema de salud pública, tanto por su elevada incidencia como por las importantes consecuencias a nivel médico y social. La forma habitual de abordar este problema es a través del estudio de las características del paciente parasuicida y del intento de suicidio. Nuestro estudio se compone de una muestra de 184 pacientes atendidos por parasuicidio. Se han valorado características sociodemográficas, clínicas y psicosociales del paciente, así como las características del parasuicidio, sus repercusiones médicas y el grado de intencionalidad suicida. El perfil del paciente fue el de una mujer soltera, de, 36'7 años de media, que convive con otras personas y está en paro. Más de la mitad de la muestra estaba ya en tratamiento psiquiátrico, siendo el diagnóstico más frecuente el de trastorno de personalidad. El método más usado fue el de ingestión de psicofármacos, benzodiacepinas y antidepresivos fundamentalmente. El 20 por ciento requirió ingreso hospitalario y el 50 por ciento fue derivado al Centro de Salud Mental para seguimiento. Respecto a la intencionalidad, se hallaron 2 subgrupos con diferentes frecuencia, diagnóstico, pronóstico y tratamiento (AU)

The parasuicide is an important public health problem because of its high frequency and its medical and social consequences. The patient's clinical features and the suicide attempt's characteristics are the most important clinical topics on studyng this problem. We studied 184 patients who committed parasuicide. Sociodemographic, clinical and psychosocial patient's features, parasuicide's characteristics, medical consequences and suicide intentionality were analyzed. The typical patient's profile was age 36´7, single, unemployed and not living alone woman. 54% of the sample was already receiving psychiatric attention. The most usual diagnose was personality disorder. The most usual method was ingestion of psychotropics drugs. 20% of the sample required hospital admission, and 50% was referred to his Mental Health Center. According to suicide intentionality two groups resulted. These two groups presented differences on frequency, prognosis, diagnosis and treatment. The foregoing are just some of the findings presented in this article (AU)