The treatment of negative symptoms and deficit states of chronic schizophrenia: olanzapine compared to amisulpride and placebo in a 6-month double-blind controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of olanzapine (5 and 20 mg/day) over a 6-month period in chronic schizophrenic patients experiencing predominantly negative symptoms. METHOD: Two hundred and forty-four patients participated in a 6-month multicenter double-blind trial of placebo (n = 34), olanzapine 5 mg/day (n = 70), olanzapine 20 mg/day (n = 70), or amisulpride 150 mg/day (n = 70). Primary measure was the scale for the assessment of negative symptoms. RESULTS: Olanzapine 5 mg/day showed significantly greater improvement than placebo in negative symptoms and in the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale total score. Baseline positive symptoms were low at baseline and changed minimally. The neurological tolerance of olanzapine, amisulpride and placebo were comparable. CONCLUSION: Olanzapine 5 mg/day was effective in treating negative symptoms in a group of schizophrenic with predominantly negative symptoms during the stabilization phase. Improvement in positive symptoms or extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) was unlikely to explain this result while improvement in depression may have partially contributed.

Evaluation of a screening program for diabetic retinopathy in a primary care setting Dodia (Dépistage ophtalmologique du diabète) study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this observational study was to evaluate the screening for diabetic retinopathy (DR) using eye fundus photography taken by a nonmydriatic camera and transmitted trough the Internet to an ophthalmological reading centre, as compared to a dilated eye examination performed by an ophthalmologist. METHODS: A total of 456 and 426 diabetic patients were included by two different groups of primary care physicians (PCPs), 358 being screened with the non-mydriatic camera (experimental group) and 320 with dilated eye fundus exam (control group). RESULTS: The proportion of screened patients for whom PCPs received a screening report within the 6-month follow-up period was 74,1% for the experimental group and 71,5% for the control group. Screening for DR was negative in 77,6% of patients with eye fundus photographs vs 89,6% with dilated eye examination. DR was diagnosed in 62 patients (17,3%) with eye fundus photographs versus 31 with dilated eye examination (10,4%). Referral to an ophthalmologist was required in 59 reports of patients with photographs (16.5%), 23 of them due to high grade DR. Finally, the non-mydriatic camera was found of little inconvenience by patients. CONCLUSION: The telemedical approach to DR screening proved to be effective in providing primary care practitioners with information about their patient's eye status. This screening method allowed to identify patients requiring prompt referral to the ophthalmologist for further complete eye examination. In conclusion, this study provided successful results of DR screening using fundus photography in primary care patients, and strongly supports the need to further extend this screening program in a larger number of French sites.

[Determinants of compliance with antidepressive drugs]. / Déterminants de l'observance thérapeutique des antidépresseurs.

A national survey was conducted in a representative sample of the general French population in order to assess antidepressant non compliance frequency and the factors that influence it. Two types of noncompliance were taken into account: 1) the premature interruption of the treatment; 2) the omission of doses. Data were collected by phone interview. Results show that 36.9% of the 423 included subjects (who represent 4.3% of the sample) were noncompliants (15.4% by treatment interruption and 21.5% by dosage modification). The two types of noncompliance have different risk factors. Treatment interruption was more frequent for patients with high level of schooling (OR = 2.5), in case of multiple take regimens (OR = 3), when the physician did not informed the patient about treatment (OR = 3.3) and when the patients' sources of information were exclusively non medical ones (OR = 3.7). Dosage modification was more frequent in female (OR = 2.1), when the treatment duration exceeded six months (OR = 2.5) and when the prescriber did not communicate with the patient relatives (OR = 1.8). The information delivered by the physician about the duration of the treatment was associated with the two types of compliance but with an opposite effect. This information has a protective effect on treatment interruption (OR = 0.5) but increases the risk of dosage modification (OR = 1.1).

[Prospective follow-up over a 12 month period of a cohort of 155 patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder: phase III National DRT-TOC Study]. / Suivi prospectif sur une période de 12 mois d'une cohorte de 155 patients souffrant d'un trouble obsessionnel-compulsif: phase III de l'enquête nationale DRT-TOC.

In the phase III of the french national study on OCD, 155 patients suffering from an OCD (full DSM III-R criteria, score on NIMH-OC > or = 7, not treated or undertreated) had entered a naturalistic follow-up of 12 months duration. Obsessions, compulsions, depression, anxiety, impulsivity and global functioning were assessed by using NIMH-OC, CPRS-OC2, MOCI, MADRS, HAD (-A, -D), BDS (Behavioral Dyscontrol Scale), CGI and GAS (DSM III-R). From the initial population (155 patients), 130 (84%) had been treated with drugs and were "completers" and assessed at M6 and M12; 18 (11.6%) were lost to follow-up and 7 (4.5%) had dropped out because of treatment refusal, side-effect or improvement. Only 19% of patients had received a behavior therapy. In spite of selection of patients with severe and chronic OCD associated to depression (mean MADRS score = 25), 85% of treated patients had been treated with one anti-OCD drug (105 with fluoxetine, 17 with clomipramine and 17 with other antidepressants), 4.5% needed a treatment substitution and 4.5% a bitherapy (combination of 2 anti-OCD drugs); 84% of patients were considered as "good compliant" with visit agenda and treatment. At the end of follow-up, global improvement was observed in 77% of patients treated. Clinical improvement was assessed by different response criteria (final NIMH-OC score, 30% decrease on NIMH-OC, 35% decrease on MOCI, final GAF score > or = 70) which showed 4 patterns of response to treatment: "positive response on M6 and M12" = 43-64%; "only M12" (slow response) = 13-24%; "only M6" (escape or relapse) = 4-6%; "negative response on M6 and M12" (resistant OCD) = 19-33%. During 12 month treatment, 31 patients (22.5%) had presented an adverse effect in which 7 cases (5.1%) with "serious adverse event" and 5 cases (3.6%) who required treatment drop-out. Predictive factors of clinical response to anti-OCD drugs were explored: 1) "lack of insight" was the best factor to characterise the resistant group; 2) high base-line of "impulsivity" predict better response at M6; 3) important to severe slowness was associated with a longer delay to response (between M6 and M12). The results of the phase III from the french multi-site study will be compared to the international data on long-term treatment of OCD.

Patterns of neuroleptic drug prescription: a national cross-sectional survey of a random sample of French psychiatrists.

AIMS: To describe the psychiatric indications of neuroleptics (especially the relative share of schizophrenic and other psychotic disorders) and the usage patterns of these drugs (dose, duration, coprescriptions). METHODS: A one-day national cross-sectional survey in a random sample of 723 French psychiatrists was carried out in 1996. Each psychiatrist was asked to complete a standardized questionnaire for the first three patients seen the day of the survey to whom at least one neuroleptic was prescribed (initiated or renewed). RESULTS: One thousand seven hundred and fifty-four questionnaires were returned. Three quarters of the patients (74%) were psychotic (664 with schizophrenia, and 636 other psychosis), 19. 3% were depressive and 6.7% had other psychiatric disorders. Phenothiazines were the most often prescribed (40.8%), followed by butyrophenones (22.5%), benzamides (15.8%), other neuroleptics (14. 8%) and thioxanthenes (6.1%). Among schizophrenic subjects, an average number of 1.54 (95% CI: 1.50-1.60) neuroleptics were prescribed per patient, compared with 1.4 (95% CI: 1.32-1.41) and 1. 2 (95% CI: 1.14-1.23) in other psychotic and depressive subjects, respectively. Regardless of the indication, non-neuroleptic psychotropic drugs were coprescribed in 75.4%, mainly benzodiazepines (75.7%). Adjuvant drugs used in prevention or treatment of side-effects were coprescribed in 46.7%, mostly anticholinergic antiparkinsonians (86.1%). CONCLUSIONS: Neuroleptics are mainly prescribed for psychotic disorders and especially schizophrenia. However, current recommendations are not always followed.

[Use of a structured diagnostic interview to identify depressive episodes in an epidemiologic study: a posteriori internal validation]. / Utilisation d'un entretien diagnostique structuré pour identifier les épisodes dépressifs dans une étude épidémiologique: validation interne a posteriori.

BACKGROUND: During these last years, many structured and standardized diagnostic interviews have been developed in order to identify psychiatric disorders in a standardized way. These tools enable a systematic investigation of these disorders according to international classifications. Their main drawback is to be long. To assess the care of depression, we used a shorter and more simple tool: the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) to identify depressive subjects. METHOD: The study was conducted in the Gazel cohort from the French National Electricity and Gas Company. A stratified sample of 2394 civil servants selected in order to over-represent depressive subjects was asked to answer to the MINI interview through a phone interview. An epidemiological and statistical analysis was performed to test the MINI internal validity: prevalence of depressive disorders using different threshold of diagnosis (number of symptoms required to identify someone as depressive), frequency of different symptoms, variability between investigators and potential biases. RESULTS: Respondents to the phone interview (1108 civil servants) had more often presented depression markers for the last 5 years. Prevalence of depressive episodes changed little when we varied the threshold of diagnosis and did not stress any threshold problem. The variability between investigators was important, but the estimation of prevalence remained stable when we excluded extreme rates of prevalence. The choice of a classification system affected the prevalence estimation. Using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM IV) from the American Psychiatric Association, the prevalence of depressive episodes was lower and closer to the estimations shown in the literature than using the International Classification of Disease (ICD 10). Moreover, the stratification assigned very unbalanced weights to the stratification strata. By excluding depressive episodes observed in the stratum "control" (no depression "marker" from 1989 to 1994 in the database), the prevalence was very lower, whatever the classification was. Finally, factors which appeared linked to care of depression with the ICD definition remained the same when the DSM diagnosis definition was used, and relative risks were quite similar. CONCLUSION: The MINI appears to be a short and simple tool, suited to the epidemiological studies. This analysis does not highlight any failure in the internal consistency of the MINI. The remaining question is what the MINI really measures, particularly comparing to a psychiatrist's diagnosis.

[The study of the efficacy of fluoxetine versus tianeptine in the treatment of elderly depressed patients followed in general practice]. / Etude de l'efficacité de la fluoxétine comparativement à celle de la tianeptine dans le traitement des patients âgés déprimés suivis en médecine générale.

Depression in the elderly appears to be frequently poorly understood and underdiagnosed. The frequency of depressed illness in subjects over the age of 65 years is an important problem of health care. General practitioners are often in the first line of care. The objective of this trial was to compare the efficacy and safety of fluoxetine 20 mg/day to tianeptine 37.5 mg/day in elderly patients suffering from major depressive episode defined according to DSM III-R criteria, Newcastle Depression Scale < or = -20, without associated dementia Mini Mental Status (MMSE), treated by general practitioners in ten different french regions during 3 months. 237 patients were randomised, each patient had to be treated for 12 weeks and was reviewed 5 times during the trial. Patients had signed an informed consent. This trial was in favor of the superiority of fluoxetine compared to tianeptine. The main criterium, defined as the difference of the Montgomery and Asberg Depression Rating scale (MADRS) score between day 0 and day 84, was significantly different in favour of the fluoxetine group (intent to treat and per protocol analysis) (p = 0.019). The success rate at the end of the treatment (MADRS < or = 10) was significantly higher in the fluoxetine group (fluoxetine group: 48.4% vs tianeptine group: 28.1%) (p = 0.005). These results were confirmed by analysis of the other assessment criteria Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and Clinical Global Impression (CGI). During the study, the safety of the two treatments was comparable.

[New antipsychotics in the treatment of schizophrenia. A European survey]. / Utilisation des nouveaux antipsychotiques dans le traitement de la schizophrénie. Une enquête européenne.

Atypical antipsychotics (clozapine, risperidone, olanzapine, quetiapine, sertindole) make up a much larger proportion of the prescriptions for antipsychotic medications in the United States than in Europe. It is certain that these atypical neuroleptics are not all available throughout Europe; nonetheless the size of the disparity reveals certain tendencies in the different nations. In an attempt to identify the reasons for the lesser usage of the new antipsychotics in Europe, a telephone survey was conducted with 686 psychiatrists in 9 countries. This opinion survey was intended to identify, using open-ended questions and multiple choice, the reasons for which practitioners have or have not used the new antipsychotics; their perceived advantages and disadvantages in comparison with typical antipsychotics; and the hindrances in prescribing them. The results revealed that the new antipsychotics have a positive image with psychiatrists: whereas they estimate the proportion of their patients using the new antipsychotics to be at 50% (an amount larger than the objective European amounts), more than 80% of psychiatrists say they would be ready to use them more frequently if certain problems were overcome. Significant obstacles related to the product are the cost and the lack of a depot formulation; two hindrances with respect to the patient are the difficulty in using them in an emergency situation, and the fear of destabilizing a patient who is well-controlled with a classical treatment. The discussion re-addresses these points, using literature relevant to the products and the patients. The European data, which are often homogeneous, are discussed as a whole, with the exception of certain characteristics that are specific to an individual country. French psychiatrists, notably, serve as an exception, because they describe themselves as being more restrained in their prescriptions because of the lack of a depot formulation rather than because of the cost of the product.

[What is the meaning of "stabilization" in schizophrenic patients?]. / Que recouvre le terme "stabilisation" des patients schizophrènes?

UNLABELLED: The notion of stabilization in schizophrenia has been investigated, in France, through a survey of 875 psychiatrists. This survey, which has been conducted on the 9th, 10th and 11th of December 1997, looked into the clinical, therapeutic and socio-demographic variables, and the means of patient management, which are used by psychiatrists to ascertain that their patients are stabilized. The data was collected by each psychiatrist by way of a questionnaire administered to his or her next three patients, either at the hospital or in private practice (2,464 questionnaires were completed). RESULTS: 65% of the patients seen during this survey were considered stabilized by their psychiatrist (n = 1,597). The most common clinical presentation was of the paranoïd type. An insiduous onset of disease seems to be correlated with an absence of stabilization. Stabilization appears to be estimated at a given time rather than over a time period, since over half the patients who were considered stabilized had suffered at least one relapse over the last 2 years, and had been rehospitalized an average of 2.4 times over that period. In terms of drug therapy, they received 1.4 neuroleptic drugs, which does not differ markedly from the 1.5 neuroleptics administered to patients who were considered non stabilized. Co-prescriptions of anticholinergic medications, benzodiazepines and antidepressants were very common in these patients considered stabilized (49.9%, 39.8% and 24.8% respectively), which is similar to that observed in their non-stabilized counterparts (47.6%, 45%, 8% and 26.4%, respectively). Patient follow-up remained above an average of 1 patient visit per month (an average of 8.9 visit over the last 6 months), despite the fact that patients were considered stabilized. Two primary criteria were used by psychiatrists to determine that a patient was stabilized: treatment compliance and the absence of positive symptoms. However, 43% of the patients which were considered stabilized still presented with positive symptoms. Negative symptoms were also very prevalent in these patients (65%), as well as concomitant depressive signs (36%) and anxiety (64%). CONCLUSION: Even though the concept of stabilization remains difficult to define, it appears that schizophrenic patients are considered by their psychiatrist as stabilized on the grounds of good treatment compliance and decreased positive symptoms. Therefore, even in these so-called stabilized patients, enhancements are still possible, as symptoms remain present.

Which patients receive antidepressants? A 'real world' telephone study.

INTRODUCTION: The use of antidepressants has been questioned with respect to both undertreatment and inadequate prescription. The present investigation was therefore launched to assess the psychopathology profiles of antidepressant users. METHODS: A representative sample was constituted on the basis of usual antidepressant consumption, and ICD 10 compatible diagnoses were obtained after telephone administration of a structured psychiatric interview. RESULTS: The most often used drugs were fluoxetine, followed by tricyclic antidepressants. Coprescription existed in slightly less than two thirds of antidepressant users. ICD 10 diagnoses were compared to currently available prescription guidelines. Fluoxetine prescription, as compared to other drugs, was found to be significantly more compliant with these guidelines; conversely, in 22% of antidepressant users, no complete ICD 10 diagnosis could be documented. These results are discussed in the light of report accuracy and anecdotal or 'heterodox' indications of antidepressants. CONCLUSION: Altogether, the present study confirms previous doubts regarding appropriate use of antidepressants and stresses the need for more explicit and comprehensive clinical guidelines. It does not substantiate, however, any evidence for a 'recreational' use of these products.

Relationships between low red blood cell count and clinical response to fluoxetine in depressed elderly patients.

Biological variables specifically linked with serotonin deficiency were assessed in geriatric depression. Sixteen depressed patients, all > or = 60 years of age and with scores on the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) > or = 20, were treated with fluoxetine (20 mg/day) for 42 days. Biological variables measured on days 1 and 42 included whole blood and plasma serotonin, plasma total and free tryptophan, and platelet paroxetine and ketanserin binding. Seven of the 16 patients showed a positive clinical response (i.e. MADRS score < or = 12 at day 42). The pre-treatment red blood cell count was the variable most related to clinical response; low levels were found in almost all responders. To a lesser extent, plasma free tryptophan before treatment was also correlated to therapeutic response, with lower values being found in responders. During treatment, plasma free tryptophan was increased in responders and decreased in non-responders. The finding that elderly depressed patients with low pre-treatment red blood cell counts subsequently responded to fluoxetine treatment is consistent with the view that tryptophan, the precursor of serotonin in brain, is taken up by red blood cells.

Controlled efficacy study of fluoxetine in dysthymia.

BACKGROUND: There have been very few controlled studies of antidepressants in dysthymia, particularly in samples diagnosed reliably and with an adequate length of follow-up. In this investigation, we measured the long-term outcome in a large group of patients meeting DSM-III-R criteria for dysthymia. This study was designed to investigate whether fluoxetine is effective in the treatment of dysthymia. METHOD: This randomised study including 140 patients, compared fluoxetine (91 patients) and placebo (49 patients) on a double-blind basis in two distinct phases: a short-term end-point (3 months with 20 mg/day fluoxetine) and a medium-term end-point (6 months) where the initial responders continued double-blind treatment unchanged and non-responders received an additional treatment of 20 mg/day fluoxetine. RESULTS: After three months of treatment, response was seen more frequently in the fluoxetine group (42/72) than in the placebo group (14/39, P < 0.0001). Improved patients at 3 months were still improved at 6 months. Furthermore, 50% of the nonresponders at 3 months improved and rated as responders at 6 months, after fluoxetine was increased to 40 mg daily. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed the significant and persistent action of fluoxetine on dysthymia. The finding that 50% of the non-responders at 3 months were improved at 6 months, after fluoxetine dosage was increased to 40 mg daily, argues in favour of treating dysthymic patients for at least 6 months, and with a higher dosage if the initial doses are ineffective.

[Repeat evaluation of impulsiveness in a cohort of 155 patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder: 12 months prospective follow-up]. / Evaluation répétée de l'impulsivité dans une cohorte de 155 patients souffrant d'un trouble obsessionnel-compulsif: suivi prospecif de 12 mois.

UNLABELLED: Relationships between OCD and impulsivity are currently under research. METHOD: In the phase 3 of the national study on OCD, 155 patients suffering from an OCD (DSM III-R criteria, score on NIMH-OC > or = 7) had entered a naturalistic follow-up of 12 months duration. Impulsivity was assessed by using the BDS (Behavioral Dyscontrol Scale, offautoquestionnaire of 24 items) at day 0, 6th and 12th months and a semi-structured interview for Obsessive-Compulsive Related Syndrome and Behaviors Spectrum, as defined by Hollander (DSM III-R criteria). RESULTS: Impulsivity was more intense in females (mean score on BDS 35.6 vs 31.9, p = 0.06), in patients with personal history of anxiety-depression (36.3 vs 32.3, p = 0.04) and suicidal behavior (38.3 vs 33.2, p = 0.06) and familial history of OCD (37.1 vs 33.0, p = 0.07). Moreover, syndromal typology of obsessions or compulsions did not seem to influence impulsivity. In contrast, presence of co-existing OC Related Syndrome was significantly linked to higher impulsivity score, especially with "Intermittent Explosive Syndrome" (mean score = 40.1 vs 30.8, p < 10(-4), "Compulsive Buying" (38.5 vs 32.4, p = 0.005), "Hypochondriasis" (36.7 vs 32.1, p = 0.02), "Dysmorphophobia" (37.1 vs 32.4, p = 0.02) and "Depersonnalization" (37.7 vs 32.9, p = 0.05). Paradoxically, impulsivity was augmented in patients with important to severe slowness syndrome (38.3 vs 31.8, p = 0.001). This mixed association between slowness and impulsivity can be an excellent testimony of "Dyscontrol" phenomenon. In 130 patients who had received an anti-obsessional pharmacologic treatment during 12 months follow-up, impulsivity score was gradually reduced from day 0 (mean score = 34.1) at M6 (24.8-22% reduction) and at M12 (20.1-36% reduction). After one year of follow-up, a decreased by > or = 50% of impulsivity score was observed in 42% of obsessional patients. Finally, the response rate of OCD to pharmacotherapy seemed to be modulated by the dimensions of impulsivity and slowness. In fact, the best results after 6 months of treatment were observed in the sub-groups presenting high level of "impulsivity" (62-66% were responders) versus 39% in the sub-group with important to severe slowness.

The effect of fluoxetine on anxiety and depression symptoms in cancer patients.

Little has been done to study the effectiveness of antidepressants in controlling anxiety/depression in a population of cancer patients. A double-blind placebo-controlled study was therefore designed to assess the effectiveness of 20 mg fluoxetine. Of 115 cancer patients who fulfilled entry criteria for levels of distress, 45 patients were randomized to a fluoxetine treatment group (FA) and 46 patients to a placebo group (PA) after a 1-week placebo period designed to exclude placebo responders. The Montgomery and Asberg Depression Scale (MADRS), the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAS), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Revised Symptom Checklist (SCL90-R) and the Spitzer Quality of Life Index (SQOLI) were used to assess the efficacy of fluoxetine. The response rate, defined by a HADS score lower than 8 after 5 weeks of treatment, was not significantly higher in the FA group (11%) compared to the PA group (7%). Compared to the PA group, patients in the FA group showed a significantly greater decrease in SCL90-R mean total score after 5 weeks, but not a greater decrease in HADS mean score. No difference between the two groups was found in observer-reported assessments (MADRS, HAS and SQOLI). Significantly more drop-outs were observed in the FA group (n = 15) than in the PA group (n = 7), although the frequencies of side-effects were not significantly different.

[Clinical aspects of obsessive-compulsive syndromes: results of phase 2 of a large French survey]. / Aspects cliniques des troubles et des syndromes obsessionnels-compulsifs: résultats de la phase 2 d'une large enquête française.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) had received a new interest from fundamental research (psychopharmacology, neurobiology and brain imagery...). Although more investigation of OCD clinical aspects are needed, especially in large cohorts of patients, not seen nor investigated only in high specialized psychiatric units. A large french survey "Screening-Understanding-Treating OCD" was conducted in 1994 with the participation of 240 psychiatrists. The survey had included 4,363 new consecutive patients consulting in out-patient psychiatry. The phase 1 had shown a point prevalence rates of 9.2% for OCD (full criteria of DSM III-R) and 17% for OCS (Obsessive-Compulsive Syndromes). From 731 patients, the phrase 2 was conducted on a cohort of 646 patients with OCD or OCS and had explored in details in the clinical aspects of the OC illness (typology, symptomatic categories, comorbidity, OCD spectrum, psychiatric family history and treatment history...). The results of the french survey phase 2 had confirmed a variety of classical and current literature data, especially: the ICD 10 proposal for diagnostic sub-typology according to symptomatic predominance (obsessions, compulsions or both); the symptomatic clustering of obsessions and compulsions into three major categories, suggested by a recent study from the Boston University; the high rate of comorbidity with anxiety and depressive disorders and with disorders related to the large OCD spectrum (somatoform disorders, eating disorders, impulse-control disorders, compulsive buying...); the impact of clinical parameters (as slowness, avoidance, lack of insight) on clinical global OCD and OCS severity; the high rate of intrafamilial psychiatric morbidity (OCD, depression, anxiety disorders).

[Pharmaco-epidemiologic study of the use of antidepressant drugs in the general population]. / Etude pharmaco-épidémiologique de la consommation des antidépresseurs en population générale.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the mode of prescription and the users of antidepressant agents. It consisted of an initial phase (survey of the general population), aimed at selecting a representative sample of antidepressants users by a mail questionnaire, without asking prescribers in order to avoid the bias inherent to such an approach. Results showed a current incidence of use of 2.75 % for the 8 main antidepressants, i.e. more than one million adults in France. The distribution of antidepressants showed Prozac in first place, followed by Anafranil, and Laroxyl, then Stablon, Athymil, Survector and Ludiomil. In more than 50 % of cases, antidepressants have been taken for a year or more, continuously of intermittently. They were prescribed by a general practitioner in 60 % of cases and a psychiatrist in 30 %. A second survey phase (telephone) undertaken by psychiatrists and involving a sample of this population enabled determination of the pathophysiological profile of consumers at the time of prescription of antidepressant treatment, using a validated diagnostic tool, the MINI. Taking all drugs together, results showed that prescription was within Marketing Authorization approved indications in about 65 % of cases (existence of depression 61 %, dysthymia 3 %, OCD 1 %). This study shows that, in 23 % of cases, antidepressants are not used in patients with one of the psychiatric diseases identified by the MINI but nevertheless suffering from pathophysiological symptoms (subsyndronic syndrome). It can be concluded that, in some subjects, antidepressants are used in non-identified disorders. It must also be recognized that, with 3 % of users, the population of individuals treated by antidepressants is less than that of patients suffering, in the general population, from depression (5 to 10 % per year, according to studies).

[Prevalence of obsessive-compulsive disorders in a large French patient population in psychiatric consultation]. / Prévalence des troubles obsessionnels-compulsifs dans une large population française de patients consultant en psychiatrie.

Recent epidemiologic studies were conducted in general population, showing high rate prevalence of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) (2-3%). Although more investigation of OCD prevalence in clinical population is still warranted. The prevalence of DSM III-R diagnosis of OCD and obsessive-compulsive syndromes (OCS) is reported in 4 364, 16-70 year old new consecutive patients, consulting in out-patient psychiatry. Point prevalence rates of 9.2% were recorded for OCD and 17% for OCS. Significantly different from non obsessional patients, it was observed in OCD and OCS patients more male representation (41% vs 37%, p = 0.007), a younger current age (36 y vs 39 y, p < 10(-4)) and age of disorder onset, higher rate of celibat (31.5% vs 28.6%) and lesser of separated or widowed (9.4% vs 16.2%, p = 0.003), more anxiety and depression comorbidity (50% vs 39%, p < 10(-4), a higher suicidal risk (17% vs 14%, p = 0.04--especially in OCS patients: 18.3%), more chronicity (mean current episode duration: 14.8 months vs 11.2 m., p < 10(-4)) and higher rate of global functioning impairment (score at GAF: 53.9 vs 57.9, p < 10(-4)). The results of the french survey confirmed the high prevalence of OCD and OCS in patients seeking psychiatric treatment. OCS (or subclinical OCD) seem to form a valid group (high rates of comorbidity and suicidal attempts) which need to be recognized and to receive adequate treatment.

[Major agitated-anxious versus blunted-retarded depression: differential effects of fluoxetine]. / Dépressions majeures agitées-anxieuses versus émoussées-ralenties: effets différentiels de la fluoxétine.

A multi-centre study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and tolerance of fluoxetine in two groups of major depression: "agitated-anxious" and "blunted-retarded". The study included 50 patients presenting a major depressive episode (following DSM III-R criteria and score > or = 20 on MADRS): 26 in "agitated-anxious" group (score > or = 15 on Hamilton anxiety scale and > or = 10 on Tyrer anxiety brief scale) and 24 in the "blunted-retarded" group (score > or = 15 on Widlöcher retardation scale and > or = 10 on Abrams-Taylor blunted affect scale). After one week period on placebo, all patients were treated in an open design with fluoxetine at a fixed daily dose of 20 mg and followed on a period of 6 weeks with active treatment. In spite of a significant antidepressant efficacy of fluoxetine in the two groups, better results were observed in the "agitated-anxious" depressed group: marked improvement on MADRS total score at day 42 (76% decrease vs 62% in the "blunted-retarded" group, p = 0.012), greater number of "responders" defined by a decrease > or = 50% on MADRS total score and a total score < or = 12 (95% vs 63%, p = 0.04), better patient's global impression on efficacy (54% of "excellent efficacy" vs 18%, p = 0.012), more improvement on HSCL-58 total score (mean decrease of 69% vs 39%, p = 0.016), higher improvement on "hostility/interpersonal hypersensitivity" score (mean decrease of 74% vs 37%, p = 0.001) and on "anger attacks/irritability" sub-score (mean decrease of 73% vs 30%, p = 0.0002).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)