Unusual ‘Spike-wave stupor’ in a patient with manic-depressive psychosis treated with amitriptyline

Summary Spike-wave stupor was observed in a 58-year-old male patient with manic-depressive psychosis. Almost continuous atypical spike-wave activity was seen in conjunction with a stuporous episode with stereotyped automatism. Intravenous diazepam ended both the electroencephalographic epileptiform discharges and the clinical stupor. Before and during this episode the patient was treated with an average-dose amitriptyline monotherapy. There was no family history of epileptic seizures. The patient had had electroconvulsive therapy. The history suggests that the analeptic property of amitriptyline induced the spike-wave stupor in this patient.

---

Zusammenfassung Während eines Stupors mit stereotypen Bewegungsabläufen und Reihensprechen, der im Rahmen einer depressiven Phase eines an einer manisch-depressiven Psychose erkrankten 58jährigen Patienten auftrat, wurde eine nahezu kontinuierliche unregelmäßige spike-wave- und sharp-wave-Aktivität im EEG abgeleitet. Der spike-wave-Stupor konnte durch eine intravenöse Applikation von Diazepam in seiner klinischen und elektroenzephalographischen Ausprägung rasch unterbrochen werden. Vor und während der stuporösen Attacke wurde der Patient mit Amitriptylin als Monotherapie in üblicher Dosierung behandelt. Die Eigen- und Familienanamnese ergab keinen Hinweis auf das Vorliegen einer Epilepsie. Epileptische Anfälle hatte der Patient nur aus therapeutischen Gründen im Rahmen einer Elektroschocktherapie. Die Analyse des Falles läßt in der analeptischen Wirkung von Amitriptylin die Ursache für das Auftreten des spike-wave-Stupors erkennen.

     

Lithium carbonate in prophylaxis of reappearing catatonic stupor: case report

The case of a patient with reappearing stupor, accompanied by auditory hallucinations and persecutory ideas during the periods and not with alternating excitement, is reported. After 24 years of neuroleptics medication with little effect, the lithium carbonate regimen was started, which showed a remarkable prophylactic effect. The implications of lithium carbonate treatment for recurrent psychosis are discussed.     

Puerperal psychosis – a qualitative study of women’s experiences

Objective: This study explored women’s experience of puerperal psychosis (PP) and their perceptions of its cause, in order to contribute to an increased understanding of PP and promote consideration of new management perspectives. Background: Out of every 1000 live births, approximately one to two women will develop PP. The numbers are relatively small, yet the consequences can be devastating. Key theoretical explanations for the aetiology of PP are genetic, biochemical and endocrine. A small and relatively tenuous evidence base considers PP from a psychological perspective, despite acknowledgement of the need for broader understanding. A stress–vulnerability model has offered a contemporary explanation of psychotic symptoms in other contexts and non-clinical populations and may offer useful insight in relation to a psychobiological model of PP. Methods: In a qualitative study, seven women who had been diagnosed with PP previously were interviewed and the data subjected to an inductive thematic analysis. Trustworthiness and rigour of the study was assured by careful monitoring of the research process and data checking. Results: Four themes were identified – The path to PP; Unspeakable thoughts and unacceptable self; ‘Snap out of it’; and Perceived causes. While women attributed their PP to the physiological changes associated with childbirth, their accounts of PP began before and during pregnancy. Women highlighted stressful pregnancies characterised by significant challenges and emotions, difficult births and unsupportive family relationships postnatally. The experience of PP was extremely distressing. Conclusion: Findings add to the debate about a more multifaceted explanation of PP and potentially offer a psychobiological model of understanding.     

Nitric oxide in patients with schizophrenia: the relationship with the severity of illness and the antipsychotic treatment

Objectives: Past studies regarding the relationship between nitric oxide and schizophrenia have reported controversial results. Consequently, the aims of this study are i) to analyze the differences in nitric oxide concentration between patients with schizophrenia and healthy controls, ii) to investigate the influence of antipsychotic treatment on nitric oxide, iii) to correlate nitric oxide concentration with severity of illness, and iv) to investigate the relationship between nitric oxide and any personality disorder.

Research design and methods: We recruited 24 patients and 24 controls; the sample was divided into three groups of 8 patients, each according to the pharmacological treatment (haloperidol, olanzapine, or risperidone). The severity of illness was assessed by PANSS and personality traits were evaluated by SCID II. A blood sample was taken to assess the plasma concentration of nitrites and nitrates.

Results: Patients presented higher nitrate levels than controls (p < 0.05); subjects under olanzapine reported lower nitrate levels than those treated with risperidone (p < 0.05) or haloperidol (p < 0.001). Nitrate levels were correlated with PANSS total score (rho = 0.748; p < 0.001), but not with SCID II scores.

Conclusions: Despite the fact that this study found a correlation between PANSS score and nitrate levels, it is unclear whether nitric oxide is related to the severity of schizophrenia, because nitrate levels are also affected by antipsychotic treatment.     

Exploring views about mindfulness groups for voice-hearing from the perspective of service users and staff: A Q-methodology study

Objectives: Despite prevailing beliefs about the potential benefits and harmfulness of mindfulness for people who hear voices, there is a paucity of research into staff and service user views. Q-methodology was used to explore views about mindfulness groups for voice-hearers. Method: Opportunistic sampling of mental healthcare staff (N?=?14) and service users with psychosis (N?=?17). Both samples were analysed using principle components factor analysis to identify the range of attitudes held by staff and service users. Results: Staff participants were particularly knowledgeable and interested in mindfulness. A single staff consensus factor was found suggesting mindfulness is helpful, and not harmful for mental health, but uncertainty surrounded its usefulness for voice-hearers. Service users held four distinct attitudes: (i) mindfulness helps to calm a racing mind; (ii) mindfulness helps to manage stress; (iii) mindfulness improves well-being, and does not alter the brain, reality beliefs, or cause madness; and (iv) mindfulness helps with managing thoughts, fostering acceptance, and is acceptable when delivered in a group format. Conclusions: Staff viewed mindfulness groups for psychosis as helpful, not harmful, but were uncertain about their utility. Consistent with previous research, service users viewed mindfulness groups as useful to promote well-being and reduce distress for individuals experiencing psychosis.