Andreas Carlborg - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Andreas Carlborg
Lakartidningen, Apr 8, 2016
We present the results of the medical knowledge test after fulfilled internship for Swedish medic... more We present the results of the medical knowledge test after fulfilled internship for Swedish medical authorization during the years 2009 to the spring of 2015. A total of 7,613 tests were analyzed. Interns graduated from Swedish universities failed in 2.7% to 3.8% of the test moments. Interns who graduated from countries within the European Union (EU) failed in 21.2% and interns graduated from a non-EU country failed in 41.6%. The results from those who graduated from EU and non-EU countries have worsened compared to an earlier study in 2009. Proper measures have now to be implemented for doctors graduated from a non-Swedish university to improve the outcome and introduction to the Swedish health care system.
International Journal of Mental Health, 2017
BMC psychiatry, Jan 16, 2016
Agitation episodes are common among patients with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Oral and int... more Agitation episodes are common among patients with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Oral and intramuscular administration methods are commonly used in pharmacological treatment of acute agitation. Recently, an innovative inhalation product with loxapine(Adasuve®)has become available for treatment of acute agitation episodes associated with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. The objective for the present study was to investigate the impact of the pharmacological treatment's administration methods on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia in Denmark and Sweden using a time trade-off (TTO) approach. The TTO methodology was used to examine the HRQoL impact of administration method of pharmacological treatment of acute agitation. Data were collected via an internet-based survey, using an existing panel of respondents with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Respondents considered living with schizophrenia/ bipolar disorder, havin...
Archives of Suicide Research Official Journal of the International Academy For Suicide Research, Feb 1, 2008
Patients with schizophrenia spectrum psychoses have a high risk of suicide. Suicide is more frequ... more Patients with schizophrenia spectrum psychoses have a high risk of suicide. Suicide is more frequent in men. Our objective in this study was to investigate the long term suicide risk in schizophrenia spectrum psychoses in relation to gender. A cohort from 1973 to 1987 of 385 schizophrenia spectrum psychoses inpatients in Stockholm were followed up for cause of death in 2006. Twenty-six suicides (6.8%) occurred during the follow up of 24.4 years. There was no significant difference in suicide mortality between men (6.5%) and women (6.9%). There was no gender difference in death from other causes. These results indicate that patients with schizophrenia spectrum psychoses have a high long term suicide risk in both men and women. The high suicide risk in female patients deserves further research attention.
ABSTRACT Suicide and attempted suicide are major health problems. Approximately 1400 people die f... more ABSTRACT Suicide and attempted suicide are major health problems. Approximately 1400 people die from suicide every year in Sweden and ten times more attempt suicide. Patients with schizophrenia spectrum psychosis have an increased risk of suicide and suicide rates have been suggested to be as high as 10%. Important risk factors include a prior suicide attempt and depressive disorder. Low concentrations of monoamine metabolites in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) have been related to suicidal behavior in patients diagnosed,with mood,disorders. Few studies have,investigated patients with schizophrenia spectrum psychosis and they suffer from small numbers of patients, short periods of follow-up and contradictory results. The main objective of this study was to investigate the long-term suicide risk in
Bipolar disorders, 2015
The aim of the study was to describe temporal changes in bipolar disorder during 20 years within ... more The aim of the study was to describe temporal changes in bipolar disorder during 20 years within the Swedish population and to investigate clinical and socioeconomic characteristics, drug treatment, and mortality among patients with bipolar disorder. We conducted a retrospective, nationwide registry study (the Swedish Population Register) that included all patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder (1991-2010) and linked individual data from the Swedish National Patient Register, the National Prescribed Drug Register, and the Population Register (NCT01455961). A cross-sectional cohort analysis was performed for years 2006 versus 2009. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. During the study period, the annual incidence of diagnosed bipolar disorder increased 3.5-fold, and patients were diagnosed at a younger age. Mortality among patients with bipolar disorder was twice that of the general population. Compared to an age-standardized population, 30% fewer patients with bipolar ...
Therapeutic advances in psychopharmacology, 2012
Quetiapine fumarate, a first-line treatment for schizophrenia, exists in two formulations: extend... more Quetiapine fumarate, a first-line treatment for schizophrenia, exists in two formulations: extended release (XR) and immediate release (IR). This naturalistic, noninterventional study evaluated use of quetiapine XR/IR among in-patients with schizophrenia [ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01214135]. Data were collected from medical records. Categorical and numerical outcomes were compared using χ(2) and t tests. Of 178 enrolled patients, 66% and 34% used quetiapine XR and IR respectively. Based on mean daily dose, XR was used as antipsychotic medication in 64% of patients compared with 40% of patients on IR (dose ≥ 400 mg/day; p = 0.002) and in higher doses than IR (494 versus 345 mg/day; p = 0.001; calculated averages). Schizophrenia was more commonly reported as reason for use of XR than IR (20% versus 0%; p = 0.0003). Patients with comorbid substance abuse or somatic disease were more likely to receive XR (p = 0.003; p = 0.03). Treatment cessation due to nonadherence was less com...
The Journal of ECT, 2013
The primary aim of the study was to test the hypothesis that relapse prevention with continuation... more The primary aim of the study was to test the hypothesis that relapse prevention with continuation electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) plus pharmacotherapy is more effective than pharmacotherapy alone after a course of ECT for depression. A multicenter, nonblinded, randomized controlled trial with 2 parallel groups was performed from 2008 to 2012 in 4 hospitals in Sweden. Patients eligible had unipolar or bipolar depression and had responded to a course of ECT. The patients (n = 56) were randomly assigned (1:1) to receiving either 29 treatments of continuation ECT with pharmacotherapy or pharmacotherapy alone for 1 year. The pharmacotherapy consisted of antidepressants (98%), lithium (56%), and antipsychotics (30%). The main outcome was relapse of depression within 1 year. Relapse was defined as 20 or more points on the Montgomery Åsberg Depression Rating Scale or inpatient psychiatric care or suicide or suspected suicide. All 56 patients randomized were analyzed according to an intention to treat analysis. Sixty-one percent of the patients treated with pharmacotherapy versus 32% of the patients treated with ECT plus pharmacotherapy relapsed within 1 year (P = 0.036). The Cox proportional hazard ratio was 2.32 (1.03-5.22).Cognitive function and memory measures were stable for patients without relapse in both groups.One suspected suicide and 3 suicide attempts by intoxication occurred, all in the pharmacotherapy-alone group. The post-ECT relapse rates were substantial in both treatment groups with a statistically significant advantage for combined treatment with pharmacotherapy and continuation ECT. Further studies are needed to define indications for continuation ECT, pharmacotherapy, and their combination.
Schizophrenia Research, 2009
Introduction: There is evidence for a relationship between low levels of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic ac... more Introduction: There is evidence for a relationship between low levels of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and suicidal behavior in mood disorder. A relationship between CSF homovanillic acid (HVA) and suicidal behavior has not been completely established. Studies done in patients with schizophrenia spectrum psychosis suffer from small numbers, short periods of follow-up and the results are contradictory. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between levels of CSF 5-HIAA, CSF HVA and suicidal behavior in patients with schizophrenia spectrum psychosis.
Psychiatry Research, 2013
a b s t r a c t Relationships between concentrations of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) kynurenic acid ... more a b s t r a c t Relationships between concentrations of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) kynurenic acid (KYNA) and suicidal behavior were evaluated in 59 patients with psychosis after 22 years of follow-up . Three patients died from suicide and nine patients had a history of attempted suicide. Patients with attempted suicide had significantly lower concentrations of CSF KYNA.
Psychiatry Research, 2007
Most prospective studies of HPA axis have found that non-suppressors in the dexamethasone suppres... more Most prospective studies of HPA axis have found that non-suppressors in the dexamethasone suppression test (DST) are more likely to commit suicide during the follow-up. Attempted suicide is a strong clinical predictor of suicide. The aim of this study was to assess the predictive value of DST for suicide in a group of depressed inpatients with and without an index suicide attempt. Historical cohort of 382 psychiatric inpatients with mood disorder admitted to the department of Psychiatry at the Karolinska University Hospital between 1980 and 2000 were submitted to the DST and followed up for causes of death. During the follow-up (mean 18 years), 36 suicides (9.4%) occurred, 20 of these were non-suppressors and 16 were suppressors. There was no statistically significant difference in suicide risk between the suppressors and non-suppressors for the sample as a whole. An index suicide attempt predicted suicide. In suicide attempters with mood disorder, the non-suppressor status was significantly associated with suicide indicating that HPA axis hyperactivity is a risk factor for suicide in this group. The dexamethasone suppression test may be a useful predictor within this population.
Nordic Journal of Psychiatry, 2011
Carlborg A, Jokinen J, Nordstr ö m A-L, J ö nsson EG, Nordstr ö m P. Early death and CSF monoamin... more Carlborg A, Jokinen J, Nordstr ö m A-L, J ö nsson EG, Nordstr ö m P. Early death and CSF monoamine metabolites in schizophrenia spectrum psychosis. Nord J Psychiatry 2011;65:101-105.
Nordic Journal of Psychiatry, 2010
People with schizophrenia have an increased risk of suicide and attempted suicide is suggested to... more People with schizophrenia have an increased risk of suicide and attempted suicide is suggested to be an important risk factor. Our objective was to assess the cumulative survival, predictive values and odds ratios of attempted suicide for suicide in a long-term cohort of patients with schizophrenia spectrum psychosis with and without previous attempted suicide. Inpatients (n=224) hospitalized with schizophrenia spectrum psychosis were followed for a mean of 25 years. All patients were followed up for causes of death. Information on suicide attempt before the end of the observation period was retrieved from medical records. Eight percent died by suicide during the follow-up. Eighteen percent of suicide attempters died by suicide. Two percent of non-attempters died by suicide. There was a strong association between previous suicide attempt and suicide in men and women. Odds ratio for attempters vs. non-attempters was 10. Suicide risk was almost three times higher in male than female suicide attempters. Previous attempted suicide is an important risk factor for suicide in both men and women with schizophrenia spectrum psychosis, particularly in male suicide attempters. The suicide risk remains high over a long period. Continuous assessment of risk factors and appropriate treatment are crucial for this patient group to prevent suicide.
Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental, 2012
Objectives The atypical antipsychotic quetiapine is a first-line treatment for schizophrenia. Thi... more Objectives The atypical antipsychotic quetiapine is a first-line treatment for schizophrenia. This non-interventional study (NCT01212575) evaluated the clinical use of its two formulations, extended release (XR) and immediate release (IR), in outpatients with schizophrenia spectrum disorder. Methods Patients who had received at least one dose of quetiapine XR and/or IR were included. A dosage ≥400 mg/day was defined as antipsychotic. Medical records data were collected retrospectively. Results Of 186 enrolled patients, 99 (53%) and 87 (47%) received quetiapine XR and IR, respectively. Use in antipsychotic dosage was seen for 89% XR versus 63% IR patients (mean daily dose ≥400 mg/day; p < 0.0001). 75% XR and 53% IR patients used dosages ≥600 mg/day (p = 0.0019). Quetiapine XR was used at higher mean daily dosages than IR (748 vs 566 mg/day; p = 0.006). Forty-three patients (23%) used both formulations concomitantly; 55 patients (30%) used either XR or IR. Quetiapine IR was used as-needed in 44 patients (23%); one patient used XR as-needed. Conclusions Quetiapine XR was used more often in higher (antipsychotic) dosages; quetiapine IR more frequently on an as-needed administration basis. Concomitant use was seen. These findings probably reflect the different profiles of XR/IR and advocate the need for both formulations to offer treatment choice.
Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics, 2010
Archives of Suicide Research, 2008
Patients with schizophrenia spectrum psychoses have a high risk of suicide. Suicide is more frequ... more Patients with schizophrenia spectrum psychoses have a high risk of suicide. Suicide is more frequent in men. Our objective in this study was to investigate the long term suicide risk in schizophrenia spectrum psychoses in relation to gender. A cohort from 1973 to 1987 of 385 schizophrenia spectrum psychoses inpatients in Stockholm were followed up for cause of death in 2006. Twenty-six suicides (6.8%) occurred during the follow up of 24.4 years. There was no significant difference in suicide mortality between men (6.5%) and women (6.9%). There was no gender difference in death from other causes. These results indicate that patients with schizophrenia spectrum psychoses have a high long term suicide risk in both men and women. The high suicide risk in female patients deserves further research attention.
Therapeutic advances in psychopharmacology, 2015
The objective of this work was to study characteristics and clinical treatment patterns of bipola... more The objective of this work was to study characteristics and clinical treatment patterns of bipolar disorder (BD) patients admitted to hospital and treated with quetiapine (immediate-release [IR] or extended-release [XR] formulations). BD patients admitted to hospital and prescribed quetiapine IR were followed by linking two Swedish nationwide registries; the hospitalization and drug dispense registries [ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01455961]. The study period was from 1 January 2008, to end of 31 December 2011. Data was primarily analysed using descriptive methods. Quetiapine IR was used in 1761 patients of whom 1303 subsequently switched to XR (switch XR) and 458 remained on IR (continuous IR). At baseline, Switch XR patients were younger (-3.3 years), more frequently employed (+7.1%), had higher prevalence of single depressive episodes (+6.7%) and anxiety disorders (+5.8%), lower mean daily IR dose (-19.3%) and fewer medications for somatic disorders (-7.5%) than continuous I...
Lakartidningen, Apr 8, 2016
We present the results of the medical knowledge test after fulfilled internship for Swedish medic... more We present the results of the medical knowledge test after fulfilled internship for Swedish medical authorization during the years 2009 to the spring of 2015. A total of 7,613 tests were analyzed. Interns graduated from Swedish universities failed in 2.7% to 3.8% of the test moments. Interns who graduated from countries within the European Union (EU) failed in 21.2% and interns graduated from a non-EU country failed in 41.6%. The results from those who graduated from EU and non-EU countries have worsened compared to an earlier study in 2009. Proper measures have now to be implemented for doctors graduated from a non-Swedish university to improve the outcome and introduction to the Swedish health care system.
International Journal of Mental Health, 2017
BMC psychiatry, Jan 16, 2016
Agitation episodes are common among patients with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Oral and int... more Agitation episodes are common among patients with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Oral and intramuscular administration methods are commonly used in pharmacological treatment of acute agitation. Recently, an innovative inhalation product with loxapine(Adasuve®)has become available for treatment of acute agitation episodes associated with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. The objective for the present study was to investigate the impact of the pharmacological treatment's administration methods on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia in Denmark and Sweden using a time trade-off (TTO) approach. The TTO methodology was used to examine the HRQoL impact of administration method of pharmacological treatment of acute agitation. Data were collected via an internet-based survey, using an existing panel of respondents with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Respondents considered living with schizophrenia/ bipolar disorder, havin...
Archives of Suicide Research Official Journal of the International Academy For Suicide Research, Feb 1, 2008
Patients with schizophrenia spectrum psychoses have a high risk of suicide. Suicide is more frequ... more Patients with schizophrenia spectrum psychoses have a high risk of suicide. Suicide is more frequent in men. Our objective in this study was to investigate the long term suicide risk in schizophrenia spectrum psychoses in relation to gender. A cohort from 1973 to 1987 of 385 schizophrenia spectrum psychoses inpatients in Stockholm were followed up for cause of death in 2006. Twenty-six suicides (6.8%) occurred during the follow up of 24.4 years. There was no significant difference in suicide mortality between men (6.5%) and women (6.9%). There was no gender difference in death from other causes. These results indicate that patients with schizophrenia spectrum psychoses have a high long term suicide risk in both men and women. The high suicide risk in female patients deserves further research attention.
ABSTRACT Suicide and attempted suicide are major health problems. Approximately 1400 people die f... more ABSTRACT Suicide and attempted suicide are major health problems. Approximately 1400 people die from suicide every year in Sweden and ten times more attempt suicide. Patients with schizophrenia spectrum psychosis have an increased risk of suicide and suicide rates have been suggested to be as high as 10%. Important risk factors include a prior suicide attempt and depressive disorder. Low concentrations of monoamine metabolites in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) have been related to suicidal behavior in patients diagnosed,with mood,disorders. Few studies have,investigated patients with schizophrenia spectrum psychosis and they suffer from small numbers of patients, short periods of follow-up and contradictory results. The main objective of this study was to investigate the long-term suicide risk in
Bipolar disorders, 2015
The aim of the study was to describe temporal changes in bipolar disorder during 20 years within ... more The aim of the study was to describe temporal changes in bipolar disorder during 20 years within the Swedish population and to investigate clinical and socioeconomic characteristics, drug treatment, and mortality among patients with bipolar disorder. We conducted a retrospective, nationwide registry study (the Swedish Population Register) that included all patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder (1991-2010) and linked individual data from the Swedish National Patient Register, the National Prescribed Drug Register, and the Population Register (NCT01455961). A cross-sectional cohort analysis was performed for years 2006 versus 2009. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. During the study period, the annual incidence of diagnosed bipolar disorder increased 3.5-fold, and patients were diagnosed at a younger age. Mortality among patients with bipolar disorder was twice that of the general population. Compared to an age-standardized population, 30% fewer patients with bipolar ...
Therapeutic advances in psychopharmacology, 2012
Quetiapine fumarate, a first-line treatment for schizophrenia, exists in two formulations: extend... more Quetiapine fumarate, a first-line treatment for schizophrenia, exists in two formulations: extended release (XR) and immediate release (IR). This naturalistic, noninterventional study evaluated use of quetiapine XR/IR among in-patients with schizophrenia [ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01214135]. Data were collected from medical records. Categorical and numerical outcomes were compared using χ(2) and t tests. Of 178 enrolled patients, 66% and 34% used quetiapine XR and IR respectively. Based on mean daily dose, XR was used as antipsychotic medication in 64% of patients compared with 40% of patients on IR (dose ≥ 400 mg/day; p = 0.002) and in higher doses than IR (494 versus 345 mg/day; p = 0.001; calculated averages). Schizophrenia was more commonly reported as reason for use of XR than IR (20% versus 0%; p = 0.0003). Patients with comorbid substance abuse or somatic disease were more likely to receive XR (p = 0.003; p = 0.03). Treatment cessation due to nonadherence was less com...
The Journal of ECT, 2013
The primary aim of the study was to test the hypothesis that relapse prevention with continuation... more The primary aim of the study was to test the hypothesis that relapse prevention with continuation electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) plus pharmacotherapy is more effective than pharmacotherapy alone after a course of ECT for depression. A multicenter, nonblinded, randomized controlled trial with 2 parallel groups was performed from 2008 to 2012 in 4 hospitals in Sweden. Patients eligible had unipolar or bipolar depression and had responded to a course of ECT. The patients (n = 56) were randomly assigned (1:1) to receiving either 29 treatments of continuation ECT with pharmacotherapy or pharmacotherapy alone for 1 year. The pharmacotherapy consisted of antidepressants (98%), lithium (56%), and antipsychotics (30%). The main outcome was relapse of depression within 1 year. Relapse was defined as 20 or more points on the Montgomery Åsberg Depression Rating Scale or inpatient psychiatric care or suicide or suspected suicide. All 56 patients randomized were analyzed according to an intention to treat analysis. Sixty-one percent of the patients treated with pharmacotherapy versus 32% of the patients treated with ECT plus pharmacotherapy relapsed within 1 year (P = 0.036). The Cox proportional hazard ratio was 2.32 (1.03-5.22).Cognitive function and memory measures were stable for patients without relapse in both groups.One suspected suicide and 3 suicide attempts by intoxication occurred, all in the pharmacotherapy-alone group. The post-ECT relapse rates were substantial in both treatment groups with a statistically significant advantage for combined treatment with pharmacotherapy and continuation ECT. Further studies are needed to define indications for continuation ECT, pharmacotherapy, and their combination.
Schizophrenia Research, 2009
Introduction: There is evidence for a relationship between low levels of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic ac... more Introduction: There is evidence for a relationship between low levels of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and suicidal behavior in mood disorder. A relationship between CSF homovanillic acid (HVA) and suicidal behavior has not been completely established. Studies done in patients with schizophrenia spectrum psychosis suffer from small numbers, short periods of follow-up and the results are contradictory. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between levels of CSF 5-HIAA, CSF HVA and suicidal behavior in patients with schizophrenia spectrum psychosis.
Psychiatry Research, 2013
a b s t r a c t Relationships between concentrations of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) kynurenic acid ... more a b s t r a c t Relationships between concentrations of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) kynurenic acid (KYNA) and suicidal behavior were evaluated in 59 patients with psychosis after 22 years of follow-up . Three patients died from suicide and nine patients had a history of attempted suicide. Patients with attempted suicide had significantly lower concentrations of CSF KYNA.
Psychiatry Research, 2007
Most prospective studies of HPA axis have found that non-suppressors in the dexamethasone suppres... more Most prospective studies of HPA axis have found that non-suppressors in the dexamethasone suppression test (DST) are more likely to commit suicide during the follow-up. Attempted suicide is a strong clinical predictor of suicide. The aim of this study was to assess the predictive value of DST for suicide in a group of depressed inpatients with and without an index suicide attempt. Historical cohort of 382 psychiatric inpatients with mood disorder admitted to the department of Psychiatry at the Karolinska University Hospital between 1980 and 2000 were submitted to the DST and followed up for causes of death. During the follow-up (mean 18 years), 36 suicides (9.4%) occurred, 20 of these were non-suppressors and 16 were suppressors. There was no statistically significant difference in suicide risk between the suppressors and non-suppressors for the sample as a whole. An index suicide attempt predicted suicide. In suicide attempters with mood disorder, the non-suppressor status was significantly associated with suicide indicating that HPA axis hyperactivity is a risk factor for suicide in this group. The dexamethasone suppression test may be a useful predictor within this population.
Nordic Journal of Psychiatry, 2011
Carlborg A, Jokinen J, Nordstr ö m A-L, J ö nsson EG, Nordstr ö m P. Early death and CSF monoamin... more Carlborg A, Jokinen J, Nordstr ö m A-L, J ö nsson EG, Nordstr ö m P. Early death and CSF monoamine metabolites in schizophrenia spectrum psychosis. Nord J Psychiatry 2011;65:101-105.
Nordic Journal of Psychiatry, 2010
People with schizophrenia have an increased risk of suicide and attempted suicide is suggested to... more People with schizophrenia have an increased risk of suicide and attempted suicide is suggested to be an important risk factor. Our objective was to assess the cumulative survival, predictive values and odds ratios of attempted suicide for suicide in a long-term cohort of patients with schizophrenia spectrum psychosis with and without previous attempted suicide. Inpatients (n=224) hospitalized with schizophrenia spectrum psychosis were followed for a mean of 25 years. All patients were followed up for causes of death. Information on suicide attempt before the end of the observation period was retrieved from medical records. Eight percent died by suicide during the follow-up. Eighteen percent of suicide attempters died by suicide. Two percent of non-attempters died by suicide. There was a strong association between previous suicide attempt and suicide in men and women. Odds ratio for attempters vs. non-attempters was 10. Suicide risk was almost three times higher in male than female suicide attempters. Previous attempted suicide is an important risk factor for suicide in both men and women with schizophrenia spectrum psychosis, particularly in male suicide attempters. The suicide risk remains high over a long period. Continuous assessment of risk factors and appropriate treatment are crucial for this patient group to prevent suicide.
Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental, 2012
Objectives The atypical antipsychotic quetiapine is a first-line treatment for schizophrenia. Thi... more Objectives The atypical antipsychotic quetiapine is a first-line treatment for schizophrenia. This non-interventional study (NCT01212575) evaluated the clinical use of its two formulations, extended release (XR) and immediate release (IR), in outpatients with schizophrenia spectrum disorder. Methods Patients who had received at least one dose of quetiapine XR and/or IR were included. A dosage ≥400 mg/day was defined as antipsychotic. Medical records data were collected retrospectively. Results Of 186 enrolled patients, 99 (53%) and 87 (47%) received quetiapine XR and IR, respectively. Use in antipsychotic dosage was seen for 89% XR versus 63% IR patients (mean daily dose ≥400 mg/day; p < 0.0001). 75% XR and 53% IR patients used dosages ≥600 mg/day (p = 0.0019). Quetiapine XR was used at higher mean daily dosages than IR (748 vs 566 mg/day; p = 0.006). Forty-three patients (23%) used both formulations concomitantly; 55 patients (30%) used either XR or IR. Quetiapine IR was used as-needed in 44 patients (23%); one patient used XR as-needed. Conclusions Quetiapine XR was used more often in higher (antipsychotic) dosages; quetiapine IR more frequently on an as-needed administration basis. Concomitant use was seen. These findings probably reflect the different profiles of XR/IR and advocate the need for both formulations to offer treatment choice.
Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics, 2010
Archives of Suicide Research, 2008
Patients with schizophrenia spectrum psychoses have a high risk of suicide. Suicide is more frequ... more Patients with schizophrenia spectrum psychoses have a high risk of suicide. Suicide is more frequent in men. Our objective in this study was to investigate the long term suicide risk in schizophrenia spectrum psychoses in relation to gender. A cohort from 1973 to 1987 of 385 schizophrenia spectrum psychoses inpatients in Stockholm were followed up for cause of death in 2006. Twenty-six suicides (6.8%) occurred during the follow up of 24.4 years. There was no significant difference in suicide mortality between men (6.5%) and women (6.9%). There was no gender difference in death from other causes. These results indicate that patients with schizophrenia spectrum psychoses have a high long term suicide risk in both men and women. The high suicide risk in female patients deserves further research attention.
Therapeutic advances in psychopharmacology, 2015
The objective of this work was to study characteristics and clinical treatment patterns of bipola... more The objective of this work was to study characteristics and clinical treatment patterns of bipolar disorder (BD) patients admitted to hospital and treated with quetiapine (immediate-release [IR] or extended-release [XR] formulations). BD patients admitted to hospital and prescribed quetiapine IR were followed by linking two Swedish nationwide registries; the hospitalization and drug dispense registries [ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01455961]. The study period was from 1 January 2008, to end of 31 December 2011. Data was primarily analysed using descriptive methods. Quetiapine IR was used in 1761 patients of whom 1303 subsequently switched to XR (switch XR) and 458 remained on IR (continuous IR). At baseline, Switch XR patients were younger (-3.3 years), more frequently employed (+7.1%), had higher prevalence of single depressive episodes (+6.7%) and anxiety disorders (+5.8%), lower mean daily IR dose (-19.3%) and fewer medications for somatic disorders (-7.5%) than continuous I...