Australasian psychiatry : bulletin of Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists
-
Australas Psychiatry · Sep 2005
ReviewTranscranial magnetic stimulation and chronic pain: current status.
To examine evidence suggesting a potential role for transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in the treatment of chronic pain. ⋯ Chronic pain is characterized by brain changes that can reasonably be presumed to be associated with hyperalgesia, as occurs with neuropathic changes in the periphery. TMS has the ability to induce plastic changes in the cortex at the site of stimulation and at connected sites, including the spinal cord. It also has the ability to influence the experience of experimental/acute pain. In studies of TMS in chronic pain, there is some evidence that temporary relief can be achieved in a proportion of sufferers. Chronic pain is common. Current treatments are often ineffective and complicated by side-effects. Work to this point is encouraging, but systematic assessment of stimulation parameters is necessary if TMS is to achieve a role in the treatment of chronic pain. Maintenance TMS is currently provided in relapsing major depression and may be a useful model in chronic pain management.
-
Depot antipsychotic medication (DAP) is widely used in the treatment of schizophrenia and related disorders. The objectives of this study were to (i) determine whether DAP was being prescribed in accordance with established guidelines in terms of dose, interval of administration and indications; and (ii) assess the quality of the assessment and documentation of tardive dyskinesia (TD) as well as blood glucose and lipid abnormalities. ⋯ The results of this study indicate that DAP is being used mostly for the treatment of schizophrenia and related disorders, which is in agreement with established evidence-based guidelines. The finding of at least one documented attempt at DAP dose reduction or extension of interval of administration in approximately half of the patients receiving DAP is encouraging and may have an impact on reducing the likelihood of TD. A formal TD surveillance programme using a screening tool such as the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale is recommended. In addition, more frequent evaluation of blood glucose and lipid levels is needed.