Current medical research and opinion
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Evidence is limited on the economic burden associated with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) among US veterans. We evaluated the economic burden among patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) with and without TRD, and those without MDD in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). ⋯ Among US veterans, TRD poses a significant incremental economic burden relative to non-TRD MDD and non-MDD.
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This study examined the incidence and predictors of antimuscarinic medication use including non-selective antimuscarinics among older adults with dementia and overactive bladder (OAB). ⋯ Nearly one-third of dementia patients had OAB and over one-fourth of them used antimuscarinics. Majority of the incident users were prescribed non-selective antimuscarinics with several demographic and clinical factors contributing to their use. Given the high prevalence of OAB among dementia patients, there is a need to optimize their antimuscarinic use, considering their vulnerability for anticholinergic adverse effects.
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Aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency is a rare neurological condition, with an estimated global prevalence of 1:32,000 to 1:90,000 live births. AADC deficiency is associated with a range of symptoms and functional impairments, but these have not previously been explored qualitatively. This study aimed to understand the symptoms of AADC deficiency and its impact on individuals' health-related quality of life. ⋯ This is the first qualitative study to report on the experience of living with AADC deficiency. Caregivers report individuals with AADC deficiency experience a wide range of symptoms and functional impairments, which have a substantial impact on their health-related quality of life.
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To better understand treatment patterns in US patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) initiating generic glatiramer acetate (GA), this study examined adherence, discontinuation and switching patterns from generic follow-on glatiramer acetate (FOGA) therapy in real-world patient cohorts. ⋯ Adherence to FOGA therapy was reasonably high across cohorts; however, most patients discontinued their initial FOGA within four months of the index date and most switches from FOGA were to branded GA products.
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Observational Study
Adherence and persistence among patients with major depressive disorder enrolled in the vortioxetine tAccess Patient Support Program.
The tAccess Patient Support Program (PSP) is a personalized support program for patients prescribed vortioxetine therapy. We assessed the impact of the tAccess PSP on adherence to and persistence with vortioxetine among adult patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). ⋯ These initial results, reviewed alongside recent available HEDIS AMM data, suggest that the tAccess PSP may be beneficial in addressing treatment adherence and persistence in patients with MDD.