Section - Quick Takes

01. Cariprazine for the Adjunctive Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder

Published on March 1, 2024 Certification expiration date: March 1, 2027

Paul Zarkowski, M.D.

Clinical Associate Professor - University of Washington

Key Points

The study found that cariprazine, at doses of 1.5 mg or 3 mg daily, showed no benefit over placebo as an augmenting agent in treatment-resistant depression, despite having an FDA indication for this use.
The study raises questions about the differential efficacy of dopamine receptor partial agonists in treatment-resistant depression, considering intrinsic activity and binding affinity differences, particularly at the dopamine 2 and 3 receptors.

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Text version

Researchers often appreciate the publication of negative studies from other groups but tend to withhold their own negative results. This tendency might be more pronounced in studies funded by pharmaceutical companies. However, negative studies play a critical role in guiding patient care, especially for medication with an FDA indication.

Hello, I’m Paul Zarkowski from the Psychopharmacology Institute.

I’m discussing a recent study in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry , where cariprazine at 1.5 mg or 3 mg daily showed no significant benefit over placebo as an augmenting agent in treatment-resistant depression. This finding is noteworthy because cariprazine is FDA approved for the adjunctive treatment of major depression. Moreover, the study was funded by the manufacturer of cariprazine. The study was robustly designed and involved 750 patients with an episode of treatment-resistant major depression lasting at least 8 weeks but less than 2 years. Participants were randomized into placebo, 1.5 mg,

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02. Efficacy of Low-Dose Risperidone for Postsurgical Delirium in Elderly Patients

Learning Objectives:

After completing this activity, the learner will be able to:

Analyze the significance and implications of the study results, particularly in the context of cariprazine's efficacy in treatment-resistant depression.
Evaluate the efficacy and safety of low-dose risperidone in managing postoperative delirium in elderly patients.
Learn about the potential effectiveness of memantine in treating trichotillomania and skin-picking disorder.
Recognize the increased risk of cardiovascular diseases in patients with psychiatric disorders.
Understand the relationship between medication adherence in bipolar disorder and reduced hospitalization rates, focusing on the efficacy of specific medications.

Original Release Date: March 1, 2024

Expiration Date: March 1, 2027

Experts: Scott Beach, M.D., Paul Zarkowski, M.D., Robert Hudak, M.D.

Medical Editor: Melissa Mariano, M.D.

Relevant Financial Disclosures:

None of the faculty, planners, and reviewers for this educational activity have relevant financial relationships to disclose during the last 24 months with ineligible companies whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients.

Contact Information: For questions regarding the content or access to this activity, contact us at support@psychopharmacologyinstitute.com

Instructions for Participation and Credit:

Participants must complete the activity online during the valid credit period that is noted above.

Follow these steps to earn CME credit:

View the required educational content provided on this course page.
Complete the Post Activity Evaluation for providing the necessary feedback for continuing accreditation purposes and for the development of future activities. NOTE: Completing the Post Activity Evaluation after the quiz is required to receive the earned credit.
Download your certificate.

Accreditation Statement

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education through the joint providership of Medical Academy LLC and the Psychopharmacology Institute. Medical Academy is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians

Credit Designation Statement

Medical Academy designates this enduring activity for a maximum of 0.5 AMA PRA Category 1 credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.