title: Algorithm-driven pharmacological management of bipolar disorder in Connecticut prisons.
abstract: The objective of this study was to assess adaptation of the Texas Implementation of Medication Algorithm (TIMA) for bipolar disorder (BD) in the Connecticut Department of Correction. A nonrandomized sample of 20 males and 20 females, with diagnoses of BD Type I or II, was enrolled in the study. Two TIMA-trained psychiatrists treated the participants over a 12-week period following the TIMA protocol. The primary outcome measure was the Bipolar Disorder Symptom Scale. Secondary outcome measures evaluated global clinical status, comorbid symptomatology, and quality of life. Significant improvement was seen with the primary and secondary outcome measures (p < .001). Subanalyses showed differences in outcomes based on gender and whether a manic or depression algorithm was used. Antidepressant and antipsychotic medication use decreased, with increase in anticonvulsant and anxiolytic medication usage. This pilot study confirmed the effectiveness and benefits of TIMA for BD adaptation in the correctional setting.
authors: University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, USA. jkamath@uchc.edu
authors: Jayesh
authors: J
authors: Kamath
authors: Wanli
authors: W
authors: Zhang
authors: Karen
authors: K
authors: Kesten
authors: Sara
authors: S
authors: Wakai
authors: Deborah
authors: D
authors: Shelton
authors: Robert
authors: R
authors: Trestman
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000465:Algorithms; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D010054:Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale; D003237:Connecticut; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011329:Prisoners / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000523:psychology*; D011330:Prisons; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs