Prevalence of childhood physical and sexual abuse in veterans with psychiatric diagnoses.

We examined the prevalence of childhood (≤ 18 years) physical and sexual abuse reported among patients admitted to the psychiatric inpatient service and the differential rates of this abuse associated with psychiatric diagnoses. This study consisted of a retrospective chart review of 603 patients admitted to a psychiatric ward during a period of 1 year at Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center who had data on childhood physical and sexual abuse. The prevalence of reported childhood physical or sexual abuse in this inpatient clinical population was 19.

Heroin anticraving medications: a systematic review.

Background: Heroin craving is a trigger for relapse and dropping out of treatment. Methadone has been the standard medication for the management of heroin craving.

Objectives: We explored the medication options other than methadone which may have heroin anticraving properties.

Onsite QTc interval screening for patients in methadone maintenance treatment.

To improve the electrocardiogram screening process and early detection of patients at high risk for cardiac arrhythmias, the authors created a model in their clinic where they provided an onsite electrocardiogram screening that might be feasible and practical. The authors then performed a retrospective chart review to access the efficacy and feasibility of their new onsite procedure in identifying methadone maintained patients at high risk for cardiac arrhythmias. Records from all patients who are currently or had previously been maintained on methadone in the methadone maintenance program at the Atlanta VA Medical Center between 2002 and 2009 were evaluated.

Methadone maintenance dosing guideline for opioid dependence, a literature review.

To date, methadone dosing is still an issue of debate and controversy among clinicians who are involved in methadone maintenance programs. The authors conducted a literature review to update clinicians about this issue and provide recommendations for proper methadone dosing. Studies eligible for inclusion in the review were retrieved from the PubMed database by searching for reports published between 1990 and September 2008 using the major medical subject headings Methadone (all fields) and dose.

High dose versus moderate dose methadone maintenance: is there a better outcome?

Methadone dosing has been an issue of controversy among clinicians for a long time. Few recent studies reported that doses above 100 mg daily seem promising in better control of illicit opiate use for some patients, but more research is needed to support that notion. A retrospective chart review for patients maintained on methadone at Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center was conducted.

Benefits of retention in methadone maintenance and chronic medical conditions as risk factors for premature death among older heroin addicts.

Background: Methadone maintenance treatment reduces rates of premature mortality in heroin addicts. However, few published studies have addressed the effectiveness of treatment, mortality rates, or causes of death in older (geriatric) patients maintained on methadone. Identifying risk factors for premature mortality and potential targets for early intervention may reduce rates of premature mortality in older patients maintained on methadone.