Migraine is one of the most debilitating diseases. It was ranked second regarding years lived with disability and posed a significant economic impact on society. For many patients, acute treatment using simple analgesics or triptans is insufficient to control the migraine, and may even worsen it if over-used. Oral preventive treatments aim at reducing monthly migraine days or migraine frequency. However, they were not initially designed for the treatment of migraine, and their use is often limited by an arsenal of side effects or inadequate relief. The adherence to these treatments is also disappointing. The breakthrough came when Prof. Peter Goadsby and other renowned neuroscientists discovered a cause of a migraine attack. They found that calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) could be an important new target for developing new treatments for migraine. Neurologists, headache specialists and patients eagerly awaited the approval of monoclonal antibodies targeting CGRP pathway. They were developed specifically for migraine prevention. In Hong Kong, 4 anti-CGRP antibody therapies have been approved for migraine preventive treatment. They are administered either subcutaneously or intravenously. They revolutionize migraine treatment by providing demonstrated good efficacy and low adverse reaction rates. How are the treatment guidelines being revised? Recently, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) also provides some guidance on using these anti-CGRP antibody therapies. What do you need to know about them? How to choose among them? Prof. Peter Goadsby will give you some hints and share with you his clinical experience on this regard.
Eptinezumab – an efficacious, fast and sustained anti-CGRP monoclonal antibody therapy for preventive migraine treatment
Antagonism targeting the CGRP pathway would give a hint on treatments countering migraine. Eptinezumab is a humanised monoclonal antibody preventing migraine by selectively and readily binding to both α- and β-CGRP ligands blocking them from binding to CGRP receptors. The efficacy of eptinezumab was first established in 2 pivotal studies, PROMISE-1 and PROMISE-2, in episodic and chronic migraine patients, respectively. The migraine preventive effect was observed on the first day after eptinezumab dosing, with more than 50% reduction in patients reported migraine while that in the placebo group was only about the half of the treatment groups. The efficacy of eptinezumab in controlling migraine was further demonstrated in the DELIVER study, in which patients failed 2-4 prior preventive treatment. Patients treated with eptinezumab had a greater reduction in the percentage of severe migraine attacks as well as greater reductions in monthly headache days (MHD) and monthly headache episodes compared to placebo.
Frequent medication use to treat migraine attacks can lead to increased migraine frequency and is called medication-overuse headache (MOH). In a subgroup analysis of the PROMISE-2 trial, patients with chronic migraine and MOH treated with eptinezumab experienced greater reductions from baseline in MMD than placebo patients over 12 weeks. Moreover, more eptinezumab-treated patients were ≥50% migraine responders or ≥75% responders compared to placebo over 24 weeks. The long-term safety profile of eptinezumab (300mg) was assessed in the PREVAIL trial involving 128 patients with chronic migraine. The results indicated that eptinezumab is safe and well-tolerated. Prof. Diener is going to share with you the data.
In Singapore, migraine ranks 4th among the top 10 most disabling health problems with a lifetime prevalence of 8.2%. Migraine has a negative impact on virtually all aspects of life including work, school, family, social, and finances. However, there is a significant unmet need for preventive migraine therapy. Out of the 40% patients who may be eligible for prevention, only 13% receive prevention. Furthermore, ~80% patients discontinue oral preventative therapy after 1 year of treatment mainly due to lack of efficacy and side effects. While there is strong scientific evidence of the efficacy of eptinezumab versus placebo in randomized trials, there is limited evidence regarding the effectiveness of eptinezumab (or any anti-CGRP medication) in a “real-world” setting in Asian patients. Dr Jonathan Ong, who is one of the principal investigators, of REAP study in Singapore, will share with you some update of the study.
Management of Migraine in the Primary Care Setting
Prevention of migraine is designed to decrease the number of migraine days per month decrease the severity of each attack, and reduce use of acute headache medications. Primary care providers are positioned to improve care for migraine patients with streamlined approaches to diagnosis and management. This lecture will cover some of the challenges in diagnosing migraine and managing acute and chronic migraine. The speaker will summarise the current understanding of migraine pathophysiology and clinical evidence of new medications and offer practical approaches to diagnosis and contemporary management of migraine in the primary care setting.
Current Trends in the Diagnosis and Management of Parkinson’s Disease
The advances in understanding the neurobiology of Parkinson’s Disease (PD) have led to advances both in the diagnosis and therapeutic management of this neurodegenerative disease. Other than L-Dopa, multiple refinements of pharmacological approach have increased the degree of benefit, which includes enzyme inhibitors of MAO-B and COMT, dopamine agonists as well as non-dopaminergic agents. Infusion therapies and DBS offer relief to L-Dopa related motor complications. In the 35th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Hong Kong Neurological Society, Prof. Werner Poewe of the Medical University of Innsbruck Austria offered a lecture on current updates in diagnosing and managing PD.
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor symptoms, including tremors, bradykinesia, and muscular rigidity. Given the alarming increase in the burden of PD, timely and effective treatment strategies are important for managing patients with the disease. In the Annual Scientific Meeting of the Hong Kong Movement Disorder Society, Professor Susan Fox of the University of Toronto reviewed the pharmacological therapies for PD patients, and the early PD with levodopa-induced fluctuation. Prof. Fox also shared her experience on PD management during a pandemic.
Joint Scientific Webinar - Recent Advances in The Management of Disorder of Gut-Brain Interaction – Part II
Complex gut disorders may have psychiatric etiology. Proper use of psychotropics is important under such circumstances. There are many psychotropics available nowadays. This lecture will present principles and guidelines for choosing the appropriate ones for the patients.
Joint Scientific Webinar - Recent Advances in The Management of Disorder of Gut-Brain Interaction – Part I
Disorders of Gut-Brain Interactions (DGBI) has been increasingly used to replace Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (FGID) in recent years. The new terminology highlights the role of dysfunctional brain-gut axis in the pathophysiology of FGID. It is well known that most DGBI patients do not respond well to gut-directed therapy alone. An effective management approach of DGBI needs to be multi-targeted, which starts with evaluation of multidimensional clinical profile during diagnosis, stressor identification, lifestyle and dietary modification, and medical therapy. Owing to the high prevalence and strong association with psychiatric comorbidity, vigilance should be exercised to facilitate early intervention by mental health professionals. In recent years, gut microbial modulation through probiotics and functional food has been investigated for treatment of DGBI with promising results.
Scientific Webinar - What to Consider When Treating Patients with Anhedonia, Emotional Blunting and Low Motivation
The common and persistent symptoms of MDD including anhedonia, emotional blunting and low motivation will be explored in this webinar. Dr. Tsang will address the assessment and treatment methods for managing these 3 common symptoms for MDD patients in achieving full functional recovery. The latest scientific data and case sharing will also be featured in this lecture.
Scientific Webinar - The Importance of Early Optimized Treatment to Early Recovery of Daily Functioning
In this webinar, we will focus on achieving full functional recovery in patients with MDD including the improvement in cognitive, social and work functioning with case demonstration. The common symptoms of MDD, such as emotional blunting and anhedonia, and their implications for functional recovery will be analyzed. Dr. Wong will also share his expert opinion in the importance of individualized treatment in relation to the patients with various symptom profiles. The treatment options and holistic management of the patients with MDD will be reviewed in the lecture.
Scientific Webinar - Medical Comorbidities of Psychiatric Patients
This webinar will discuss the inter-relationship between obesity, diabetes and various psychiatric diseases and its management. Dr. Chan will also address the common side effects of various psychiatric medications and the common drug-drug interactions between antidepressants and other medications.
Scientific Webinar - Recent Advances in The Management of Major Depressive Disorder
This webinar will include a review of the advances in the management of MDD, with reference to the latest Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety treatment clinical guidelines. Dr. Yip will also share three cases related to the use of antidepressants and the use of augmentation medications.
Scientific Webinar - Use of Antidepressants in Primary Care Clinic
In this webinar, Dr Law will share the experience of treating mood disorder in GP setting as well as experience in using vortioxetine. Case sharing and discuss how to start treating mood disorder in general practice.
Joint Scientific Webinar Crosstalk Between The GI Tract and The Brain
Functional gastrointestinal disorders, also known as disorders of gut-brain interaction, is common among the adult population in Hong Kong. In this joint symposium, Prof. Justin Wu gives an overview on the bidirectional interaction between brain and gut, etiology, and treatment for these disorders. Prof. Tang Siu Wa discusses the role of inflammation in neuropsychiatric disorders with a perspective from traditional Chinese medicine.
Highlights of 2021 MDS Congress & Case Discussions on Parkinson's Disease
Our 3 speakers will be discussing on some key topics of MDS Virtual Congress 2021 in this webinar, these includes telemedicine clinic for Parkinson’s Disease, health disparities in Parkinson’s Disease and key updates on recent trials in Parkinson’s Disease. Our speakers will also attempt to share some best practices in the management of Parkinson's Disease through case sharing presentations in different stages of Parkinson's Disease.
Our two expert speakers – Dr Alireza Atri and Professor Miia Kivipelto – will take us through a brief history of Alzheimer’s disease to the modern-day view. In his Chair’s introduction, Dr Atri will briefly review 100 years of Alzheimer’s disease and research. Professor Kivipelto will then explore the challenges and consequences that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought to the care of patients with dementia. She will also consider future challenges, reviewing the epidemiology of Alzheimer’s disease, risk factors, and prevention strategies. Dr Atri will follow on with a contemporary view of treatment goals and will discuss aspects of multifactorial care.
COVID-19 & MDD: Current challenges and implications for clinical practice
In the first episode of the series, we will focus on the impact of COVID-19 on patients with MDD; we will explore the common MDD symptoms reported during the global pandemic as well as the current challenges and long-term implications this will present for clinical practice. This episode will also address treatment options and considerations, including vortioxetine*, for patients with MDD during and post-pandemic. Professor Roger McIntyre, alongside Dr Mohammad Alsuwaidan and Dr Nina Scheweinfurth, will present recently published clinical data and share their own clinical experiences of managing MDD during the pandemic. *Vortioxetine – is indicated for the treatment of major depressive episodes in adults. For local prescribing information, please refer to the information you have received from your local Lundbeck representative for this event.
Treatment on Major Depressive Disorder with Neurological Diseases
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is often comorbid with neurological diseases such as post stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and contribute to the chronicity and severity of the disease. In this webinar, the role of antidepressants in managing MDD in these diseases will be presented by three experts in the field, as well as sharing of their practical experience in the decision making process on disease management via patient cases.
COVID-19 & MDD: Current challenges and implications for clinical practice
In the first episode of the series, we will focus on the impact of COVID-19 on patients with MDD; we will explore the common MDD symptoms reported during the global pandemic as well as the current challenges and long-term implications this will present for clinical practice. This episode will also address treatment options and considerations, including vortioxetine*, for patients with MDD during and post-pandemic. Professor Roger McIntyre, alongside Dr Mohammad Alsuwaidan and Dr Nina Scheweinfurth, will present recently published clinical data and share their own clinical experiences of managing MDD during the pandemic. *Vortioxetine – is indicated for the treatment of major depressive episodes in adults. For local prescribing information, please refer to the information you have received from your local Lundbeck representative for this event.
Treatment on Major Depressive Disorder with Neurological Diseases
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is often comorbid with neurological diseases such as post stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and contribute to the chronicity and severity of the disease. In this webinar, the role of antidepressants in managing MDD in these diseases will be presented by three experts in the field, as well as sharing of their practical experience in the decision making process on disease management via patient cases.
In this webinar, Dr Blier & Dr Cutler will be discussing the differences between normal anxiety & generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), the pharmacology treatments in GAD & also the challenges in managing GAD. Both experts will be sharing evidence based dat
Practical Insights in Optimising the treatment of MDD
Residual symptoms in MDD is very common and residual symptoms like anhedonia, emotional blunting,low motivation,apathy and cognitive symptoms will be discussed in this webinar. Besides that, Dr Mattingly will be sharing some data to address misconception of slower onset of action and lack of efficacy of vortioxetine in anxiety vs SSRI in mood symptoms.
The latest scientific data of MEMORY and VOPARK will be shared in this webinar too.
Bipolar and Schizophrenia Summit 2023: Shattering Barriers . Maintaining Hope
Dr. Ofer Agid is staff psychiatrist and a clinician scientist in the Schizophrenia Program at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto. He is the Medical Head, Ambulatory Services and the Lead Psychiatrist, Partial Hospital Program at the Schizophrenia Program. He is also Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto and Associate Member, Institute of Medical Science (IMS), University of Toronto. Dr Agid is the medical leader in the First-Episode Schizophrenia program and initiated an algorithm-based treatment approach for first-episode schizophrenia.
In this session, Dr Ofer Agid is sharing on managing Out-patients using two-injections start regime with aripiprazole once-monthly treatment.
Beginning with the end goal in mind: The role of LAI in in-patient care
Bipolar and Schizophrenia Summit 2023: Shattering Barriers . Maintaining Hope
Professor Dr Jesjeet Singh Gill is currently a senior consultant psychiatrist at University Malaya Medical Centre Kuala Lumpur and a Certified Medical Impairment Assessor by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health. He is an active researcher, and has participated in over 80 clinical trials, authored over 100 papers, both in local and international journals. He has also published several books. In this session, Prof Dr Jesjeet is sharing on the management of in-ward patients with aripiprazole once-monthly injection.
Bipolar and Schizophrenia Summit 2023: Shattering Barriers . Maintaining Hope
Dr Nik Ruzyanei Nik Jaafar is an Professor of Psychiatry at the Department of Psychiatry in Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. She is also a council member (Malaysia) of the World Federation for Psychotherapy (2023-2026) and also an external stress counsellor for the United nations since 2017 until present. Dr Nik Ruzyanei has co-authored over 90 publications published in local and international journal.
In this session, Dr Nik Ruzyanei shares how long-acting injectable treatment can help people living with schizophrenia to restore functional recovery.
Bipolar and Schizophrenia Summit 2023: Shattering Barriers . Maintaining Hope
Dr. Ofer Agid is staff psychiatrist and a clinician scientist in the Schizophrenia Program at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto. He is the Medical Head, Ambulatory Services and the Lead Psychiatrist, Partial Hospital Program at the Schizophrenia Program. He is also Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto and Associate Member, Institute of Medical Science (IMS), University of Toronto. Dr Agid is the medical leader in the First-Episode Schizophrenia program and initiated an algorithm-based treatment approach for first-episode schizophrenia.
In this session, Dr Ofer Agid is sharing on how to effectively managing schizophrenia with ALAI treatment.
Patient profiles that we should NOT prescribe vortioxetine
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Have you ever wondered if there is any specific patient profile that you should avoid giving vortioxetine? In this webinar, there will be a debate session between these speakers on whether vortioxetine should or should not be prescribed in different patient profiles. Speakers will also be sharing their own local clinical experiences in MDD; We expect the 60 minutes webinar to be interactive & fun, see you virtually.
Optimizing Functional Recovery in Schizophrenia Symposium
The treatment goal in treating schizophrenia has changed substantially from expecting a modest control of psychotic symptoms to considering functional recovery as an ultimate goal. In this virtual symposium, a group of experts will be discussing on: • Treatment priorities in schizophrenia care • Impact of relapses prevention in schizophrenia • How to achieve functional recovery in schizophrenia • How to better engage with patients to encourage behavioral change • The role of monthly treatment in schizophrenia
Our two expert speakers – Dr Alireza Atri and Professor Miia Kivipelto – will take us through a brief history of Alzheimer’s disease to the modern-day view. In his Chair’s introduction, Dr Atri will briefly review 100 years of Alzheimer’s disease and research. Professor Kivipelto will then explore the challenges and consequences that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought to the care of patients with dementia. She will also consider future challenges, reviewing the epidemiology of Alzheimer’s disease, risk factors, and prevention strategies. Dr Atri will follow on with a contemporary view of treatment goals and will discuss aspects of multifactorial care.
COVID-19 & MDD: Current challenges and implications for clinical practice
In the first episode of the series, we will focus on the impact of COVID-19 on patients with MDD; we will explore the common MDD symptoms reported during the global pandemic as well as the current challenges and long-term implications this will present for clinical practice. This episode will also address treatment options and considerations, including vortioxetine*, for patients with MDD during and post-pandemic. Professor Roger McIntyre, alongside Dr Mohammad Alsuwaidan and Dr Nina Scheweinfurth, will present recently published clinical data and share their own clinical experiences of managing MDD during the pandemic. *Vortioxetine – is indicated for the treatment of major depressive episodes in adults. For local prescribing information, please refer to the information you have received from your local Lundbeck representative for this event.
Treatment on Major Depressive Disorder with Neurological Diseases
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is often comorbid with neurological diseases such as post stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and contribute to the chronicity and severity of the disease. In this webinar, the role of antidepressants in managing MDD in these diseases will be presented by three experts in the field, as well as sharing of their practical experience in the decision making process on disease management via patient cases.
Masterclass Webinar Series - Antidepressant Treatment in Major Depressive Disorder
Childhood trauma is associated with negative neurobiological, physical, behavioural, psychosocial and mental health effects, and can increase the risk of early onset, relapse and chronicity of MDD (major depressive disorder). Resilience has been linked to better outcomes in MDD, including a decreased risk of onset and relapse. This webinar will explore the social, emotional, cognitive and biological systems implicated in resilience. Importantly, the role of resilience for MDD patients with history of childhood trauma will be discussed, as well as tips on fostering resilience in clinical practice.
Masterclass Webinar Series - Anhedonia and Emotional Blunting in Major Depressive Disorder - Addressing Challenges in clinical management of MDD
Anhedonia is an integral clinical feature of MDD (major depressive disorder) which is often neglected in clinical practice, defined by the lack of pleasure and motivation. Treatment with antidepressants could cause emotional blunting in some patients, which phenotypically overlaps with anhedonia. In this webinar, the challenges in clinical management of anhedonia and emotional blunting will be addressed, as well as the clinical approach and choice of optimal treatment options.
Explore the new possibilities - Part 2 Adjunctive Therapy in MDD
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a multifaceted condition with emotional, cognitive and physical symptoms that affect psychosocial functioning and quality of life. The best treatment outcome for a patient with MDD is a return to an optimal level of functioning, which may include the ability to maintain a job, build and retain relationships and interact with others. However, despite the availabiliity of different classes of antidepressants, many patients with MDD still experience an inadequate response to antidepressants, prolonging loss of social functioning and sense of well-being. Therefore, the role of an adjunctive therapy in MDD is needed to help patients achieve their full recovery and return to their functioning again.
Explore the new possibilities - Part 1 Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a progressively debilitating mental disorder comprising positive, negative and cognitive symptoms. The course and outcome of schizophrenia can be very different and shaped by accurate diagnosis and well-chosen medications. Presently, multiple agents are available for the treatment of schizophrenia; however, the majority do not address negative and cognitive symptoms. Thus, it remains as one of the unmet needs in the treatment of schizophrenia. Introducing the new treatment option for schizophrenia to address not only positive symptoms but also negative and cognitive symptoms to help patients to be functioning and integrate back to society again.
THINK Depression Part 3: Battling Depression - The road to functional recovery
Depression is a heterogeneous disease. It is more than just low mood, it also affects your body and the way you think. What will be the treatment goal when it comes to treating depression? What will be our role as front-liners during such a pandemic to battle depression?
THINK Depression Part 2: Understanding co-morbid depression & anxiety
This session will discuss the hurdles in managing anxiety. How do we differentiate depression and anxiety? What are the symptoms, assessment tools and treatment choices available? We will also be discussing the role of the general practitioner in treating depression and co-morbid anxiety.
THINK Depression Part 1: Connecting with your patients living with depression
Interested to find out what are the challenges faced by general practitioner when it comes to treating depression? This session will discuss on how to disclose depression to your patients, recommended bedside manners, setting the foundation & putting it into practice. The changing landscape of treatment goal will also be discussed. The speakers will also discuss on communication being the key to understand patients experience & functional recovery being the aim in the treatment of depression.
Treatment duration in Bipolar Disorder & Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are both mental illnesses that are commonly associated with impairments in social and occupational functioning. Long-term effective treatments that can reduce the relapse rate in these diseases is one of the keys to treatment success. In this webinar, it addresses the need for long-term continuous treatment and the role of long-acting injectables in both schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.There is also an interactive discussion on the topic during the Q&A session
Towards a paradigm shift in treatment of bipolar disorder
Bipolar Disorder Is an episodeic, lifelong illness with a variable course. The high recurrent nature of the disease can be very difficult to manage. Poor adherence to treatment is a significant problem to the management of the disease thus resulting in suboptimal outcome. In conjunction with World Bipolar Dat, Prof Eduard Vieta will be sharing the role of long-acting injectable antipsychotic in the management of bipolar disorder alongside with Prof Ahmad Hatim, sharing his clinical experience. This webinar aims to address the unmet needs in the treatment of bipolar disorder.
