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Ayre MJ, Lewis PJ, Keers RN. Understanding the medication safety challenges for patients with mental illness in primary care: a scoping review. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:417. [PMID: 37308835 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-04850-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mental illness and medication safety are key priorities for healthcare systems around the world. Despite most patients with mental illness being treated exclusively in primary care, our understanding of medication safety challenges in this setting is fragmented. METHOD Six electronic databases were searched between January 2000-January 2023. Google Scholar and reference lists of relevant/included studies were also screened for studies. Included studies reported data on epidemiology, aetiology, or interventions related to medication safety for patients with mental illness in primary care. Medication safety challenges were defined using the drug-related problems (DRPs) categorisation. RESULTS Seventy-nine studies were included with 77 (97.5%) reporting on epidemiology, 25 (31.6%) on aetiology, and 18 (22.8%) evaluated an intervention. Studies most commonly (33/79, 41.8%) originated from the United States of America (USA) with the most investigated DRP being non-adherence (62/79, 78.5%). General practice was the most common study setting (31/79, 39.2%) and patients with depression were a common focus (48/79, 60.8%). Aetiological data was presented as either causal (15/25, 60.0%) or as risk factors (10/25, 40.0%). Prescriber-related risk factors/causes were reported in 8/25 (32.0%) studies and patient-related risk factors/causes in 23/25 (92.0%) studies. Interventions to improve adherence rates (11/18, 61.1%) were the most evaluated. Specialist pharmacists provided the majority of interventions (10/18, 55.6%) with eight of these studies involving a medication review/monitoring service. All 18 interventions reported positive improvements on some medication safety outcomes but 6/18 reported little difference between groups for certain medication safety measures. CONCLUSION Patients with mental illness are at risk of a variety of DRPs in primary care. However, to date, available research exploring DRPs has focused attention on non-adherence and potential prescribing safety issues in older patients with dementia. Our findings highlight the need for further research on the causes of preventable medication incidents and targeted interventions to improve medication safety for patients with mental illness in primary care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Ayre
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
| | - Penny J Lewis
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- NIHR Greater Manchester Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, Academic Health Science Centre (MAHSC), The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Richard N Keers
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- NIHR Greater Manchester Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, Academic Health Science Centre (MAHSC), The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Suicide, Risk and Safety Research Unit, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
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O'Neill A, McFarland J, Kelly D. Long-term antidepressant use in a cohort of older people. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 2021; 36:1241-1251. [PMID: 33592673 DOI: 10.1002/gps.5518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Depression is the most common mental health problem in older adults and untreated is associated with significant burden of illness for patients. This study aimed to examine longitudinal patterns of antidepressant use in older adults and determine which factors were associated with changes in use. METHODS Adults aged 50 and over, from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA), who participated at any one of the four TILDA waves (n = 8175) were included in the analysis. Repeated measures latent class analysis (RMLCA) is the model-based approach we used to identify underlying subgroups in a population. RESULTS We found antidepressant use ranged from 6% to 10%, over a 6-year period. RMLCA identified three distinct classes of antidepressant use. Notably, 6% of older adults were categorised in a 'long-term antidepressant use' class, with consistent use across all four waves, and 6% were categorised in an 'Intermittent/Developing Use' class. We found long-term antidepressant use to be a characteristic of older adults with chronic conditions at baseline of study and striking low uptake of psychological and psychiatric services. CONCLUSIONS These findings provide evidence of the complex presentations of depression with comorbidities in long-term antidepressant users. While prolonged use of antidepressants in an older cohort is often rationalised due to recurrent depression and comorbidities, this study suggests little deprescribing of antidepressants and a need for greater access and provision of psychological services tailored to later life seem necessary improve management of this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aoife O'Neill
- Ageing Research Centre, Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, IRELAND.,School of Allied Health, University of Limerick, Limerick, IRELAND
| | - John McFarland
- School of Medicine, University of Limerick, Limerick, IRELAND
| | - Dervla Kelly
- School of Medicine, University of Limerick, Limerick, IRELAND.,UL Cancer Network, Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, IRELAND
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Rhee TG. Coprescribing of Benzodiazepines and Opioids in Older Adults: Rates, Correlates, and National Trends. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2020; 74:1910-1915. [PMID: 30561526 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/gly283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To estimate prescribing trends of and correlates independently associated with coprescribing of benzodiazepines and opioids among adults aged 65 years or older in office-based outpatient visits. METHODS I examined a nationally representative sample of office-based physician visits by older adults between 2006 and 2015 (n = 109,149 unweighted) using data from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Surveys (NAMCS). National rates and prescribing trends were estimated. Then, I used multivariable logistic regression analyses to identify demographic and clinical factors associated with coprescriptions of benzodiazepines and opioids. RESULTS From 2006 to 2015, 15,954 (14.6%) out of 109,149 visits, representative of 39.3 million visits nationally, listed benzodiazepine, opioid, or both medications prescribed. The rate of prescription benzodiazepines only increased monotonically from 4.8% in 2006-2007 to 6.2% in 2014-2015 (p < .001), and the rate of prescription opioids only increased monotonically from 5.9% in 2006-2007 to 10.0% in 2014-2015 (p < .001). The coprescribing rate of benzodiazepines and opioids increased over time from 1.1% in 2006-2007 to 2.7% in 2014-2015 (p < .001). Correlates independently associated with a higher likelihood of both benzodiazepine and opioid prescriptions included: female sex, a visit for chronic care, receipt of six or more concomitantly prescribed medications, and clinical diagnoses of anxiety and pain (p < .01 for all). CONCLUSION The coprescribing rate of benzodiazepines and opioids increased monotonically over time in outpatient care settings. Because couse of benzodiazepines and opioids is associated with medication burdens and potential harms, future research is needed to address medication safety in these vulnerable populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taeho Greg Rhee
- Section of Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut.,Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation (CORE), Yale-New Haven Health System, New Haven, Connecticut
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Bazargan M, Cobb S, Wisseh C, Assari S. Psychotropic and Opioid-Based Medication Use among Economically Disadvantaged African-American Older Adults. PHARMACY 2020; 8:E74. [PMID: 32349239 PMCID: PMC7355863 DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy8020074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 03/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
African-American older adults, particularly those who live in economically deprived areas, are less likely to receive pain and psychotropic medications, compared to Whites. This study explored the link between social, behavioral, and health correlates of pain and psychotropic medication use in a sample of economically disadvantaged African-American older adults. This community-based study recruited 740 African-American older adults who were 55+ yeas-old in economically disadvantaged areas of South Los Angeles. Opioid-based and psychotropic medications were the outcome variables. Gender, age, living arrangement, socioeconomic status (educational attainment and financial strain), continuity of medical care, health management organization membership, sleeping disorder/insomnia, arthritis, back pain, pain severity, self-rated health, depressive symptoms, and major chronic conditions were the explanatory variables. Logistic regression was used for data analyses. Arthritis, back pain, severe pain, and poor self-rated health were associated with opioid-based medications. Pain severity and depressive symptoms were correlated with psychotropic medication. Among African-American older adults, arthritis, back pain, poor self-rated health, and severe pain increase the chance of opioid-based and psychotropic medication. Future research should test factors that can reduce inappropriate and appropriate use and prescription of opioid-based and psychotropic medication among economically disadvantaged African-American older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Bazargan
- Department of Family Medicine, College of Medicine, Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA; (M.B.); (C.W.)
- Department of Family Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Sharon Cobb
- School of Nursing, Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA;
| | - Cheryl Wisseh
- Department of Family Medicine, College of Medicine, Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA; (M.B.); (C.W.)
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, West Coast University School of Pharmacy, Los Angeles, CA 90004, USA
| | - Shervin Assari
- Department of Family Medicine, College of Medicine, Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA; (M.B.); (C.W.)
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Rhee TG, Rosenheck RA. Buprenorphine prescribing for opioid use disorder in medical practices: can office-based out-patient care address the opiate crisis in the United States? Addiction 2019; 114:1992-1999. [PMID: 31307111 PMCID: PMC6800773 DOI: 10.1111/add.14733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2018] [Revised: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Opioid use disorder (OUD) remains a serious public health issue, and treating adults with OUD is a major priority in the United States. Little is known about trends in the diagnosis of OUD and in buprenorphine prescribing by physicians in office-based medical practices. We sought to characterize OUD diagnoses and buprenorphine prescribing among adults with OUD in the United States between 2006 and 2015. DESIGN AND SETTINGS We used a repeated cross-sectional design, based on data from the 2006-15 National Ambulatory Medical Care Surveys that surveyed nationally representative samples of office-based out-patient physician visits. PARTICIPANTS Adult patients aged 18 years or older with a diagnosis of OUD (n = 1034 unweighted) were included. MEASUREMENTS Buprenorphine prescribing was defined by whether visits involved buprenorphine or buprenorphine-naloxone, or not. We also examined other covariates (e.g. age, gender, race and psychiatric comorbidities). FINDINGS We observed an almost tripling of the diagnosis of OUD from 0.14% in 2006-10 to 0.38% in 2011-15 in office-based medical practices (P < 0.001). Among adults diagnosed with OUD, buprenorphine prescribing increased from 56.1% in 2006-10 to 73.6% in 2011-15 (P = 0.126). Adults with OUD were less likely to receive buprenorphine prescriptions if they were Hispanic [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 0.26; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.11, 0.60], had Medicaid insurance (aOR = 0.27; 95% CI = 0.10, 0.74) or were diagnosed with other psychiatric disorders (aOR = 0.45; 95% CI = 0.25, 0.83) or substance use disorders (aOR = 0.19; 95% CI = 0.09, 0.41). CONCLUSIONS In office-based medical practices in the United States, diagnoses for opioid use disorder and buprenorphine prescriptions for adults with opioid use disorder increased from 0.14 and 56.1%, respectively, in 2006-10 to 0.38 and 73.6% in 2011-15.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taeho Greg Rhee
- Department of Community Medicine and Health Care, School of Medicine, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT,Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT,Veterans Affairs (VA) New England Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Centers (MIRECC), West Haven, CT,Veterans Affairs (VA) Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT
| | - Robert A. Rosenheck
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT,Veterans Affairs (VA) New England Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Centers (MIRECC), West Haven, CT,Veterans Affairs (VA) Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT
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Rhee TG, Rosenheck RA. Psychotropic polypharmacy reconsidered: Between-class polypharmacy in the context of multimorbidity in the treatment of depressive disorders. J Affect Disord 2019; 252:450-457. [PMID: 31004825 PMCID: PMC6520147 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2019.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Revised: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Both psychiatric polypharmacy and multimorbidity are common in depressed adults. We examine recent patterns of psychotropic polypharmacy with attention to concurrent multimorbidity in the treatment of depressive disorders in outpatient psychiatric care. METHODS Data from the 2006-2015 National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey offer nationally representative samples of office-based psychiatric care in adults with depressive disorders (ICD-9-CM codes 296.20-296.26, 296.30-296.36, 300.4, 311, and 301.10-301.13) (n = 6,685 unweighted). These data allowed estimation of the prevalence of polypharmacy (within-class, between-class, and both) involving four major psychotropic classes: antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood-stabilizers, and sedative-hypnotics. We further evaluated the proportion of within-class and between-class psychotropic prescription combinations that were potentially justifiable, taking FDA-approved indications and multimorbidity into consideration. RESULTS Prescribing two or more psychotropic medications for depressed adults remained substantial and stable ranging from 59.0% in 2006-2007 to 58.0% in 2014-2015. The most common within-class polypharmacy types were: antidepressants (22.7%) and sedative-hypnotics (14.8%). The most common between-class polypharmacy types were: an antidepressant and a sedative-hypnotic (30.7%), an antidepressant and an antipsychotic (16.4%), and an antipsychotic and a sedative-hypnotic (9.0%). In visits in which between-class psychotropics were prescribed, 53.9% were potentially justified by FDA-approved augmentation and/or adjunctive treatment strategies or by psychiatric multimorbidities. CONCLUSION Psychotropic polypharmacy affects more than half of depressed adults. Between-class polypharmacy is the most common pattern and in over 50% of instances may be justified by augmentation strategies or considerations of psychiatric multimorbidity. Future research is needed to address effectiveness, safety, and cost-effectiveness of polypharmaceutical care for depression, especially those occurring with psychiatric co-morbididities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taeho Greg Rhee
- Department of Community Medicine and Health Care, School of Medicine, University of Connecticut, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT 06030, United States; Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States; Veterans Affairs (VA) New England Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Centers (MIRECC), West Haven, CT, United States; Veterans Affairs (VA) Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, United States.
| | - Robert A. Rosenheck
- Veterans Affairs (VA) New England Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Centers (MIRECC), West Haven, CT,Veterans Affairs (VA) Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT
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Bobo WV, Grossardt BR, Lapid MI, Leung JG, Stoppel C, Takahashi PY, Hoel RW, Chang Z, Lachner C, Chauhan M, Flowers L, Brue SM, Frye MA, St. Sauver J, Rocca WA, Sutor B. Frequency and predictors of the potential overprescribing of antidepressants in elderly residents of a geographically defined U.S. population. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2019; 7:e00461. [PMID: 30693088 PMCID: PMC6344796 DOI: 10.1002/prp2.461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Revised: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to estimate the extent of potential antidepressant overprescribing in a geographically defined U.S. population, and to determine the indications and factors that account for it. We conducted a cohort study of new antidepressant prescriptions for elderly residents of Olmsted County, Minnesota, 2005-2012, using the Rochester Epidemiology Project medical records-linkage system. Indications for antidepressants were abstracted from health records for all cohort members. Potential antidepressant overprescribing was defined based on regulatory approval, the level of evidence identified from a standardized drug information database, and multidisciplinary expert review. Predictors of potential antidepressant overprescribing were investigated using logistic regression models, stratified by general antidepressant indication (general medical indication, specific psychiatric diagnosis, and non-specific psychiatric symptoms). Potential antidepressant overprescribing occurred in 24% of 3199 incident antidepressant prescriptions during the study period, and involved primarily newer antidepressants that were prescribed for non-specific psychiatric symptoms and subthreshold diagnoses. Potential antidepressant overprescribing was associated with nursing home residence, having a higher number of comorbid medical conditions and outpatient prescribers, taking more concomitant medications, having greater use of urgent or acute care services in the year preceding the index antidepressant prescription, and being prescribed antidepressants via telephone, e-mail, or patient portal. In conclusion, potential antidepressant overprescribing occurred in elderly persons and involved mainly newer antidepressants used for non-specific psychiatric symptoms and subthreshold diagnoses, and was associated with indicators of higher clinical complexity or severity and with prescribing without face-to-face patient contact.
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Affiliation(s)
- William V. Bobo
- Department of Psychiatry & PsychologyMayo ClinicJacksonvilleFlorida
| | - Brandon R. Grossardt
- Division of Biomedical Statistics and InformaticsDepartment of Health Sciences ResearchMayo ClinicRochesterMinnesota
| | - Maria I. Lapid
- Department of Psychiatry & PsychologyMayo ClinicRochesterMinnesota
| | | | - Cynthia Stoppel
- Department of Psychiatry & PsychologyMayo ClinicRochesterMinnesota
| | - Paul Y. Takahashi
- Department of Primary Care Internal MedicineMayo ClinicRochesterMinnesota
| | - Robert W. Hoel
- Department of Pharmacy ServicesMayo ClinicRochesterMinnesota
| | - Zheng Chang
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and BiostatisticsKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
| | | | - Mohit Chauhan
- Department of Psychiatry & PsychologyMayo ClinicJacksonvilleFlorida
| | - Lee Flowers
- Department of Psychiatry & PsychologyMayo ClinicRochesterMinnesota
| | - Scott M. Brue
- Biomedical Informatics Support SystemMayo ClinicRochesterMinnesota
| | - Mark A. Frye
- Department of Psychiatry & PsychologyMayo ClinicRochesterMinnesota
| | - Jennifer St. Sauver
- Division of EpidemiologyDepartment of Health Sciences ResearchMayo ClinicRochesterMinnesota
| | - Walter A. Rocca
- Division of EpidemiologyDepartment of Health Sciences ResearchMayo ClinicRochesterMinnesota
- Department of NeurologyMayo ClinicRochesterMinnesota
| | - Bruce Sutor
- Department of Psychiatry & PsychologyMayo ClinicRochesterMinnesota
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Rhee TG, Capistrant BD, Schommer JC, Hadsall RS, Uden DL. Effects of the 2009 USPSTF Depression Screening Recommendation on Diagnosing and Treating Mental Health Conditions in Older Adults: A Difference-in-Differences Analysis. J Manag Care Spec Pharm 2018; 24:769-776. [PMID: 30058984 PMCID: PMC6084471 DOI: 10.18553/jmcp.2018.24.8.769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depression is a common mental condition in U.S. older adults. To improve rates of underdiagnosis and undertreatment for depression and other mental health conditions in primary care settings, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) updates and disseminates its depression screening guideline regularly. OBJECTIVE To examine the effects of the 2009 USPSTF depression screening recommendation on the 3 following outcomes: diagnoses of mental health conditions, antidepressant prescriptions (overall and potentially inappropriate), and provision of nonpharmacological psychiatric services in office-based outpatient primary care visits made by adults aged 65 or older. METHODS Data from the 2006-2012 National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS), a nationally representative sample of office-based outpatient primary care visits among older adults (n = 15,596 unweighted), were used. NAMCS represents physician practicing patterns of ambulatory medical care services utilization at the national level. Using a series of multivariate difference-in-differences analyses, we estimated effects of the USPSTF depression screening recommendation on the previously mentioned outcomes by comparing pre- (2006-2009) and post- (2010-2012) periods to describe primary care physician practice patterns. RESULTS Differences in any mental health diagnosis by the depression screening status were -34.7% in the pre-2009 period and -20.2% in the post-2009 period, resulting in a differential effect of -14.4% (95% CI = -28.2, -0.6; P = 0.040). No differential effect was found in other outcomes. CONCLUSIONS While there are mixed findings about efficacy and effectiveness of depression screening in the existing literature, more population-based observational research is needed to strengthen and support current USPSTF depression screening recommendation statements in the United States. DISCLOSURES Funding for this study was provided by the National Institute on Aging of the National Institutes of Health (#T32AG019134). The authors declare that they do not have any conflicts of interest. Publicly available data were obtained from the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Analyses, interpretation, and conclusions are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Division of Health Interview Statistics or NCHS of the CDC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taeho Greg Rhee
- 1 Section of Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut; Yale Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation (CORE), Yale-New Haven Hospital, New Haven, Connecticut; and Department of Pharmaceutical Care and Health Systems, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis
| | | | - Jon C Schommer
- 3 Department of Pharmaceutical Care and Health Systems, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis
| | - Ronald S Hadsall
- 3 Department of Pharmaceutical Care and Health Systems, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis
| | - Donald L Uden
- 3 Department of Pharmaceutical Care and Health Systems, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis
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Rhee TG, Rosenheck RA. Initiation of new psychotropic prescriptions without a psychiatric diagnosis among US adults: Rates, correlates, and national trends from 2006 to 2015. Health Serv Res 2018; 54:139-148. [PMID: 30334247 DOI: 10.1111/1475-6773.13072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To estimate rates and national trends of initiation of new psychotropic medications without a psychiatric diagnosis and to identify demographic and clinical correlates independently associated with such use among US adults in outpatient settings. DATA SOURCE Data were gathered from the 2006-2015 National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS), a nationally representative sample of office-based U.S. outpatient care. The sample was limited to adults aged 18 or older who received a new psychotropic drug prescription (n = 8618 unweighted). STUDY DESIGN Using a repeated cross-sectional design with survey sampling techniques, we estimated prescription initiation rates and national trends. Multivariable-adjusted logistic regression analysis was used to identify correlates independently associated with initiation of new psychotropic prescriptions without a psychiatric diagnosis. DATA COLLECTION/EXTRACTION METHODS Data were publicly available, and we extracted them from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Altogether, at 60.4% of visits at which a new psychotropic prescription was initiated, no psychiatric diagnosis was recorded for the visit. Overall, the rate increased from 59.1% in 2006-2007 to 67.7% in 2008-2009 and then decreased to 52.0% in 2014-2015. Visits to psychiatrists were associated with very low odds of having no psychiatric diagnosis when compared to primary care visits (OR = 0.02; 95% CI, 0.01-0.04). Visits to non-psychiatric specialists showed 6.90 times greater odds of not having a psychiatric diagnosis when compared to primary care visits (95% CI, 5.38-8.86). CONCLUSION New psychotropic medications are commonly initiated without any psychiatric diagnosis, especially by non-psychiatrist physicians. Non-psychiatrists should document relevant diagnoses more vigilantly to prevent potentially inappropriate use or misuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taeho Greg Rhee
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut.,Yale Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation (CORE), Yale-New Haven Health Systems, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Robert A Rosenheck
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut.,Veterans Affairs (VA) New England Mental Illness, Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), West Haven, Connecticut.,Veterans Affairs (VA) Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut
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Rhee TG. Continuing versus New Antidepressant Use in Older Adults: US Prescribing Trends from 2006 to 2015. Eur Geriatr Med 2018; 9:551-555. [PMID: 30524610 DOI: 10.1007/s41999-018-0075-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Antidepressant use has increased in older adults recently. This study examines the trends of antidepressant prescribing by prescription status (continuing vs. new prescriptions). Methods Data were collected from 2006-2015 National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS), a nationally representative sample of office-based outpatient visits. I limited the sample to adults aged 65 or older (n=10,708 unweighted). Using a repeated cross-sectional design with survey sampling techniques, prevalence rates of antidepressant prescriptions were estimated by prescription status. Stratified analyses were also performed by key variables (e.g., age, gender, and race/ethnicity). Results Continuing antidepressant prescriptions increased over time significantly (OR=1.07; 95% CI, 1.03-1.11), and no temporal trend was found in new antidepressant prescriptions. In stratified analyses, the increasing trends of continuing antidepressant prescriptions were pronounced in visits to primary care physicians (OR=1.06; 95% CI, 1.01-1.12). Conclusion Increasing antidepressant prescribing trends were found in continuing prescriptions. Continued antidepressant prescribing among older adults should be monitored for appropriate use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taeho Greg Rhee
- Section of Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA. .,Yale Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Yale-New Haven Hospital, New Haven, CT, USA. .,Department of Pharmaceutical Care and Health Systems, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
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11
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Rhee TG, Choi YC, Ouellet GM, Ross JS. National Prescribing Trends for High-Risk Anticholinergic Medications in Older Adults. J Am Geriatr Soc 2018; 66:1382-1387. [PMID: 29582410 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.15357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To estimate prescribing tends of and correlates independently associated with high-risk anticholinergic prescriptions in adults aged 65 and older in office-based outpatient visits. DESIGN Repeated cross-sectional analysis. SETTING National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS). PARTICIPANTS A national sample of office-based physician visits by adults aged 65 and older from 2006 to 2015 (n=96,996 unweighted). MEASUREMENTS Prescriptions of high-risk anticholinergics, regardless of indication, were identified, and overall prescribing trends were estimated from 2006 to 2015. Stratified analyses of prescribing trends according to physician specialty and anticholinergic drug class were also performed. We used a multivariable logistic regression analysis to estimate the odds of high-risk anticholinergic prescription. RESULTS Between 2006 and 2015, a high-risk anticholinergic prescription was listed for 5,876 (6.2%) 96,996 visits of older adults, representative of 14.6 million total visits nationally. The most common drug classes were antidepressants, antimuscarinics, and antihistamines, which accounted for more than 70% of prescribed anticholinergics. Correlates independently associated with greater odds of receiving a high-risk anticholinergic prescription were female sex, the Southern geographic region, specific physician specialties (e.g., psychiatry, urology), receipt of 6 or more concomitantly prescribed medications, and related clinical diagnoses (e.g., urinary continence) (p<.01 for all). CONCLUSION The prevalence of high-risk anticholinergic prescriptions was stable over time but varied according to physician specialty and drug class. Quality prescribing should be promoted because safer alternatives are available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taeho Greg Rhee
- Section of Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
- Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Yale-New Haven Health System, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Yookyung Christy Choi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Care and Health Systems, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Gregory M Ouellet
- Section of Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Joseph S Ross
- Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Yale-New Haven Health System, New Haven, Connecticut
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
- Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
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Rhee TG, Mohamed S, Rosenheck RA. Antipsychotic Prescriptions Among Adults With Major Depressive Disorder in Office-Based Outpatient Settings: National Trends From 2006 to 2015. J Clin Psychiatry 2018; 79:17m11970. [PMID: 29469245 PMCID: PMC5932223 DOI: 10.4088/jcp.17m11970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2017] [Accepted: 12/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE A recent moderately long-term study found an antipsychotic to be more effective than an antidepressant as the next-step treatment of unresponsive major depressive disorder (MDD). It is thus timely to examine recent trends in the pharmacoepidemiology of antipsychotic treatment of MDD. METHODS Data from the 2006-2015 National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, nationally representative samples of office-based outpatient visits in adults with MDD (ICD-9-CM codes 296.20-296.26 and 296.30-296.36) (n = 4,044 unweighted), were used to estimate rates of antipsychotic prescribing over these 10 years. Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified demographic and clinical factors independently associated with antipsychotic use in MDD. RESULTS Antipsychotic prescribing for MDD increased from 18.5% in 2006-2007 to 24.9% in 2008-2009 and then declined to 18.9% in 2014-2015. Visits with adults 75 years or older showed the greatest decline from 27.0% in 2006-2007 to 10.7% in 2014-2015 (OR for overall trend = 0.73; 95% CI, 0.56-0.95). The most commonly prescribed antipsychotic agents were aripiprazole, olanzapine, quetiapine, and risperidone. Antipsychotic prescription was associated with being black or Hispanic, having Medicare among adults under 65 years or Medicaid as a primary source of payment, and receiving mental health counseling, 3 or more concomitant medications, and diagnosis of cannabis use disorder (P < .01). CONCLUSIONS Antipsychotics, prescribed for about one-fifth of adults with MDD, increased and then declined from 2006 to 2015, reflecting, first, FDA approval and then concern about adverse effects in the elderly. Future research should track evolving trends following the publication of evidence of greater long-term effectiveness of antipsychotic than antidepressant next-step therapy in adults with MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taeho Greg Rhee
- Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar St, PO Box 208025, New Haven, CT 06520. .,Section of Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.,Yale Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation (CORE), Yale-New Haven Hospital, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Somaia Mohamed
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT,Veterans Affairs (VA) New England Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Centers (MIRECC), West Haven, CT,Veterans Affairs (VA) Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT
| | - Robert A. Rosenheck
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT,Veterans Affairs (VA) New England Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Centers (MIRECC), West Haven, CT,Veterans Affairs (VA) Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT
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