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Chen YH, Xenitidis A, Hoffmann P, Matthews L, Padmanabhan SG, Aravindan L, Ressler R, Sivam I, Sivam S, Gillispie CF, Sadhasivam S. Opioid use disorder in pediatric populations: considerations for perioperative pain management and precision opioid analgesia. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2024; 17:455-465. [PMID: 38626303 PMCID: PMC11116045 DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2024.2343915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Opioids are commonly used for perioperative analgesia, yet children still suffer high rates of severe post-surgical pain and opioid-related adverse effects. Persistent and severe acute surgical pain greatly increases the child's chances of chronic surgical pain, long-term opioid use, and opioid use disorder. AREAS COVERED Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols are often inadequate in treating a child's severe surgical pain. Research suggests that 'older' and longer-acting opioids such as methadone are providing better methods to treat acute post-surgical pain. Studies indicate that lower repetitive methadone doses can decrease the incidence of chronic persistent surgical pain (CPSP). Ongoing research explores genetic components influencing severe surgical pain, inadequate opioid analgesia, and opioid use disorder. This new genetic research coupled with better utilization of opioids in the perioperative setting provides hope in personalizing surgical pain management, reducing pain, opioid use, adverse effects, and helping the fight against the opioid pandemic. EXPERT OPINION The opioid and analgesic pharmacogenomics approach can proactively 'tailor' a perioperative analgesic plan to each patient based on underlying polygenic risks. This transition from population-based knowledge of pain medicine to individual patient knowledge can transform acute pain medicine and greatly reduce the opioid epidemic's socioeconomic, personal, and psychological strains globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Han Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Paul Hoffmann
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Leslie Matthews
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | | | - Ruth Ressler
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The College of Wooster, Wooster, Ohio, USA
| | - Inesh Sivam
- North Allegheny High School, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Sahana Sivam
- North Allegheny High School, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Chase F. Gillispie
- Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Huntington, West Virginia 25701
| | - Senthilkumar Sadhasivam
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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Grove JL, Young JR, Chen Z, Blakey SM, Beckham JC, Calhoun PS, Dedert EA, Goldston DB, Pugh MJ, Kimbrel NA. Experiential Avoidance, Pain, and Suicide Risk in a National Sample of Gulf War Veterans. Arch Suicide Res 2024; 28:295-309. [PMID: 36573028 PMCID: PMC10291004 DOI: 10.1080/13811118.2022.2160681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Pain confers risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Experiential avoidance (EA), which is relevant to both pain and suicide risk, has not been studied as a potential mechanism for this relationship. The present study tested the hypothesis that pain indirectly impacts suicide risk through EA in a national sample of Gulf War veterans. METHODS Participants included a stratified random sample of United States veterans (N = 1,012, 78% male) who had served in the Gulf War region between August 1990 and July 1991. Validated scales were used to quantify levels of pain, EA, and suicide risk. RESULTS Regression analyses indicated independent associations between pain, EA, and suicide risk; moreover, the association between pain and suicide risk was no longer significant once EA was included in model. Bootstrapping analyses confirmed that EA partially accounted for the cross-sectional association between pain and suicide risk, independent of common co-occurring problems, such as depression, PTSD, and alcohol use disorder symptoms. CONCLUSIONS EA could be a key modifiable risk factor to target in people experiencing pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy L. Grove
- Duke University School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
| | - Jonathan R. Young
- Duke University School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
- Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System
- VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC)
| | - Zhengxi Chen
- Duke University School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
- Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System
- VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC)
| | - Shannon M. Blakey
- Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System
- VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC)
- Dr. Shannon Blakey is now affiliated with RTI International
| | - Jean C. Beckham
- Duke University School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
- Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System
- VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC)
| | - Patrick S. Calhoun
- Duke University School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
- Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System
- VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC)
- VA Health Services Research and Development Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation (ADAPT)
| | - Eric A. Dedert
- Duke University School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
- Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System
- VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC)
- VA Health Services Research and Development Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation (ADAPT)
| | - David B. Goldston
- Duke University School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
| | - Mary J. Pugh
- VA Salt Lake City Healthcare System
- University of Utah, School of Medicine, Department of Medicine
| | - Nathan A. Kimbrel
- Duke University School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
- Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System
- VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC)
- VA Health Services Research and Development Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation (ADAPT)
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Hamina A, Odsbu I, Hjellvik V, Lid TG, Clausen T, Skurtveit S. Fatal drug overdoses in individuals treated pharmacologically for chronic pain: a nationwide register-based study. Br J Anaesth 2024; 132:86-95. [PMID: 37953201 DOI: 10.1016/j.bja.2023.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chronic pain patients may be at an increased risk for drug overdoses as a result of comorbid psychiatric disorders and treatment with risk-increasing prescription medications, such as opioids. We aimed to characterise fatal drug overdoses and investigate factors associated with the deaths among individuals who had been treated pharmacologically for chronic pain. METHODS We included all individuals who received analgesics reimbursed for chronic pain in Norway during 2010-9 (n=569 047). Among this population, we identified all individuals with drug overdoses as cause of death (cases). Extracting data from national registries on diagnoses, filled prescriptions, and socioeconomic variables, we used a nested case-control design to compare the cases with age- and sex-matched controls from the study population. RESULTS Overall, 623 (0.11%) individuals in the study population died of an overdose. Most, 66.8%, had overdosed accidentally, and 61.9% as a result of pharmaceutically available opioids. Compared with the controls (n=62 245), overdoses overall were associated strongly with substance use disorders (adjusted odds ratio 7.78 [95% confidence interval 6.20-9.77]), use of combinations of opioids, benzodiazepines and related drugs and gabapentinoids (4.60 [3.62-5.85]), previous poisoning with pharmaceuticals (2.78 [2.20-3.51]), and with living alone the last year of life (2.11 [1.75-2.54]). Intentional overdoses had a stronger association with previous poisonings with pharmaceuticals whereas accidental overdoses were strongly associated with substance use disorders. CONCLUSIONS This study shows the need for better identification of overdose and suicide risk in individuals treated for chronic pain. Extra caution is needed when treating complex comorbid disorders, especially with overdose risk-increasing medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksi Hamina
- Niuvanniemi Hospital, Kuopio, Finland; Norwegian Centre for Addiction Research, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | | | | | - Torgeir G Lid
- Center for Alcohol and Drug Research at Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway; Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Thomas Clausen
- Norwegian Centre for Addiction Research, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Svetlana Skurtveit
- Norwegian Centre for Addiction Research, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
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Comparing Outpatient Opioids, High-Risk Prescribing, and Opioid Poisoning Between Transgender and Cisgender Veterans: A Cross-sectional Analysis. Am J Prev Med 2022; 63:168-177. [PMID: 35396161 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2022.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Transgender veterans have a high prevalence of substance use disorder and physical and mental-health comorbidities, which are associated with prescription opioid use and overdose risk. This study compares receipt of outpatient opioids, high-risk opioid prescribing, and opioid poisoning between transgender and cisgender (i.e., nontransgender) veterans. METHODS A secondary analysis of Veterans Health Administration health record data from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018 was conducted in 2021. Transgender veterans (n=9,686) were randomly matched to 3 cisgender veterans (n=29,058) on the basis of age and county. Using the same matching criteria, a second cohort was created of all transgender veterans and a matched sample of cisgender veterans who were prescribed an outpatient opioid (n=7,576). Stratified Cox proportional hazard regression measured the RR of each prescription outcome and opioid poisoning. RESULTS Transgender veterans had a 20% higher risk of being prescribed any outpatient opioid than cisgender veterans (adjusted RR=1.20, 95% CI=1.13, 1.27). Transgender and cisgender veterans who were prescribed an opioid did not have different risks of high-risk prescribing: overlapping opioid prescriptions (adjusted RR=0.93, 95% CI=0.85, 1.02), daily dose >120 morphine milligram equivalents (adjusted RR=0.86, 95% CI=0.66, 1.10), or overlapping opioid and benzodiazepine prescriptions (adjusted RR=1.05, 95% CI=0.96, 1.14). Overall, transgender veterans had more than twice the risk of opioid poisoning than cisgender veterans (RR=2.76, 95% CI=1.57, 4.86). The risk of opioid poisoning did not differ between transgender and cisgender veterans who were prescribed an opioid (RR=1.09, 95% CI=0.56, 2.11). CONCLUSIONS Transgender veterans had a greater risk of being prescribed an outpatient opioid than cisgender veterans but did not have different risks of high-risk opioid prescribing.
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Archambault L, Jutras-Aswad D, Touré EH, Artunduaga AC, Roy S, Barbeau D, Perreault M. Profiles of Patients with Opioid Use Disorders Presenting a History of Suicidal Ideations and Attempts. Psychiatr Q 2022; 93:637-650. [PMID: 35235127 DOI: 10.1007/s11126-022-09978-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Suicide rates are higher for people with an opioid use disorder, compared to the general population. This study aims to characterize opioid agonist treatment entrants who present a history of suicidal ideations or suicide attempts, according to concurrent comorbidity profiles, in an opioid use disorder treatment facility. A chart review design was used. Data was collected from 202 patient files. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted. In multivariate analysis, patients with a diagnosis or symptoms of a mood disorder were 2.48 [1.01 - 6.11] times more likely to report suicidal ideations and 2.64 [1.05 - 6.62] times more likely to report suicide attempts. Those with a diagnosis or symptoms of an anxiety disorder were 2.41 [1.01 - 5.81] times more likely to report suicidal ideations. Patients who report chronic pain were 2.59 [1.06 - 6.35] times more likely to report suicidal ideations as well. The probability to report suicide attempts was 5.09 [1.16 - 22.4] times higher for those with a confirmed or suspected personality disorder. Clinicians should bear in mind the high suicide rates in people with opioid use disorder, as well as the importance of addressing suicidal risk and providing easy access to mental health and chronic pain treatment as part of the service offer in opioid agonist treatment. Future research should focus on evaluating the effectiveness of treatments aimed at addressing the needs of opioid agonist treatment patients with interrelated mental health and pain comorbidity profiles to reduce risks associated with suicide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Léonie Archambault
- Sherbrooke University, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.,Douglas Research Center, 6875 Boulevard Lasalle, Montreal, QC, H4H 1R3, Canada
| | - Didier Jutras-Aswad
- Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal Research Center, Montréal, QC, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | | | - Stéphane Roy
- CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-L'île-de-Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - David Barbeau
- CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-L'île-de-Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Michel Perreault
- Douglas Research Center, 6875 Boulevard Lasalle, Montreal, QC, H4H 1R3, Canada. .,McGill University, 845 Sherbrooke St W, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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Strulik H. From pain patient to junkie: An economic theory of painkiller consumption and its impact on wellbeing and longevity. JOURNAL OF HEALTH ECONOMICS 2021; 76:102432. [PMID: 33571722 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhealeco.2021.102432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
In this paper, I propose a life cycle model of painkiller consumption that combines the theory of health deficit accumulation with the theory of addiction. Chronic pain is conceptualized as a persistent negative shock to lifetime utility that can be treated by pain relief medication. Individuals treated with opioid pain relievers (OPR) develop addiction, which increases their demand for opioids and reduces their welfare and life expectancy through side effects and potential overdose. I calibrate the model for a benchmark American and investigate the comparative dynamics of alternative drug characteristics, pain intensities, and ages of onsets of pain as well as their implications for welfare and life expectancy. Computational experiments are used to identify fully rational and imperfectly rational addiction behavior. Fully rational addicts reduce OPR use when new information about the addictive potential of these drugs arrives. Imperfectly rational addicts further develop their addiction and switch to illicit opioid use. Likewise, a discontinued prescription helps fully rational addicts to quit quickly, while it induces imperfectly rational individuals to take up heroin. I also discuss treatment of OPR addiction and the use of opioids in palliative care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holger Strulik
- University of Goettingen, Department of Economics, Platz der Goettinger Sieben 3, 37073 Goettingen, Germany.
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7
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Yao H, Rashidian S, Dong X, Duanmu H, Rosenthal RN, Wang F. Detection of Suicidality Among Opioid Users on Reddit: Machine Learning-Based Approach. J Med Internet Res 2020; 22:e15293. [PMID: 33245287 PMCID: PMC7732714 DOI: 10.2196/15293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Revised: 06/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent years, both suicide and overdose rates have been increasing. Many individuals who struggle with opioid use disorder are prone to suicidal ideation; this may often result in overdose. However, these fatal overdoses are difficult to classify as intentional or unintentional. Intentional overdose is difficult to detect, partially due to the lack of predictors and social stigmas that push individuals away from seeking help. These individuals may instead use web-based means to articulate their concerns. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to extract posts of suicidality among opioid users on Reddit using machine learning methods. The performance of the models is derivative of the data purity, and the results will help us to better understand the rationale of these users, providing new insights into individuals who are part of the opioid epidemic. METHODS Reddit posts between June 2017 and June 2018 were collected from r/suicidewatch, r/depression, a set of opioid-related subreddits, and a control subreddit set. We first classified suicidal versus nonsuicidal languages and then classified users with opioid usage versus those without opioid usage. Several traditional baselines and neural network (NN) text classifiers were trained using subreddit names as the labels and combinations of semantic inputs. We then attempted to extract out-of-sample data belonging to the intersection of suicide ideation and opioid abuse. Amazon Mechanical Turk was used to provide labels for the out-of-sample data. RESULTS Classification results were at least 90% across all models for at least one combination of input; the best classifier was convolutional neural network, which obtained an F1 score of 96.6%. When predicting out-of-sample data for posts containing both suicidal ideation and signs of opioid addiction, NN classifiers produced more false positives and traditional methods produced more false negatives, which is less desirable for predicting suicidal sentiments. CONCLUSIONS Opioid abuse is linked to the risk of unintentional overdose and suicide risk. Social media platforms such as Reddit contain metadata that can aid machine learning and provide information at a personal level that cannot be obtained elsewhere. We demonstrate that it is possible to use NNs as a tool to predict an out-of-sample target with a model built from data sets labeled by characteristics we wish to distinguish in the out-of-sample target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Yao
- Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States
| | | | - Xinyu Dong
- Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States
| | - Hongyi Duanmu
- Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States
| | - Richard N Rosenthal
- Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States
| | - Fusheng Wang
- Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States
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8
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Athey AJ, Beale EE, Overholser JC, Stockmeier CA, Bagge CL. Acute stressors and clinical characteristics differentiate death by suicide, accident, or natural causes among illicit and prescription opiate users. Drug Alcohol Depend 2020; 208:107847. [PMID: 31951908 PMCID: PMC7039758 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2020.107847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2019] [Revised: 12/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/31/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Opiate misuse has reached epidemic levels. Prevention efforts depend on distinguishing opiate users from abusers. The current study compared opioid users who died by natural cases, accidents, and suicide using psychological autopsy methods. Groups were compared on substance use characteristics, treatment history, experiences of negative life events, and circumstances at the time of death. METHODS Substance use and suicide risk were evaluated using psychological autopsy methods in 63 decedents with positive toxicology for opiates at death divided into three groups: adults dying by suicide (n = 19), accident (n = 19), and natural causes (n = 25). Groups were compared on several dependent measures, using chi-square analyses to examine categorical variables and one-way analyses of variance (ANOVA) to examine continuous variables. RESULTS Individuals who died by suicide were similar in many ways to adults who died by an accidental overdose. However, suicide completers were more likely to have struggled with severe depression, and previously attempted suicide, whereas the accidental overdose sample was more likely to display a chronic pattern of severe drug abuse. CONCLUSIONS The current study helps to distinguish between opiate users who are at risk for death by an accidental or intentional overdose. In the ongoing opiate crisis, clinicians must understand the risk of overdose and the nuances of accidental behaviors compared to purposeful ones. Signs of suicidal planning, relevant psychopathology, and ongoing life stress may be useful points of intervention for stopping the increasing number of deaths among opiate users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison J. Athey
- Case Western Reserve University Cleveland, OH, Department of Psychological Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, 11220 Bellflower Road, Cleveland, OH, USA 44106-7123
| | - Eleanor E. Beale
- Case Western Reserve University Cleveland, OH, Department of Psychological Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, 11220 Bellflower Road, Cleveland, OH, USA 44106-7123
| | - James C. Overholser
- Case Western Reserve University Cleveland, OH, Department of Psychological Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, 11220 Bellflower Road, Cleveland, OH, USA 44106-7123
| | - Craig A. Stockmeier
- Case Western Reserve University Cleveland, OH, Department of Psychological Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, 11220 Bellflower Road, Cleveland, OH, USA 44106-7123,University of Mississippi Medical Center Jackson, MS, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Division of Neurobiology and Behavior Research, Translational Research Center (TR415), University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 N. State Street Jackson, MS, USA 39216
| | - Courtney L. Bagge
- University of Michigan Medical Center Ann Arbor, MI, Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical Center, North Campus Research Center, B16, 2800 Plymouth Road Room 248E Ann Arbor, MI, USA 48109-2800,VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System Ann Arbor, MI, VA Center for Clinical Management Research (CCMR), 2215 Fuller Rd Ann Arbor, MI, USA 48105
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9
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Bixler FR, Radomski TR, Zickmund SL, Roman KM, Hausmann LRM, Thorpe CT, Hale JA, Sileanu FE, Gellad WF. Primary care physicians' perspectives on Veterans who obtain prescription opioids from multiple healthcare systems. J Opioid Manag 2019; 15:183-191. [PMID: 31343720 DOI: 10.5055/jom.2019.0502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To characterize primary care physicians' (PCPs') perceptions of the reasons patients receive opioid medications from both VA and non-VA healthcare systems. DESIGN Qualitative. SETTING Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). PARTICIPANTS Forty-two VA PCPs who prescribed opioids to at least 15 patients and who practiced in Massachusetts, Illinois, or Pennsylvania. METHODS Thirty-minute, semistructured telephone interviews were conducted in 2016, addressing topics regarding PCPs' experiences and perspectives on patients who use both VA and non-VA healthcare systems to obtain prescription opioids. The analysis focused on two questions: attributes that PCPs believe characterize dual-use patients and reasons that PCPs believe patients obtain opioids from both VA and non-VA sources. RESULTS PCPs identified multiple attributes of, and reasons for, patients obtaining opioid medications from both VA and non-VA healthcare systems, including pain issues, opioid misuse, having healthcare managed through multiple healthcare systems, and transferring care between systems. More than half of the PCPs identified addiction and diversion as key attributes and reasons why patients obtain prescription opioids from multiple sources. PCPs also identified several behavioral and psychological factors as attributes of these patients. CONCLUSIONS PCPs within the VA have varying perceptions of patients obtaining opioid medications from multiple healthcare systems, with pain complaints and opioid misuse as the primary themes. This knowledge about PCPs' perceptions can be incorporated into interventions to better manage pain and prescription opioid use by VA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felicia R Bixler
- Center of Innovation for Complex Chronic Healthcare, Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital, Hines, Illinois
| | - Thomas R Radomski
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Susan L Zickmund
- Informatics, Decision-Enhancement and Analytic Sciences Center, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - KatieLynn M Roman
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Leslie R M Hausmann
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Carolyn T Thorpe
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Division of Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Jennifer A Hale
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Florentina E Sileanu
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Walid F Gellad
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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10
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Roa JA, Guevara A, Guevara C, Guevara-Aguirre J. Physician's role in prescribing opioids in developing countries. BMJ Case Rep 2019; 12:12/6/e227072. [PMID: 31160299 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2018-227072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In developed countries, addressing the growing opioid addiction epidemic is focused on preventive measures, developing better overdose-reversal medications and designing newer strategies to treat addiction. Primary prescribers of the therapeutic use of opioids might play a definite role in the aetiology of the epidemics. Developing countries could be affected by similar issues; however, given that no updated statistics are available, it is possible that their populations undergo problems similar to those for which current data is available. Concerns have arisen regarding synthetic opioid tramadol which, given its fast and potent analgesic effects, low cost and easy availability is widely prescribed. A debate remains as to whether tramadol induces addictive effects like those of stronger analogues such as oxycodone or fentanyl. Here we present a case of tramadol dependence in an Ecuadorian patient and find that substance abuse can occur in normal individuals affected by chronic pain, otherwise treatable with standard methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge A Roa
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, College of Medicine, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Pichincha, Ecuador
| | - Alexandra Guevara
- Instituto de Endocrinologia y Metabolismo, IEMYR, Quito, Pichincha, Ecuador
| | - Carolina Guevara
- Instituto de Endocrinologia y Metabolismo, IEMYR, Quito, Pichincha, Ecuador
| | - Jaime Guevara-Aguirre
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, College of Medicine, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Pichincha, Ecuador.,Instituto de Endocrinologia y Metabolismo, IEMYR, Quito, Pichincha, Ecuador.,Maastricht University Faculty of Health Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht, Limburg, The Netherlands
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11
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Multiple types of somatic pain increase suicide attempts and depression: A nationwide community sample of Korean adults. Compr Psychiatry 2019; 90:43-48. [PMID: 30684832 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2018.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2018] [Revised: 11/24/2018] [Accepted: 12/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Somatic pain is an important risk factor for suicide and suicidal behaviors. However, the association between the number of somatic pain conditions and lifetime suicide attempts (LSA) has not been well established yet. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine associations between LSA and multiple somatic pain (MSP), singe pain, and no pain in a nationwide survey. METHODS A total of 12,532 adults were randomly selected from the population using the one-person-per-household method. Each participant completed a face-to-face interview using the Korean Composite International Diagnostic Interview (K-CIDI) with Suicide Module, and the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale 11 (BIS-11). The MSP was defined as pain in two or more parts of one's body, including abdominal pain, back pain, arthralgia, arm or leg pain, chest pain, headache, menstrual pain, dysuria, genital pain, and other pain. RESULTS Among 12,532 subjects, 858 (6.85%) had MSP. Among the three groups (MSP, single pain, and no pain) of subjects, the MSP group had higher percentages of females, those with lower education, and divorced/widowed/separated individuals. However, there were no significant differences in monthly income or residence among the three groups. The MSP group showed four times higher suicide attempts and six times higher multiple attempts than did the no pain group. The BIS total score of the MSP group was the highest among the three groups. Genital pain showed the highest odds ratio for LSA. The higher the number of somatic pain, the higher the odds ratios were for LSA, major depressive disorder (MDD), and anxiety disorders. Subjects having both MSP and MDD showed a significant association with LSA (AOR = 14.78, 95% CI 10.08-21.67, p < 0.001) compared to those having neither somatic pain nor MDD. CONCLUSIONS MSP was significantly associated with LSA. It had greater prevalence among individuals reporting a higher number of somatic pain conditions and comorbid MDD.
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12
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Chan EYL, McDonald BM, Brooks-Lim E, Jones GR, Klein KB, Svenson LW. At-a-glance - The role of opioid toxicity in suicide deaths in Alberta, 2000 to 2016. HEALTH PROMOTION AND CHRONIC DISEASE PREVENTION IN CANADA-RESEARCH POLICY AND PRACTICE 2019; 38:343-347. [PMID: 30226729 DOI: 10.24095/hpcdp.38.9.07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Given the current opioid crisis in Canada, there is interest in the role of opioid toxicity in suicide deaths, particularly in whether any observed patterns are similar to those of unintentional deaths. The present analysis examined characteristics of opioid-toxicity suicide, and its role in relation to other suicide methods, from 2000 to 2016 in Alberta. It does not appear that the opioid crisis has resulted in a disproportionately higher number of suicides in Alberta. Individuals who die from unintentional opioid toxicity and those who die by opioid-toxicity suicide are likely distinct populations, requiring nuanced public health responses for prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaine Y L Chan
- Analytics and Performance Reporting Branch, Alberta Ministry of Health, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Bruce M McDonald
- Analytics and Performance Reporting Branch, Alberta Ministry of Health, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Brooks-Lim
- Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, Alberta Ministry of Justice and Solicitor General, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Graham R Jones
- Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, Alberta Ministry of Justice and Solicitor General, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Kristin B Klein
- Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health, Alberta Ministry of Health, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Lawrence W Svenson
- Analytics and Performance Reporting Branch, Alberta Ministry of Health, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Division of Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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13
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Racine M. Chronic pain and suicide risk: A comprehensive review. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2018; 87:269-280. [PMID: 28847525 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2017.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 185] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2017] [Revised: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 08/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Death by suicide is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Because individuals with chronic pain are at least twice as likely to report suicidal behaviors or to complete suicide, it is of utmost importance to target which risk factors contribute the most to increasing suicidality. This comprehensive review aims to provide an update on research advancements relating to the identification of potential risk factors for suicidality in individuals with chronic pain. Supporting the results of prior reviews, we found robust evidence that chronic pain itself, regardless of type, was an important independent risk factor for suicidality. The only sociodemographic factor found to be associated with suicidality in individuals with chronic pain was being unemployed/disabled. Depressive symptoms, anger problems, harmful habits (e.g. smoking, alcohol misuse, illicit drugs), childhood or adulthood adversities, and family history of depression/suicide were all also identified as general risk factors. Regarding pain-related factors, sleep problems, poorer perceived mental health, concurrent chronic pain conditions, and more frequent episodes of intermittent pain, were all found to be predictors of suicidality. Unexpectedly, pain characteristics (e.g. type, duration, and intensity/severity) and physical status (e.g. pain interference or disability) were not related to suicide risk. We also identified promising new psychosocial factors (e.g. mental defeat, pain catastrophizing, hopelessness, perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness) associated with suicidality outcomes. A large number of these factors are amenable to change through targeted intervention, highlighting the importance of comprehensively assessing chronic pain patients at risk for suicide, while also incorporating a suicide prevention component into chronic pain management programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélanie Racine
- Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada.
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14
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Calati R, Olié E, Ritchie K, Artero S, Courtet P. Suicidal Ideation and Suicide Attempts in the Elderly Associated with Opioid Use and Pain Sensitivity. PSYCHOTHERAPY AND PSYCHOSOMATICS 2018; 86:373-375. [PMID: 29131065 DOI: 10.1159/000478021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2017] [Accepted: 05/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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15
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Abstract
The prescribing of opioid analgesics for pain management-particularly for management of chronic noncancer pain (CNCP)-has increased more than fourfold in the United States since the mid-1990s. Yet there is mounting evidence that opioids have only limited effectiveness in the management of CNCP, and the increased availability of prescribed opioids has contributed to upsurges in opioid-related addiction cases and overdose deaths. These concerns have led to critical revisiting and modification of prior pain management practices (e.g., guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), but the much-needed changes in clinical practice will be facilitated by a better understanding of the pharmacology and behavioral effects of opioids that underlie both their therapeutic effects (analgesia) and their adverse effects (addiction and overdose). With these goals in mind, this review first presents an overview of the contemporary problems associated with opioid management of CNCP and the related public health issues of opioid diversion, overdose, and addiction. It then discusses the pharmacology underlying the therapeutic and main adverse effects of opioids and its implications for clinical management of CNCP within the framework of recent clinical guidelines for prescribing opioids in the management of CNCP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora Volkow
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, Rockville, Maryland 20852;
| | - Helene Benveniste
- Department of Anesthesiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06510;
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16
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Austin AE, Proescholdbell SK, Creppage KE, Asbun A. Characteristics of self-inflicted drug overdose deaths in North Carolina. Drug Alcohol Depend 2017; 181:44-49. [PMID: 29032024 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2017.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Revised: 09/08/2017] [Accepted: 09/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Drug overdose mortality is a major public health concern in the United States, with prescription opioids contributing substantially to recent increases in drug overdose deaths. Compared to unintentional drug overdose deaths, relatively little data describes intentional self-inflicted drug overdose deaths (i.e., suicide by drug overdose). The aim of this study was to examine the characteristics of self-inflicted drug overdose deaths, overall and in comparison to unintentional drug overdose deaths. METHODS We linked vital statistics, prescription drug monitoring program, and toxicology data for self-inflicted and unintentional drug overdose deaths among North Carolina residents in 2012. RESULTS Most self-inflicted (79.2%) and unintentional (75.6%) drug overdose decedents had a prescription for a controlled substance within one year of death. Toxicology results revealed that antidepressants contributed to a significantly higher percent of self-inflicted compared to unintentional drug overdose deaths (45.0% vs. 8.1%). Among deaths in which commonly prescribed opioids (oxycodone, hydrocodone) or benzodiazepines (alprazolam, clonazepam) contributed to death, a significantly higher percent of self-inflicted drug overdose decedents had a prescription for the substance within 30days of death compared to unintentional drug overdose decedents. CONCLUSIONS The results highlight the use of prescription opioids, benzodiazepines, and antidepressants among self-inflicted drug overdose decedents. Importantly, the results indicate that self-inflicted drug overdose decedents were more likely than unintentional drug overdose decedents to have potential contact with the health care system in the weeks preceding death, offering an opportunity for professionals to identify and intervene on risk factors or signs of distress and potential for self-harm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna E Austin
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Injury Prevention Research Center, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, United States.
| | - Scott K Proescholdbell
- Injury and Violence Prevention Branch, Chronic Disease and Injury Section, Division of Public Health, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, United States
| | - Kathleen E Creppage
- Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, United States
| | - Alex Asbun
- Drug Control Unit, Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, United States
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17
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Schaffer A, Weinstock LM, Sinyor M, Reis C, Goldstein BI, Yatham LN, Levitt AJ. Self-poisoning suicide deaths in people with bipolar disorder: characterizing a subgroup and identifying treatment patterns. Int J Bipolar Disord 2017; 5:16. [PMID: 28332123 PMCID: PMC5406320 DOI: 10.1186/s40345-017-0081-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2016] [Accepted: 02/21/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To characterize self-poisoning suicide deaths in BD compared to other suicide decedents. METHODS Extracted coroner data from all suicide deaths (n = 3319) in Toronto, Canada from 1998 to 2012. Analyses of demographics, clinical history, recent stressors, and suicide details were conducted in 5 subgroups of suicide decedents: BD self-poisoning, BD other methods, non-BD self-poisoning, non-BD other methods, and unipolar depression self-poisoning. Toxicology results for lethal and present substances were also compared between BD and non-BD self-poisoning subgroups as well as between BD and unipolar depression self-poisoning subgroups. RESULTS Among BD suicide decedents, self-poisoning was significantly associated with female sex, past suicide attempts, and comorbid substance abuse. In both the BD and non-BD self-poisoning groups, opioids were the most common class of lethal medication. For both groups, benzodiazepines and antidepressants were the most common medications present at time of death, and in 23% of the BD group, an antidepressant was present without a mood stabilizer or antipsychotic. Only 31% of the BD group had any mood stabilizer present, with carbamazepine being most common. No antidepressant, mood stabilizer, or antipsychotic was present in 15.5% of the BD group. Relative to unipolar depression self-poisoning group, the BD self-poisoning group evidenced higher proportion of previous suicide attempt(s) and psychiatry/ER visits in the previous week. CONCLUSION People with BD who die by suicide via self-poisoning comprise a distinct but understudied group. The predominant absence of guideline-concordant pharmacologic care comprises a crucial target for future policy and knowledge translation efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayal Schaffer
- Mood and Anxiety Disorders Program, Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, 2075 Bayview Avenue, Room FG 52, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5 Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Lauren M. Weinstock
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Brown University, Providence, RI USA
| | - Mark Sinyor
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Canada
| | - Catherine Reis
- Mood and Anxiety Disorders Program, Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, 2075 Bayview Avenue, Room FG 52, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5 Canada
| | - Benjamin I. Goldstein
- Centre for Youth Bipolar Disorder, Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Canada
- Departments of Psychiatry and Pharmacology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Lakshmi N. Yatham
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Anthony J. Levitt
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Canada
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18
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Quinn PD, Hur K, Chang Z, Krebs EE, Bair MJ, Scott EL, Rickert ME, Gibbons RD, Kroenke K, D'Onofrio BM. Incident and long-term opioid therapy among patients with psychiatric conditions and medications: a national study of commercial health care claims. Pain 2017; 158:140-148. [PMID: 27984526 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000000730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
There is growing evidence that opioid prescribing in the United States follows a pattern in which patients who are at the highest risk of adverse outcomes from opioids are more likely to receive long-term opioid therapy. These patients include, in particular, those with substance use disorders (SUDs) and other psychiatric conditions. This study examined health insurance claims among 10,311,961 patients who filled prescriptions for opioids. Specifically, we evaluated how opioid receipt differed among patients with and without a wide range of preexisting psychiatric and behavioral conditions (ie, opioid and nonopioid SUDs, suicide attempts or other self-injury, motor vehicle crashes, and depressive, anxiety, and sleep disorders) and psychoactive medications (ie, antidepressants, benzodiazepines, hypnotics, mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and medications used for SUD, tobacco cessation, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder). Relative to those without, patients with all assessed psychiatric conditions and medications had modestly greater odds of subsequently filling prescriptions for opioids and, in particular, substantially greater risk of long-term opioid receipt. Increases in risk for long-term opioid receipt in adjusted Cox regressions ranged from approximately 1.5-fold for prior attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder medication prescriptions (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.53; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.48-1.58) to approximately 3-fold for prior nonopioid SUD diagnoses (HR = 3.15; 95% CI, 3.06-3.24) and nearly 9-fold for prior opioid use disorder diagnoses (HR = 8.70; 95% CI, 8.20-9.24). In sum, we found evidence of greater opioid receipt among commercially insured patients with a breadth of psychiatric conditions. Future studies assessing behavioral outcomes associated with opioid prescribing should consider preexisting psychiatric conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick D Quinn
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, MN, USA.,Center for Health Statistics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Kwan Hur
- Center for Health Statistics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Zheng Chang
- Center for Health Statistics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.,Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Erin E Krebs
- VA HSR&D Center for Chronic Disease Outcomes Research, Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN, USA.,University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Matthew J Bair
- VA HSR&D Center for Health Information and Communication, Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN, USA.,Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.,Regenstrief Institute, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Eric L Scott
- Department of Pediatrics and Communicable Diseases and Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Martin E Rickert
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, MN, USA
| | - Robert D Gibbons
- Center for Health Statistics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Kurt Kroenke
- VA HSR&D Center for Health Information and Communication, Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN, USA.,Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.,Regenstrief Institute, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Brian M D'Onofrio
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, MN, USA
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19
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Abstract
Opioid analgesics are recognized as a legitimate medical therapy for selected patients with severe chronic pain that does not respond to other therapies. However, opioids are associated with risks for patients and society that include misuse, abuse, diversion, addiction, and overdose deaths. Therapeutic success depends on proper candidate selection, assessment before administering opioid therapy, and close monitoring throughout the course of treatment. Risk assessment and prevention include knowledge of patient factors that may contribute to misuse, abuse, addiction, suicide, and respiratory depression. Risk factors for opioid misuse or addiction include past or current substance abuse, untreated psychiatric disorders, younger age, and social or family environments that encourage misuse. Opioid mortality prevalence is higher in people who are middle aged and have substance abuse and psychiatric comorbidities. Suicides are probably undercounted or frequently misclassified in reports of opioid-related poisoning deaths. Greater understanding and better assessment are needed of the risk associated with suicide risk in patients with pain. Clinical tools and an evolving evidence base are available to assist clinicians with identifying patients whose risk factors put them at risk for adverse outcomes with opioids.
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20
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Carson HJ. Anatomical changes correlated with chronic pain in forensic medicine. Forensic Sci Res 2017; 2:145-151. [PMID: 30483633 PMCID: PMC6197126 DOI: 10.1080/20961790.2017.1341364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2017] [Accepted: 06/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was performed to determine the relationships between chronic pain and anatomic changes that may occur in the body. Autopsies were performed on fatalities that required death investigation in Linn County, IA, or adjacent and nearby areas. Persons with chronic pain were older than the control population at the time of death. Diabetes, hypertension and depression were more common in persons with chronic pain. Certain causes of death may also have been related to chronic pain. The heart, lungs, liver, spleen and kidneys were significantly heavier in persons with chronic pain; emphysema and pleural and abdominal adhesions were more common in persons with chronic pain. There appear to have been diffuse changes in the body related to chronic pain. These changes may have been mediated by a number of systemic mechanisms that are involved with chronic pain, including cardiovascular activity, the immune system, the neuroendocrine system and others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry J Carson
- Linn County Medical Examiner's Office (retired), Cedar Rapids, IA, USA
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21
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Calati R, Courtet P, Norton J, Ritchie K, Artero S. Association Between Lifetime Headache and History of Suicide Attempts in the Elderly. Eur Psychiatry 2017; 41:132-139. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpsy.2016.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2016] [Revised: 10/07/2016] [Accepted: 10/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
AbstractBackgroundPain-related conditions have been reported to play a key role among risk factors for suicide. Headache in particular has been repeatedly associated with suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The aims of this study were: 1) to assess the association between lifetime headache (both non-migrainous headache and migraine) and lifetime suicide attempts (SA); 2) to differentiate, within subjects with lifetime SA, patients with and without lifetime headache in terms of socio-demographic and clinical features.MethodsWe studied 1965 subjects from a cohort of community-dwelling persons aged 65 years and over without dementia (the ESPRIT study), divided in two groups: those with (n = 75), and those without a lifetime SA (n = 1890). Logistic regression analyses were used to compare these groups according to lifetime headache status.ResultsAfter adjusting for gender, living alone, tobacco and alcohol consumption, and depressive, manic/hypomanic and anxiety disorders, lifetime headache frequency was significantly higher in subjects with a lifetime SA compared with controls (OR = 1.92 [1.17–3.15]). Additionally, different factors were identified as being associated with lifetime SA in participants with lifetime headache (female gender, a lower level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, insomnia, lifetime major depression) versus participants without headache (glycemia and lifetime major depression).ConclusionsLifetime headache was associated with lifetime SA. Subjects who are women and report the co-occurrence of headache and insomnia as well as lifetime major depression require higher attention and a careful screening for suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora D Volkow
- From the National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD (N.D.V.); and the Treatment Research Institute, Philadelphia (A.T.M.)
| | - A Thomas McLellan
- From the National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD (N.D.V.); and the Treatment Research Institute, Philadelphia (A.T.M.)
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23
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Coe MA, Walsh SL. Distribution of naloxone for overdose prevention to chronic pain patients. Prev Med 2015; 80:41-3. [PMID: 26024850 PMCID: PMC4592383 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2015.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2014] [Revised: 04/11/2015] [Accepted: 05/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In this commentary, we reflect on the growing opioid overdose epidemic and propose that chronic pain patients prescribed opioids are contributing to growing mortality rates. We advocate for expanding naloxone access and overdose prevention training, which has historically been directed when available to injection drug users, to chronic pain patients who may be at high risk for accidental opioid overdose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion A Coe
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, 845 Angliana Avenue, Lexington, KY 40508, United States; Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, 845 Angliana Avenue, Lexington, KY 40508, United States
| | - Sharon L Walsh
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, 845 Angliana Avenue, Lexington, KY 40508, United States; Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, 845 Angliana Avenue, Lexington, KY 40508, United States; Department of Behavioral Science, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, 845 Angliana Avenue, Lexington, KY 40508, United States.
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