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Bednarczyk E, Cook S, Brauer R, Garfield S. Stakeholders' views on the use of psychotropic medication in older people: a systematic review. Age Ageing 2022; 51:6550831. [PMID: 35305087 PMCID: PMC8934150 DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afac060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background psychotropic medication use has been shown to increase with age and has been associated with increased risk of falls, strokes and mortality. Various guidelines, regulations and tools have been developed to reduce inappropriate prescribing, but this remains high. In order to understand the reasons for this, we aimed to systematically review healthcare professionals’, patients’ and family caregivers’ attitudes towards the use of psychotropic medication in older people. Methods a systematic literature search was carried out from inception to September 2020 using PUBMED, EMBASE, PsycINFO and CINAHL and hand-searching of reference lists. Included studies investigated stakeholder views on psychotropic in adults over the age of 65. Findings were thematically synthesised. Results overall, there was an acceptance of long-term psychotropic medication for older people both living in the community and in residential care. While healthcare professionals were aware of guidelines for the use of benzodiazepines and psychotropic medicines, they identified barriers to following them on individual, team and organisational levels. Alternative non-pharmacological approaches were not always available or accepted by patients. Conclusion psychotropic medicine use in older adults remains a complex issue, which needs to be addressed on a broad level. Attitudes of older people and healthcare professionals encourage long-term use. Meanwhile, various internal and external factors act as barriers to the use of non-drug alternatives in this population. In order to reduce overprescribing of psychotropics, there is a need to increase the acceptability and accessibility of alternative interventions in both care homes and the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliza Bednarczyk
- Research Department of Practice and Policy, School of Pharmacy, University College London (UCL), London, UK
| | - Sarah Cook
- Department of Non-communicable Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Ruth Brauer
- Research Department of Practice and Policy, School of Pharmacy, University College London (UCL), London, UK
| | - Sara Garfield
- Research Department of Practice and Policy, School of Pharmacy, University College London (UCL), London, UK
- Centre for Medication Safety and Service Quality, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
- NIHR Imperial Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, London, UK
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Hedna K, Montuori C, Forte A, Pompili M, Waern M. Use of antidepressants and risk of repeat self-harm in older adults 75+ with nonfatal self-harm: A 1-year prospective national study. Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf 2021; 31:206-213. [PMID: 34687250 DOI: 10.1002/pds.5375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess exposure to antidepressants (AD) before and after nonfatal self-harm (SH) in older adults and to examine 1-year rates and risk factors for subsequent SH. METHODS Longitudinal national register-based retrospective cohort study of Swedish residents aged 75+ (N = 2775) with treatment at hospital or specialist outpatient clinic in connection with SH between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2013. The cohort was followed for 1 year after the index episode. Exposure to AD was assessed at index and at subsequent SH. Cox regression analysis was used to assess factors associated with 1-year repeat SH. RESULTS At the index episode, 51% were prevalent AD users; 23% started AD during the following year. Overall 12% of prevalent AD users, 8% of AD nonusers, and 6% of AD new users repeated SH or died by suicide. About two-thirds of these subsequent behaviors occurred within 3 months after the index episode. Men had increased risk of subsequent SH (Hazard ratio [HR] 1.38, 95% CI: 1.09-1.74); older age (>85 years) was associated with a lower risk (HR 0.72, CI 95% 0.55-0.93). Users of AD did not have an increased risk of repeat SH. CONCLUSIONS Half of older adults who self-harmed were prevalent AD users and a further one fourth started an AD within 1 year after the index SH. Antidepressant use was not associated with increased risk of subsequent SH in this high-risk cohort of older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khedidja Hedna
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, AgeCap Center, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Statistikkonsulterna AB, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Chiara Montuori
- Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs, Suicide Prevention Center, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Forte
- Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs, Suicide Prevention Center, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Pompili
- Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs, Suicide Prevention Center, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Margda Waern
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, AgeCap Center, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Psychosis Clinic, Mölndal, Sweden
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Baseline beliefs about medication are associated with outcomes of antidepressants in inpatients with first-diagnosed depression under supervised therapeutic compliance. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 13:21400-21407. [PMID: 34473643 PMCID: PMC8457603 DOI: 10.18632/aging.203477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to explore the effect of baseline beliefs about medication on therapeutic outcomes of antidepressants in inpatients with first-diagnosed depression under supervised therapeutic compliance. Ninety-seven inpatients with first-diagnosed depression were included to collect their baseline demographic data to evaluate the Hamilton depression rating scale (HAMD) scores and the beliefs about medicine questionnaire-specific (BMQ-S) scores at baseline and the end of the eight-week treatment. Additionally, we explored the relationship between inpatients’ medication beliefs and therapeutic effect of antidepressants. The inpatients were divided into remitted depression and unremitted depression groups according to outcomes at the end of the eight-week treatment. There was no significant difference in the baseline HAMD between the two groups (P > 0.050). The scores on the BMQ-S of the unremitted group were significantly lower than those of the remitted group (P < 0.001). The HAMD scores were significantly reduced in both groups after the eight-week treatment (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the BMQ-S scores before and after the treatment (P > 0.050). The medication beliefs of the unremitted inpatients after the treatment were still lower than those of the remitted inpatients (P < 0.001). Logistic-regression analysis showed that low BMQ-S scores at the baseline were an independent risk factor for antidepressant efficacy. Beliefs about medication at baseline may be correlated with the therapeutic efficacy in inpatients with first-diagnosed depression under supervised therapeutic compliance.
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Hedna K, Fastbom J, Erlangsen A, Waern M. Antidepressant Use and Suicide Rates in Adults Aged 75 and Above: A Swedish Nationwide Cohort Study. Front Public Health 2021; 9:611559. [PMID: 33681129 PMCID: PMC7933212 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.611559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The treatment of depression is a main strategy for suicide prevention in older adults. We aimed to calculate suicide rates by antidepressant prescription patterns in persons aged ≥ 75 years. A further aim was to estimate the contribution of antidepressants to the change in suicide rates over time. Methods: Swedish residents aged ≥ 75 years (N = 1,401,349) were followed between 2007 and 2014 in a national register-based retrospective cohort study. Biannual suicide rates were calculated for those with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) single use, mirtazapine single use, single use of other antidepressants and use of ≥ 2 antidepressants. The contribution of antidepressants to the change in biannual suicide rates was analyzed by decomposition analysis. Results: There were 1,277 suicides. About one third of these were on an antidepressant during their last 3 months of life. In the total cohort, the average biannual suicide rate in non-users of antidepressants was 13 per 100,000 person-years. The corresponding figure in users of antidepressants was 34 per 100,000 person-years. These rates were 25, 42 and 65 per 100,000 person-years in users of SSRI, mirtazapine and ≥ 2 antidepressants, respectively. In the total cohort, antidepressant users contributed by 26% to the estimated increase of 7 per 100,000 in biannual suicide rates. In men, biannual suicide rates increased by 11 suicides per 100,000 over the study period; antidepressant users contributed by 25% of the change. In women, those on antidepressant therapy accounted for 29% of the estimated increase of 4.4 per 100,000. Conclusion: Only one third of the oldest Swedish population who died by suicide filled an antidepressant prescription in their last 3 months of life. Higher suicide rates were observed in mirtazapine users compared to those on SSRIs. Users of antidepressants accounted for only one quarter of the increase in the suicide rate. The identification and treatment of suicidal older adults remains an area for prevention efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khedidja Hedna
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Centre for Aging and Health (AGECAP), Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Statistikkonsulterna AB, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Johan Fastbom
- Aging Research Center, Karolinska Institute and Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Annette Erlangsen
- Mental Health Centre, Danish Research Institute for Suicide Prevention, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Centre for Mental Health Research, Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Margda Waern
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Centre for Aging and Health (AGECAP), Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Psychosis Clinic, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Region Västra Götaland, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Rydberg Sterner T, Dahlin-Ivanoff S, Gudmundsson P, Wiktorsson S, Hed S, Falk H, Skoog I, Waern M. 'I wanted to talk about it, but I couldn't', an H70 focus group study about experiencing depression in early late life. BMC Geriatr 2020; 20:528. [PMID: 33287708 PMCID: PMC7720563 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-020-01908-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Knowledge about experiences of depression among younger-old adults from the general population is limited. The aim was to explore experiences of depression in early late life. METHODS Sixteen participants in the population-based Gothenburg H70 Birth Cohort Studies (12 women and 4 men) who had reported a history of depression between ages 60-70 took part in focus group discussions (n = 4). Data were analyzed using focus group methodology. RESULTS The analysis resulted in the overall theme 'I wanted to talk about it, but I couldn't'. The participants expressed unmet needs of communication about depression with family, friends, and healthcare staff. Participants wanted to know more about the causes and effects of depression, available treatment options and how to avoid recurrence. Lack of knowledge was a source of frustration; trust in health care providers was diminished. Being retired meant that opportunities for communication with co-workers were no longer available, and this made it harder to break negative thought and behavioral patterns. Being depressed meant losing one's normal self, and participants were grieving this. Thoughts of death and suicide were experienced in solitude; knowing that there was an escape could generate a feeling of comfort and control. CONCLUSIONS Younger-old adults have expressed a need to talk about their experiences of depression. They would like to know more about available treatments, potential side effects, and how to avoid recurrence. Care providers also need to be aware there is a need for an existential dialogue about death.
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Grants
- 825-2007-7462, 2016-01590, 11267, 825-2012-5041, RAM 2013-8717, 2015-02830, 2017-00639, 2019-01096 Vetenskapsrådet
- 2001-2835, 2004-0145, 2006-0596, Epilife 2006-1506, 2008-1111, 2010-0870, 2013-0475, 2013-1202, AGECAP 2013-2300, 2013-2496, 2016-07097, 2018-00471 Forskningsrådet om Hälsa, Arbetsliv och Välfärd
- 716681, 715841 the Swedish state under the agreement between the Swedish government and the county councils (ALF)
- Hjärnfonden
- Alzheimerfonden
- Konung Gustaf V:s och Drottning Victorias Frimurarestiftelse
- Fredrik och Ingrid Thurings Stiftelse
- Stiftelsen Handlanden Hjalmar Svenssons
- Gun och Bertil Stohnes Stiftelse
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Affiliation(s)
- Therese Rydberg Sterner
- Centre for Aging and Health (AgeCap) at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
- Neuropsychiatric Epidemiology Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden.
| | - Synneve Dahlin-Ivanoff
- Centre for Aging and Health (AgeCap) at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Pia Gudmundsson
- Centre for Aging and Health (AgeCap) at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Neuropsychiatric Epidemiology Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Stefan Wiktorsson
- Centre for Aging and Health (AgeCap) at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Neuropsychiatric Epidemiology Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Sara Hed
- Centre for Aging and Health (AgeCap) at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Neuropsychiatric Epidemiology Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
- Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Psychiatry, Cognition and Old Age Psychiatry Clinic, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Hanna Falk
- Centre for Aging and Health (AgeCap) at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Neuropsychiatric Epidemiology Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
- Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Psychiatry, Cognition and Old Age Psychiatry Clinic, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ingmar Skoog
- Centre for Aging and Health (AgeCap) at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Neuropsychiatric Epidemiology Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
- Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Psychiatry, Cognition and Old Age Psychiatry Clinic, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Margda Waern
- Centre for Aging and Health (AgeCap) at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Neuropsychiatric Epidemiology Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
- Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Psychosis Clinic, Gothenburg, Sweden
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What are the sociodemographic and gender determinants of non-fatal self-harm in older adult users and non-users of antidepressants? A national population-based study. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:764. [PMID: 32539817 PMCID: PMC7296708 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-08892-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Late-life self-harm (SH) is often linked to depression. However, very few studies have explored the role of other factors and their interaction with depression in the occurrence of late-life SH. The objective of this research was to examine sociodemographic and gender factors associated with non-fatal SH, in older adults with and without antidepressant therapy. METHODS We used national longitudinal register data from a total cohort of all Swedish residents aged ≥75 years between 2006 and 2014 (N = 1,413,806). Using personal identity numbers, we linked individuals' data from numerous national registers. We identified all those with at least one episode of non-fatal self-harm (regardless of level of intent to die) and matched 50 controls to each case. A nested case-control design was used to investigate sociodemographic factors associated with non-fatal SH in the total cohort and among antidepressant users and non-users. Risk factors were analysed in adjusted conditional logistic regression models for the entire cohort and by gender. RESULTS In all, 2242 individuals had at least one episode of a non-fatal SH (980 men and 1262 women). Being unmarried was a risk factor for non-fatal SH in men but not in women. Among users of antidepressants, higher non-fatal SH risk was observed in those born outside the Nordic countries (IRR: 1.44; 95% CI: 1.11-1.86), whereas in AD non-users increased risk was seen in those from Nordic countries other than Sweden (IRR: 1.58; 95% CI: 1.08-2.29). Antidepressant users with higher education had an increased risk of non-fatal SH (IRR: 1.34; 95% CI: 1.12-1.61), in both men and women. CONCLUSIONS Foreign country of birth was associated with increased risk for non-fatal SH in older adults with and without AD therapies. Being married was a protective factor for non-fatal SH in men. The complex association between sociodemographic factors and use of antidepressants in the occurrence of self-harm in older men and women indicates the need for multifaceted tailored preventive strategies including healthcare and social services alike.
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