Chiappini S, Schifano F, Martinotti G, Strasser JC, Bonnet U, Scherbaum N. Opioid painkiller dependence in a sample of elderly medical inpatients.
Psychogeriatrics 2021;
21:265-271. [PMID:
33594719 DOI:
10.1111/psyg.12658]
[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: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Over the past few years, there has been a growing concern about prescription opioid misuse and dependence in the elderly. Our study aimed to investigate the prevalence of previous and current prescription opioid dependence among elderly medical inpatients recruited from a large German hospital.
METHODS
This cross-sectional study analyzed a cohort of inpatients aged 65 years and older who were assessed with a structured clinical interview. Levels of past and current dependence on opioids benzodiazepines, hypnotics, and non-opioid analgesics were assessed.
RESULTS
Of 2108 elderly inpatients admitted to the hospital during a 6-month period, 400 fulfilled the inclusion criteria and agreed to participate to the survey. Among these 400 subjects, 43 (10.8%) presented with a dependence on opioid analgesics, including 41 with current dependence and 22 (51.2%) with a de novo condition. Addiction severity was considered mild in 65.1% of cases and severe in 11.6% of cases. Tilidine and oxycodone were the most typically reported molecules.
CONCLUSIONS
Further research is warranted, to better understand the possible risk factors of prescription drug misuse, abuse, and addiction in this vulnerable population. Clinicians should be updated and informed regarding both prescription medication misuse potential and safe prescribing practices in the elderly.
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