Multimorbidity and use of hypnotic and anxiolytic drugs: cross-sectional and follow-up study in primary healthcare in Iceland

Effects of a Novel Web-Based Sensorimotor Exercise Program for Patients With Subacute Whiplash-Associated Disorders: Protocol for a Randomized Clinical Trial

INTRODUCTION

Whiplash-associated disorder (WAD) often becomes a persistent problem and is one of the leading causes of disability in the world. It is a costly condition for individuals, for insurance companies, and for society. Guidelines for the management of WAD have not been updated since 2014, and the use of computer-based sensorimotor exercise programs in treatment for this patient group has not been well documented. The purpose of this randomized clinical trial is to explore the degree of association between self-reported and clinical outcome measures in WAD.

METHODS

Individuals (n = 180) with subacute WAD grades I and II will be randomized into 3 groups using block randomization. The 2 primary intervention groups (A and B) will receive physical therapy involving manual therapy and either a remote, novel, computer-based cervical kinesthetic exercise (CKE) program starting at visit 2 (Group A) or neck exercises provided by the corresponding physical therapist (Group B). These groups will be compared to a "treatment as usual" Group C. Movement control, proprioception, and cervical range of motion will be measured. Neck disability and pain intensity, general health, self-perceived handicap, and physical, emotional, and functional difficulties due to dizziness will be measured using questionnaires. The short-term effects will be measured 10 to 12 weeks after the baseline measurements, and the long-term effects will be measured 6 to 12 months after the baseline measurements.

IMPACT

The successful completion of this trial will help guide clinicians in the selection of outcome measures for patients with subacute WAD in the assessment of the short- and long-term effectiveness of treatment combining manual therapy with computer-based CKE compared with manual therapy and non-computer-based exercises. This trial will also demonstrate the potential of using a computer-based intervention to increase the exercise dose for this patient group and how this influences outcomes such as levels of pain and disability in the short and long term.

Prevalence of insomnia and hypnotic use in Norwegian patients visiting their general practitioner

BACKGROUND

Sleep problems are common in the general population, but there are few studies on the prevalence of sleep problems and hypnotic use among patients in general practice.

OBJECTIVES

To estimate the prevalence of insomnia (based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders [DSM], version 5), self-reported sleep problems and hypnotic use among patients in general practice, and explore whether the prevalence depended on patient characteristics.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study with questionnaire data collected by 114 final-year medical students while deployed in different general practices in Norway during 2020. A total of 1,848 consecutive and unselected patients (response rate 85.2%) visiting their general practitioners (GPs) completed a one-page questionnaire, that included the validated Bergen Insomnia Scale (BIS), questions on for how long they have had a sleep problem, hypnotic use, and background characteristics. Associations were estimated using a modified Poisson regression model.

RESULTS

The prevalence of chronic insomnia according to BIS was 48.3%, while 46.9% reported chronic sleep problems (sleep problems of ≥3 months) and 17.8% reported hypnotic use. Females, patients with low compared with higher education, and patients who slept shorter or longer than 7-8 h, had higher risk of chronic insomnia disorder (CID), chronic self-reported sleep problems (CSP), and hypnotic use. The oldest age group (≥65 years) had lower risk of chronic insomnia compared with the youngest (18-34) but twice the probability of hypnotic use.

CONCLUSIONS

CID, CSP, and hypnotic use were prevalent among patients visiting their GP. Insomnia can be effectively treated and deserves more attention among GPs.

Co-prescribing of opioids and benzodiazepines/Z-drugs associated with all-cause mortality—A population-based longitudinal study in primary care with weak opioids most commonly prescribed

Introduction: The risk of mortality associated with the co-prescribing of benzodiazepines and opioids has been explored in a number of papers mainly focusing on strong opioids. The mortality risk associated with the use of weak opioids has not been dealt with to a similar extent.

Objective: To assess the mortality risk in primary care patients with consistent 3-year co-prescribing of benzodiazepine/Z-drugs (benzodiazepine receptor modulators) and mainly weak opioids (codeine, tramadol).

Methods: Of 221,804 patients contacting the primary healthcare centres, 124,436 were selected for further analysis, 88,832 participants fulfilled the inclusion criteria, aged 10–69 years and were divided into four groups with neither any use of benzodiazepines/Z-drugs nor opioids as Group 1, 3 years’ use of opioids and no/minimal benzodiazepines/Z-drugs as Group 2, with benzodiazepines/Z-drugs and no/minimal opioids as Group 3, and finally both benzodiazepines/Z-drugs and opioids as Group 4. Hazard ratios were calculated with the no-drug group as a reference, using Cox proportional hazards regression model adjusted for age, sex, number of chronic conditions and cancer patients excluded (n = 87,314).

Results: Hazard ratios for mortality increased both in Group 3 where it was 2.66 (95% CI 2.25–3.09) and in Group 4 where it was 5.12 (95% CI 4.25–6.17), with increased dose and higher number of chronic conditions. In Group 4 an opioid dose-dependent increase in mortality among persons using >1000 DDDs benzodiazepines/Z-drugs was observed when those on less than ≤300 DDDs of opioids with HR 4.94 (95% CI 3.54–6.88) were compared to those on >300 DDDs with HR 7.61/95% CI 6.08–9.55). This increase in mortality was not observed among patients on <1000 DDDs of benzodiazepines/Z-drugs.

Conclusion: The study supports evidence suggesting that mortality increases in a dose-dependent manner in patients co-prescribed benzodiazepines/Z-drugs and weak opioids (codeine, tramadol). An association between the number of chronic conditions and a rise in mortality was found. Long-term use of these drugs should preferably be avoided. Non-pharmacological therapy should be seriously considered instead of long-term use of benzodiazepines/Z-drugs, and deprescribing implemented for chronic users of these drugs when possible.

Trends, correlates, and disease patterns of sedative-hypnotic use among elderly persons in Taiwan

OBJECTIVE

The population-based National Health Insurance database was adopted to investigate the prevalence, correlates, and disease patterns of sedative-hypnotic use in elderly persons in Taiwan.

METHODS

The National Health Research Institutes provided a database of 1,000,000 random subjects in the National Health Insurance program. We adopted this sample of subjects who were older than 65 years from 1997 to 2005 and examined the proportions of psychiatric and nonpsychiatric disorders with regard to sedative-hypnotic use.

RESULTS

The 1-year prevalence of sedative-hypnotic use in elderly individuals increased from 1.7% in 1997 to 5.5% in 2005. The 1-year prevalence rates of benzodiazepine (BZD) and non-BZD hypnotics were 3.2 and 3.1%, respectively, in 2005. The overall hypnotic use was highest in ≥85-year-olds, males, those with lower amounts of insurance or higher Charlson Comorbidity Index scores and those living in eastern Taiwan. Both BZD and non-BZD hypnotic use were most commonly used in nonpsychiatric disorders instead of psychiatric disorders. Among the psychiatric disorders, the disorders that accounted for higher BZD and non-BZD hypnotic use were senile and presenile organic psychotic conditions (3.4 and 3.4%, respectively). Higher BZD and non-BZD use was for diseases of the respiratory system (30.4 and 17.8%, respectively), the circulatory system (20.4 and 22.4%, respectively), and neoplasms (12.6 and 13.8%, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The prevalence rates of both BZD and non-BZD sedative-hypnotic use increased from 1997 to 2005 in the elderly. The risk factors for sedative-hypnotic use were aging, male sex, lower insurance amount, and higher Charlson Comorbidity Index scores. Most BZD and non-BZD sedative-hypnotic users were persons with nonpsychiatric disorders.

Medical Psychotropics in Forensic Autopsies in European Countries: Results from a Three-Year Retrospective Study in Spain

Medical psychotropics are widely used and prescribed in developed countries. These medications may have an impairing effect on mood or perception and may induce harmful behaviors. Nevertheless, in Europe, studies on their importance from a medico-legal perspective are scarce. To fill this gap, we evaluate the determinants of these drugs in a retrospective study based on data obtained from forensic autopsies. Toxicological analyses were performed on 394 blood samples from compulsory autopsies at the Institute of Legal Medicine of Las Palmas. Of the samples, 41% (159) were positive for at least one psychotropic, with benzodiazepines being the most frequently detected (24.1%), followed by opiates and antidepressants. Benzodiazepines, opiates, and antidepressants were detected more frequently in men who suffered a violent death. More than 30% of the positive samples showed two or more drugs, suggesting a prevalence of polypharmacy among forensic autopsy subjects, with the most frequently combination found being benzodiazepines plus opiates (28.3% of positive samples). A combination of opiates plus antidepressants was also found in subjects involved in violent deaths. Our results suggest that more than 40% of the adult European population involved in medico-legal issues may be under the influence of legal psychotropics. The link between violent deaths and the use of medical psychotropics is particularly worrisome and indicates that these drugs should be carefully monitored in developed countries, in all forensic autopsies, in a similar way to illegal psychotropics.

Trends in benzodiazepine and alternative hypnotic use in relation with multimorbidity among older adults in Quebec, Canada

BACKGROUND

Benzodiazepines and other hypnotic alternatives are associated with increased risks of adverse events. Heightened awareness of risks may have changed prescribing habits over the years. However, these trends are not fully described, especially in vulnerable people such as multimorbid older adults.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to describe the annual prevalence of benzodiazepine and other hypnotic use in relation to multimorbidity among older adults in the province of Quebec, Canada, from 2000 to 2016.

METHOD

We conducted a population-based study using the Quebec Integrated Chronic Disease Surveillance System. We included all individuals aged ≥66 years covered by the public drug plan. For each year, we evaluated the sex- and age-standardized proportion of benzodiazepine and other hypnotic users, defined as individuals with at least one drug claim in the year. We stratified our results according to multimorbidity and used log-binomial regression to study trends.

RESULTS

The proportion of individuals using benzodiazepines decreased from 34.8% in 2000 to 24.8% in 2016 (p for trend <0.001). Multimorbid people (≥2 chronic diseases) remained the highest users over the years, with 43.3% and 30.6% of them being users in 2000 and 2016, respectively. Conversely, the proportion of users increased for other hypnotics, particularly for trazodone and quetiapine, rising from 5.4% to 8.4% (p < 0.001), and especially among multimorbid individuals (from 7.4% to 11.6%).

CONCLUSION

Older adults used benzodiazepines less frequently but quetiapine and trazodone more frequently in recent years. The use of these medications, particularly in multimorbid people at risk of adverse events, must be addressed.

Influence of gender and education on cocaine users in an outpatient cohort in Spain

Gender significantly influences sociodemographic, medical, psychiatric and addiction variables in cocaine outpatients. Educational level may be a protective factor showing less severe addictive disorders, longer abstinence periods, and better cognitive performance. The aim was to estimate gender-based differences and the influence of educational level on the clinical variables associated with cocaine use disorder (CUD). A total of 300 cocaine-consuming patients undergoing treatments were recruited and assessed using the Psychiatric Research Interview for Substance and Mental Diseases according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision. Women developed CUD later but exhibited more consumption of anxiolytics, prevalence of anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and major depressive disorders. Alcohol and cannabis use disorders were more frequent in men. A predictive model was created and identified three psychiatric variables with good prognosis for distinguishing between women and men. Principal component analysis helped to describe the different profile types of men and women who had sought treatment. Low educational levels seemed to be a risk factor for the onset, development, and duration of CUD in both genders. Women and men exhibited different clinical characteristics that should be taken into account when designing therapeutic policies. The educational level plays a protective/risk role in the onset, development and progression of CUD, thus prolonging the years of compulsory education and implementing cognitive rehabilitation programmes could be useful.

The patterns and burden of multimorbidity in geriatric patients with prolonged use of addictive medications

Background

Multimorbidity and prolonged use of addictive medications are prevalent among older patients, and known to increase the risk of adverse drug events. Yet, the relationship between these two entities has remained understudied.

Aims

This study explored the association between multimorbidity burden and prolonged use of addictive medications in geriatric patients, adjusted for clinically important covariates. Furthermore, we identified comorbidity patterns in prolonged users.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study on a consecutive sample of 246 patients, aged 65–90 years, admitted to a large public university hospital in Norway. We defined prolonged use of addictive medications as using benzodiazepines, opioids and/or z-hypnotics beyond the duration recommended by clinical guidelines (≥ 4 weeks). Multimorbidity was assessed with the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale for Geriatrics (CIRS-G), based on diagnoses made by independent physicians.

Results

Compared to non-prolonged use, prolonged use was significantly more common among patients who had psychiatric (19/27, 70%), liver (19/22, 86%), upper gastrointestinal tract (21/32, 66%), musculoskeletal (52/96, 54%), or nervous system disorders (46/92, 50%). Patients with prolonged use had a higher multimorbidity burden than those without such use (CIRS-G score, mean = 7.7, SD = 2.7 versus mean = 4.6, SD = 2.2, p < 0.001). Multivariable logistic regression indicated a significant association between multimorbidity burden and prolonged addictive medication use (OR = 1.72, 95% CI 1.42–2.08). Predictive margins postestimation showed a systematic increase in the predicted CIRS-G scores when the number of addictive drug used increases.

Conclusions

Multimorbidity is strongly associated with prolonged use of addictive medications. Multiple substance use may aggravate disease burden of older patients.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40520-021-01791-5.

Relationship between Assumed Differential Socialization and Emotional Disorders in Women: A Form of Covert Social Violence

Women suffer different forms of violence, both explicit and covert, due to gender asymmetry. This study analyzes the relationship between the internalization of norms assigned to the female gender understood as a form of covert social violence and the presence of anxiety and depression. 286 women were evaluated with the Inventory of Concealed Social Violence (IVISEM) to measure the internalization of gender norms, the Inventory of Situations and Responses to Anxiety (ISRA), to measure anxiety, and the Three-Dimensional Depression Questionnaire (CTD) to measure depression. In addition, the possible influence of some variables such as maternity, age and marital status on the internalization of norms and on the presence of emotional alterations is discussed. The findings showed the relationship between IVISEM factors and the seven health indicators measured. Age appeared as a modulating variable in relation to cognitive anxiety and depression and marital status is related to all depression factors. The results show that women's internalization of gender norms can be understood as hidden social violence, since it was associated with high scores in anxiety and depression.

Course of activities of daily living in nursing home residents with dementia from admission to 36-month follow-up

Background

Dementia is affecting both the person with the disease and the family members. It is associated with nursing home admission, and a reduced ability to perform personal activities of daily living (P-ADL). The aim of this study was to examine the association between the severity of dementia and P-ADL function, and to study if additional factors such as neuropsychiatric symptoms, type of nursing home unit, and use of medication were associated with P-ADL function.

Methods

A total of 582 nursing home residents with dementia, included at admission to the nursing home, were followed with biannual assessments for 36 months. P-ADL was assessed using the Physical Self-Maintenance scale, and severity of dementia was measured with the Clinical Dementia Rating scale. In addition, neuropsychiatric symptoms, general physical health, and use of medications were assessed at the same time points. Demographic information was collected at baseline. Linear mixed models were estimated.

Results

There was a significant (p < 0.05) non-linear decline in P-ADL function over time in analysis not adjusting for any characteristics. More severe dementia at baseline and at the follow-up assessments was associated with lower P-ADL function (p < 0.001), with the association being stable over time. A higher level of neuropsychiatric symptoms, not using anti-dementia medication, being in a regular care unit as compared to a special care unit and having poor/fair general physical health as compared to good/excellent, were associated with a lower P-ADL function.

Conclusion

The association between more severe dementia and lower P-ADL function was stable over a 36-month follow-up period of nursing home residents with dementia. Health care planners and clinicians should be aware of this when planning for and treating nursing home residents.

The Use of Antidepressants, Anxiolytics, Sedatives and Hypnotics in Europe: Focusing on Mental Health Care in Portugal and Prescribing in Older Patients

(1) Background: Mental disorders are a growing concern in the 21st century. The most prevalent common mental disorders include depression and anxiety. It is predicted that half of the population will at some point in their lives experience one or more mental disorders. Although common mental disorders are highly prevalent, some of the most significant related problems are the wide treatment gap and the excessive use of antidepressants, anxiolytics and sedatives/hypnotics, especially among older patients. (2) Methods: This study aimed to analyze mental health care in Portugal, with a focus on the consumption of antidepressants, anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics among older patients. (3) Results: The use of antidepressants, anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics has increased overall across Europe. In Portugal, a downward trend of sedatives and hypnotics consumption can be observed. Anxiolytics and antidepressants, on the other hand, have been increasing. Patients aged ≥60 years old consume more than half of the aforementioned drugs. (4) Conclusions: Mental health policies should be designed to improve the conscientious use of antidepressants, anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics, particularly among older adults.

Prescribing Analgesics to Older People: A Challenge for GPs

Background: Due to population aging, there is an increase in the prevalence of chronic diseases, and in particular musculoskeletal diseases. These trends are associated with an increased demand for prescription analgesics and an increased risk of polypharmacy and adverse medication reactions, which constitutes a challenge, especially for general practitioners (GPs), as the providers who are most responsible for the prescription policy. Objectives: To identify patterns of analgesics prescription for older people in the study area and explore associations between a long-term analgesic prescription and comorbidity patterns, as well as the prescription of psychotropic and other common medications in a continuous use. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in 2015 in eastern Croatia. Patients were GP attenders ≥40 years old (N = 675), who were recruited during their appointments (consecutive patients). They were divided into two groups: those who have been continuously prescribed analgesics (N = 432) and those who have not (N = 243). Data from electronic health records were used to provide information about diagnoses of musculoskeletal and other chronic diseases, as well as prescription rates for analgesics and other medications. Exploratory methods and logistic regression models were used to analyse the data. Results: Analgesics have been continuously prescribed to 64% of the patients, mostly to those in the older age groups (50–79 years) and females, and they were indicated mainly for dorsalgia symptoms and arthrosis. Non-opioid analgesics were most common, with an increasing tendency to prescribe opioid analgesics to older patient groups aged 60–79 years. The study results indicate that there is a high rate of simultaneous prescription of analgesics and psychotropic medications, despite the intention of GPs to avoid prescribing psychotropic medications to patients who use any option with opioid analgesics. In general, receiving prescription analgesics does not exceed the prescription for chronic diseases over the rates that can be found in patients who do not receive prescription analgesics. Conclusion: Based on the analysis of comorbidities and parallel prescribing, the results of this study can improve GPs’ prescription and treatment strategies for musculoskeletal diseases and chronic pain conditions.

Multimorbidity prevalence in Canada: a comparison of Northern Territories with Provinces, 2013/14

Rapid social, economic, and environmental changes in the northern territories of Canada have raised concerns about potentially increasing levels of chronic disease. This concern prompted us to compare multimorbidity prevalence in Canada between the territories and provinces. We analyzed Canadian Community Health Survey data for 2013/14. We defined multimorbidity, the outcome, as having 3 or more chronic conditions and used survey-weighted multivariable logistic regression for comparisons between territories and provinces. We found a prevalence of multimorbidity in Canada of 14.0% (95% CI: 13.6, 14.3). We could not find significant difference in multimorbidity prevalence between the territories and provinces of Canada overall; however, the territories tended to have lower prevalence estimates than provinces for multimorbidity (adj-OR = 0.88; 95% CI: 0.74-1.04). Sensitivity analyses from propensity score analyses had similar conclusions. Effect modification analyses identified lower multimorbidity in territories versus provinces among households without a post-secondary graduate (adj-OR = 0.46; 95% CI: 0.34-0.61 for northern residence), males (adj-OR = 0.71; 95% CI: 0.54-0.93), and ages 12-29 years (adj-OR = 0.63; 95% CI: 0.39-0.99). Caution is needed in interpreting the results in light of representativeness of CCHS in northern populations of Canada.

Association between prescription of hypnotics/anxiolytics and mortality in multimorbid and non-multimorbid patients: a longitudinal cohort study in primary care

OBJECTIVES

To assess the risk of mortality in primary care patients, multimorbid (≥2 chronic conditions) or not, prescribed hypnotics/anxiolytics.

DESIGN

A longitudinal cohort study SETTING: Primary healthcare in the Reykjavik area.

PARTICIPANTS

114 084 individuals (aged 10-79 years, average 38.5, SD 18.4) contacting general practitioners during 2009-2012 (mortality follow-up to 31 December 2016). Of those, the reference group comprised 58 560 persons who were neither multimorbid nor had redeemed prescriptions for hypnotics/anxiolytics. Participants (16 108) redeeming prescriptions for hypnotics/anxiolytics on a regular basis for 3 consecutive years were considered as consistent, long-term users. They were subdivided into low-dose (1-300 defined daily doses (DDD)/3 years), medium-dose (301-1095 DDDs/3 years) and high-dose users (>1095 DDDs/3 years). All six groups taking these drugs were compared with the reference group.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

All-cause mortality.

RESULTS

HRs were calculated with the no multimorbidity-no drug group as a reference, using Cox proportional hazards regression model adjusting for age, sex and the number of chronic conditions (n=111 767), patients with cancer excluded. During follow-up, 516 358 person-years in total, 1926 persons died. Mean follow-up was 1685 days (4.6 years), range 1-1826 days (5.0 years). For all multimorbid patients who took no drugs the HR was 1.14 (95% CI 1.00 to 1.30) compared with those without multimorbidity. HRs in the non-multimorbid participants varied from 1.49 to 3.35 (95% CI ranging from 1.03 to 4.11) with increasing doses of hypnotics/anxiolytics, and correspondingly from 1.55 to 3.52 (1.18 to 4.29) in multimorbid patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Mortality increased in a dose-dependent manner among both multimorbid and non-multimorbid patients taking hypnotics/anxiolytics. This increase was clearly associated with prescribing of these drugs. Their use should be limited to the recommended period of 2-4 up to 6 weeks; long-term use may incur increased risk and should be re-examined.

Physical multimorbidity and subjective cognitive complaints among adults in the United Kingdom: a cross-sectional community-based study

Our goal was to examine the association between physical multimorbidity and subjective cognitive complaints (SCC) using UK nationally representative cross-sectional community-based data, and to quantify the extent to which a broad range of mainly psychological and behavioral factors explain this relationship. Data from the 2007 Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey were analyzed [N = 7399 adults, mean (SD) age 46.3 (18.6) years, 48.6% men]. Multimorbidity was defined as ≥2 physical diseases. SCC included two different cognitive constructs: subjective concentration and memory complaints. Multivariable logistic regression and mediation analyses were conducted. Multimorbidity was associated with higher prevalence of subjective concentration (30.7% vs. 17.3%) and memory complaints (42.8% vs. 22.9%) compared to no multimorbidity. In the regression model adjusted for sociodemographics, multimorbidity was associated with subjective concentration (OR = 2.58; 95% CI = 2.25–2.96) and memory complaints (OR = 2.34; 95% CI = 2.08–2.62). Sleep problems, stressful life events and any anxiety disorder explained 21–23%, 20–22% and 14–15% of the multimorbidity-SCC association, respectively. Multimorbidity and SCC are highly co-morbid. The utility of SCC screening in identifying individuals at high risk for future cognitive decline among individuals with multimorbidity should be assessed.

Is There an Association between Physical Activity and Sleep in Community-Dwelling Persons with Dementia: An Exploratory Study Using Self-Reported Measures?

Sleep disturbances are common in persons with dementia (PWD). While pharmacotherapy is widely used, non-pharmacological interventions are beginning to surface as first-line management strategies. This study sought to investigate if physical activity was associated with more favourable sleep patterns in PWD, and to compare the sleep quantity and quality between active and inactive PWD. We conducted an exploratory study to tackle these research questions. Self-reported telephone questionnaires were administered to 40 caregivers of PWD, who answered questions as proxies on behalf of their care recipient. Just over half (55%) of our participants met the criteria for being active. Walking was the most popular form of physical activity for both active and inactive PWD. Active PWD also preferred exercise classes and gardening, whereas inactive PWD favoured chair exercises. Compared to their inactive counterparts, active PWD were more likely to experience appropriate sleep quantity (p = 0.00). The active group also reported significantly better overall sleep quality (p = 0.003). Together, our findings suggest that physical activity may be associated with improved sleep in PWD. Future studies are warranted to investigate whether physical activity can be promoted as a safe and effective means to improve quality-of-life in this population.

Long-term persistence of withdrawal of temazepam, zopiclone, and zolpidem in older adults: a 3-year follow-up study

BACKGROUND

Studies on persistence of benzodiazepine agonist (BZDA) withdrawal in older outpatients are few, and few studies on long-term persistence over years have yet been published. To describe the persistence of temazepam, zolpidem, and zopiclone (BZDA) withdrawal among older outpatients at 3 years from the beginning of withdrawal, as well as any changes in use of other medications.

METHODS

92 outpatients (≥55 years) with primary insomnia, long-term BZDA use as hypnotics (mean duration of BZDA use 9.9 ± 6.2 years), and willingness to withdraw from BZDAs each received either melatonin or a placebo nightly for one month. During this period, BZDAs were meant to be gradually withdrawn. Sleep hygiene counselling and psychosocial support were provided. Three years later, use of BZDAs and other medications was determined by interview and confirmed from medical records.

RESULTS

Of the original 92 outpatients, 83 (90%) participated in the 3-year survey (mean follow-up 3.3 ± 0.2 years). The number of BZDA-free participants decreased from 34 (37%) at 6 months to 26 (28%; intention-to-treat) at 3 years, that of irregular BZDA users decreased from 44 (48%) at 6 months to 27 (29%) at 3 years, while that of regular users increased from 11 (12%) at 6 months to 30 (33%) at 3 years (P = 0.001). Those who were regular BZDA users at 3 years had at baseline (before withdrawal) higher BMI (P = 0.001) than did other participants. At 3 years, the total number of medications remained unchanged for non-users (P = 0.432), but increased for the irregular (P = 0.011) and regular users (P = 0.026) compared to baseline. At 3 years, compared to baseline, use of antidepressants, dopamine agonists, melatonin, and NSAIDs/paracetamol was significantly more common in the whole cohort, but their use did not differ between the BZDA-user subgroups. Randomization to melatonin or placebo during BZDA withdrawal was unrelated to BZDA-withdrawal result.

CONCLUSIONS

At 3 years after withdrawal, the number of BZDA-free participants had decreased, but still one-third of the subjects remained BZDA-free, and one-third had reduced their use. Successful BZDA withdrawal did not lead to any increase in total number of medications; use of symptomatic medications in the whole cohort, however, did increase.

Trajectories in hypnotic use and approaching death: a register linked case-control study

PURPOSE

Whether the association between hypnotic and increased mortality risk is created by causation or confounding, has been long debated. We further examined the possibility of confounding by indication with a comprehensive approach.

METHODS

The National FINRISK Study cohorts of 1997, 2002, and 2007 (25,436 participants aged 25-74) were followed up until July 2012. There were 1822 deaths, and at least one gender, baseline age and cohort matched 'control' was found for 1728 'cases' yielding a final analytical sample of 3955 individuals. An index age, equivalent to the age at death of their respective cases' was set for each control. Hypnotic drug purchases were followed from the Finnish nationwide register during a 36-month run-up period before the date of death/index date. The prevalence and incidence of hypnotic purchases were compared between cases and matched controls. Moreover, latent developmental trajectories of purchases were modelled and their relations with specific and all-cause death risks were analysed.

RESULTS

An increasing difference between cases and controls was observed as regards the use of hypnotic drugs. During the last 30 months before the date of death/index date, the rate ratio of incident purchases between cases and controls was 2.37 (95% CL, 1.79-3.12) among older and 3.61 (95% CL, 2.37-5.89) among younger individuals. The developmental trajectories of hypnotic drug purchases were differently and by interpretation plausibly associated with specific mortality risks.

CONCLUSIONS

In most cases the association between hypnotics and mortality risk is created by symptomatic treatment when death is approaching.

The role of physical and mental health multimorbidity in suicidal ideation

BACKGROUND

Previous research has focused on the separate roles of mental illness and physical health conditions in suicide risk, with relatively few studies investigating the importance of physical and psychiatric disorder co-occurrence. We aimed to investigate whether suicidal ideation might be influenced by physical and mental ill-health multimorbidity.

METHODS

Data from the Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey of England were analysed. Participants who responded to the suicidal thoughts question were grouped into four distinct categories based on their health conditions (Common mental disorders (CMD) only, physical health conditions only, CMD/physical health multimorbidity and a control group with neither physical nor mental health conditions). Multinomial logistic regression analyses were conducted and odds ratios (OR) and 95% CIs are presented.

RESULTS

In the fully adjusted model, both the multimorbidity and CMD-only groups were associated with higher levels of suicidal ideation relative to the control group.

LIMITATIONS

Secondary analyses of cross-sectional data.

CONCLUSIONS

Although multimorbidity was associated with suicidal thoughts, it does not appear to elevate risk beyond the independent effects of common mental disorders or physical health problems. Primary care and mental health clinicians should consider assessment of suicidal ideation among patients with multimorbid physical/mental health conditions.