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Wang C, Wang X, Wang J, Li X, Lu D, Guo F, Yao Y, Zhu J, Shen C, Xie Q, Mao H, Zhang P, Yang X, Wu H, Lv Q, Yi Z. Prevalence and clinical correlates of benzodiazepine use in the patients with major depressive disorder. J Affect Disord 2024; 363:619-625. [PMID: 39043307 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.07.142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a serious and disabling condition characterized by abnormal mood changes. Clinical guidelines for depression treatment recommend antidepressant medications, with benzodiazepines acting as short-term synergists. However, little is currently known about the prevalence and associated clinical risk factors of benzodiazepine use among Chinese patients with MDD. This study aimed to explore the prevalence and clinical risk factors associated with benzodiazepine use in this population. METHODS A total of 2742 patients with MDD (males/females = 816/1926, aged 14-60 years) participated in this cross-sectional observational study. General information and psychosis assessments were collected online. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), anxiety symptoms using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), and sleep problems and suicidal tendencies using the third and ninth items of the PHQ-9. Multivariable logistic regression analysis models were employed to identify factors associated with benzodiazepine use. RESULTS The prevalence of benzodiazepine use among patients with MDD was 42.9 %. Among these patients, 99.6 % used a single benzodiazepine, with oxazepam being the most frequently prescribed. Age, severity of sleep problems, depressive symptoms, and anxiety symptoms were significantly correlated with benzodiazepine use (all P < 0.001). LIMITATIONS The cross-sectional design of this study precludes establishing causal relationships. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate a high prevalence of benzodiazepine use among Chinese patients with MDD. Factors such as severe depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, age, and sleep problems appear to be associated with benzodiazepine use. These results underscore the importance of vigilance regarding benzodiazepine use in patients with MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chongze Wang
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Wang
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China; Department of Psychiatry, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, School of Medicine, No. 12 Wulumuqi Road (middle), Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Jinde Wang
- Shanghai Fengxian District Mental Health Center, Shanghai 201418, China
| | - Xin Li
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China; Department of Psychiatry, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, School of Medicine, No. 12 Wulumuqi Road (middle), Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Daofeng Lu
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China; Department of Psychiatry, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, School of Medicine, No. 12 Wulumuqi Road (middle), Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Fang Guo
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China; Department of Psychiatry, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, School of Medicine, No. 12 Wulumuqi Road (middle), Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Yuan Yao
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China; Department of Psychiatry, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, School of Medicine, No. 12 Wulumuqi Road (middle), Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Jiayu Zhu
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China; Department of Psychiatry, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, School of Medicine, No. 12 Wulumuqi Road (middle), Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Chengjia Shen
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China; Department of Psychiatry, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, School of Medicine, No. 12 Wulumuqi Road (middle), Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Qingfang Xie
- Shanghai Baoshan District Mental Health Center, Shanghai 201900, China
| | - Haiying Mao
- Shanghai Baoshan District Mental Health Center, Shanghai 201900, China
| | - Peiyun Zhang
- Nantong Fourth People's Hospital, Nantong 226005, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaolong Yang
- Taicang Third People's Hospital, Taicang 215488, Jiangsu, China
| | - Haisu Wu
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China.
| | - Qinyu Lv
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China; Department of Psychiatry, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, School of Medicine, No. 12 Wulumuqi Road (middle), Shanghai 200040, China.
| | - Zhenghui Yi
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China; Department of Psychiatry, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, School of Medicine, No. 12 Wulumuqi Road (middle), Shanghai 200040, China; Institute of Mental Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China.
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Särkilä H, Taipale H, Tanskanen A, Kurko T, Taiminen T, Tiihonen J, Sund R, Saastamoinen L, Hietala J, Niemelä S. Characteristics of high-dose benzodiazepine use: nationwide cohort study on new benzodiazepine users with 5-year follow-up. BJPsych Open 2024; 10:e158. [PMID: 39308301 PMCID: PMC11457226 DOI: 10.1192/bjo.2024.780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 10/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A nationwide register-based cohort study from Finland including 48 124 incident benzodiazepines and related drug (BZDR) users aged 18-65 years who initiated use in 2006 and were not dispensed BZDRs during 2004-2005. The follow-up was 5 years or until death, whichever occurred first. AIMS To investigate sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with high-dose use of BZDRs (i.e. Z-drugs) among new BZDR users. METHOD The temporal BZDR dose was calculated as a point estimate every 6 months after initiation as defined daily doses (DDDs) per day, based on the PRE2DUP method (an approach based on mathematical modelling of personal drug purchasing behaviours). Sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with dose categories were studied using multinomial logistic regression. RESULTS During the 5-year follow-up, very high-dose BZDR use was observed in 7.4% (n = 3557) and medium high-dose use in 25.5% (n = 12 266) of the users (corresponding to ≥30 mg and 10-29 mg in diazepam equivalents, respectively). Very high-dose use was more common among men compared with women (10.9% versus 4.6%). Very high-dose use patterns were especially observed in younger age groups (18- to 25-year-olds). Compared with oxazepam, initiating BZDR use with clonazepam (adjusted odds ratio 3.86, 95% CI 3.24-4.60), diazepam (2.05, 1.78-2.36) or alprazolam (1.76, 1.52-2.03) was associated with increased odds for very high-dose use. Both medium high-dose and very high-dose BZDR use were associated with a lower level of education. In all, 58% of very high-dose use occurred in BZDR users who received their first prescription from general practitioners. CONCLUSIONS Clinicians should be aware of the dose escalation risk especially when prescribing diazepam, alprazolam or clonazepam for psychiatric indications. If BZDRs are needed, our findings suggest favouring oxazepam.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Särkilä
- Department of Psychiatry, Clinical Institute, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Department of Psychiatry, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Heidi Taipale
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry, University of Eastern Finland, Niuvanniemi Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Research Unit, The Social Insurance Institution, Helsinki, Finland
- Center for Psychiatry Research, Stockholm City Council, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Antti Tanskanen
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry, University of Eastern Finland, Niuvanniemi Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Terhi Kurko
- Research Unit, The Social Insurance Institution, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tero Taiminen
- Department of Psychiatry, Clinical Institute, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Jari Tiihonen
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry, University of Eastern Finland, Niuvanniemi Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Center for Psychiatry Research, Stockholm City Council, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Reijo Sund
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Leena Saastamoinen
- Information and Development Services, Finnish Medicines Agency, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jarmo Hietala
- Department of Psychiatry, Clinical Institute, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Department of Psychiatry, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Solja Niemelä
- Department of Psychiatry, Clinical Institute, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Department of Psychiatry, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
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Cardona-Acosta AM, Meisser N, Vardeleon NI, Steiner H, Bolaños-Guzmán CA. Mother's little helper turned a foe: Alprazolam use, misuse, and abuse. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2024; 136:111137. [PMID: 39260815 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2024.111137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 08/27/2024] [Accepted: 09/04/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024]
Abstract
Benzodiazepines are effective in managing anxiety and related disorders when used properly (short-term). Their inappropriate use, however, carries significant risks, involving amnesia, rebound insomnia, rebound anxiety, depression, dependence, abuse, addiction, and an intense and exceedingly prolonged withdrawal, among other complications. Benzodiazepines also amplify the effects of opioids and, consequently, have been implicated in approximately 30 % of opioid overdose deaths. Despite their unfavorable profile, sharp increases in medical and non-medical use of benzodiazepines have been steadily reported worldwide. Alprazolam (Xanax®), a potent, short-acting benzodiazepine, is among the most prescribed and abused anxiolytics in the United States. This medication is commonly co-abused with opioids, increasing the likelihood for oversedation, overdose, and death. Notwithstanding these risks, it is surprising that research investigating how benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam, interact with opioids is severely lacking in clinical and preclinical settings. This review therefore aims to present our current knowledge of benzodiazepine use and misuse, with an emphasis on alprazolam when data is available, and particularly in populations at higher risk for developing substance use disorders. Additionally, the potential mechanism(s) surrounding tolerance, dependence and abuse liability are discussed. Despite their popularity, our understanding of how benzodiazepines and opioids interact is less than adequate. Therefore, it is now more important than ever to understand the short- and long-term consequences of benzodiazepine/alprazolam use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Astrid M Cardona-Acosta
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, and Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Noelle Meisser
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, and Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Nathan I Vardeleon
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, and Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Heinz Steiner
- Stanson Toshok Center for Brain Function and Repair, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA; Discipline of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, The Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA
| | - Carlos A Bolaños-Guzmán
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, and Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA.
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Auger N, Healy-Profitós J, Côté-Corriveau G. Changing patterns of hospitalization for sedative misuse among youth aged 10-24 years in Quebec, Canada. DRUG AND ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE REPORTS 2024; 12:100264. [PMID: 39185479 PMCID: PMC11342106 DOI: 10.1016/j.dadr.2024.100264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2024] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
Purpose To assess trends in hospitalization for sedative misuse among youth. Methods Using a serial cross-sectional design, we computed hospitalization rates for sedative-related suicide attempts, sedative use disorders, and other sedative poisonings within individuals aged 5-24 years in Quebec, Canada. We computed sedative-related hospitalization rates in 2006-2011, 2012-2017, and 2018-2023, and examined differences according to age, sex, polysubstance use, mental health comorbidity, and social vulnerability using rate ratios (RR) and 95 % confidence intervals (CI) comparing the last time period relative to the first. Results Sedative-related hospitalization rates more than doubled during the study. Suicide attempts using sedatives increased from 50.5 per 100,000 youth in 2006-2011, to 82.2 in 2012-2017 and 114.4 in 2018-2023 (RR 2.26, 95 % CI 1.63-3.15), while sedative use disorders increased from 13.1 to 21.8 and 60.5 per 100,000 in these same time periods (RR 4.62, 95 % CI 2.54-8.40). Rates increased for 10-24 year-olds and in both sexes, particularly among youth with polysubstance use, anxiety and attention disorders, and social vulnerability. Discussion Sedative misuse requiring hospitalization appears to be a growing issue among youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Auger
- University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Institut national de santé publique du Québec, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jessica Healy-Profitós
- University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Institut national de santé publique du Québec, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Gabriel Côté-Corriveau
- University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Institut national de santé publique du Québec, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, Sainte-Justine Hospital Research Centre, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Munkholm K, Ussing A, Brink M, Edemann-Callesen H, Canbolat SS, Christensen R, Dahl KS, Ebdrup BH, Jensen MEJ, Kierulf-Lassen C, Madsen GK, Nielsen SM, Paulsen CP, Rohde JF, Tarp S, Baandrup L. Minor tranquillizers for short-term treatment of newly onset symptoms of anxiety and distress: a systematic review with network meta-analysis of randomized trials. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2024; 274:475-486. [PMID: 37624378 PMCID: PMC10995039 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-023-01680-0] [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] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Unspecific symptoms of anxiety and distress are frequently encountered in patients in both general practice and acute psychiatric services. Minor tranquillizers may be a treatment option when non-pharmacological interventions are insufficient or unavailable. We conducted a systematic review with network meta-analysis of the evidence for short-term (1-4 weeks) pharmacological treatment of newly onset symptoms of anxiety and distress. We searched the PsycInfo, MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases and extracted data following a predefined hierarchy of outcomes. We assessed risk of bias using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool and the certainty of the evidence using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation framework (GRADE). We included 34 randomized trials comprising a total of 7044 patients with adjustment disorders or anxiety spectrum disorders. The network meta-analysis showed that regarding the critical outcome symptoms of anxiety within 1-4 weeks benzodiazepines (SMD - 0.58, 95% CI - 0.77 to - 0.40), quetiapine (SMD - 0.51, 95% CI - 0.90 to - 0.13) and pregabalin (SMD - 0.58, 95% CI - 0.87 to - 0.28) all performed better than placebo with no statistically significant difference between the drugs. Data on other important outcomes were inconsistently reported. Adverse effects varied, but overall, it was uncertain whether adverse effects differed between interventions. The evidence regarding the risk of dependence was uncertain, but dependence may be a concern in susceptible individuals even with short-term treatment. Overall, the certainty of the evidence according to GRADE was rated as low to very low across outcomes. Despite the limitations in the evidence, the results of this review can inform treatment guidelines, supporting clinicians in the choice of minor tranquillizer in this prevalent and help-seeking, clinically heterogeneous population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaus Munkholm
- Mental Health Services in the Capital Region of Denmark, Mental Health Centre Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Mental Health Centre Copenhagen, Hovedvejen 17, 1st Floor, 2000, Frederiksberg, Denmark.
| | - Anja Ussing
- Danish Health Authority, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Maria Brink
- Department of Psychiatry Odense, Mental Health Services in the Region of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | | | | | - Robin Christensen
- Section for Biostatistics and Evidence-Based Research, The Parker Institute, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Research Unit of Rheumatology, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Kristine Søgaard Dahl
- Mental Health Services in the Capital Region of Denmark, Mental Health Centre Sct. Hans, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Bjørn H Ebdrup
- Center for Neuropsychiatric Schizophrenia Research (CNSR), Mental Health Centre Glostrup, University of Copenhagen, Glostrup, Denmark
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | | | | - Sabrina Mai Nielsen
- Section for Biostatistics and Evidence-Based Research, The Parker Institute, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Research Unit of Rheumatology, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | | | - Jeanett Friis Rohde
- Danish Health Authority, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Research Unit for Dietary Studies, The Parker Institute, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Simon Tarp
- Danish Health Authority, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lone Baandrup
- Mental Health Services in the Capital Region of Denmark, Mental Health Centre Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Mehlum L, Asarnow J, Neupane SP, Santamarina-Perez P, Primé-Tous M, Carlson GA. Psychotropic medication use among adolescents participating in three randomized trials of DBT. Borderline Personal Disord Emot Dysregul 2024; 11:5. [PMID: 38388455 PMCID: PMC10885477 DOI: 10.1186/s40479-024-00249-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Frequently presenting with symptoms of mood or anxiety disorders, substance abuse or borderline personality disorder, suicidal and self-harming adolescents often are prescribed psychotropic medication. Though such treatment may be warranted, recurrent suicidal and self-harming behaviour is often linked to emotion dysregulation where pharmacological treatment has weak empirical support. There is a need for more clinical research into the frequency, type and rationale for pharmacological treatment in this group. In this secondary analysis of three randomized clinical trials of dialectical behaviour therapy for adolescents, we report on psychotropic medication use in the respective samples at the time of recruitment, compare use of psychotropic medication across trials and describe sample characteristics that may be associated with possible differences in psychotropic medication. FINDINGS Trials were conducted in Norway, the US and Spain (labelled the Oslo, US and Barcelona samples). At baseline, 86% of the Barcelona sample, 67% of the US sample and 12% of the Oslo sample were taking at least one psychotropic medication with antidepressants as the most frequent, followed by antipsychotics (72%, 22% and 1.3% respectively) and mood stabilizers (14.2%, 16.2% and 0%). In the Oslo sample there was a significant association between receiving a diagnosis of major depression and the likelihood of receiving antidepressants, but no such association was found in the Barcelona and US samples. The overall 7-8 times higher proportion of participants in the US and Barcelona samples treated with psychotropic medication could only partially be explained by differences between the samples in diagnostic profiles, symptom severity or level of dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS Highly prevalent in use among suicidal and self-harming adolescents with borderline features, psychotropic medication was still very unevenly prescribed across trials, differences not explained by differences in sample characteristics suggesting that current treatment practices are not fully empirically supported. We call for continued medical education and increased availability of evidence-based psychosocial interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars Mehlum
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, National Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Joan Asarnow
- UCLA Center for Youth Suicide & Self-Harm Treatment & Prevention, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Sudan Prasad Neupane
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, National Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Pilar Santamarina-Perez
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology, Institute of Neuroscience, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, 2017SGR88, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mireia Primé-Tous
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology, Institute of Neuroscience, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, 2017SGR88, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gabrielle A Carlson
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
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Bushnell GA, Rynn MA, Gerhard T, Keyes KM, Hasin DS, Cerdá M, Nyandege A, Olfson M. Drug overdose risk with benzodiazepine treatment in young adults: Comparative analysis in privately and publicly insured individuals. Addiction 2024; 119:356-368. [PMID: 37816665 PMCID: PMC10838605 DOI: 10.1111/add.16359] [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] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Benzodiazepines (BZDs) carry a risk for drug overdose and are prescribed alone or simultaneously with selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for the treatment of anxiety and depression in young adults. We aimed to measure risks of drug overdose following BZD treatment initiation, and simultaneous BZD and SSRI initiation, compared with SSRI treatment alone in young adults with depression or anxiety. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS The cohort study used administrative databases covering privately (MarketScan, 1/1/2009-12/31/2018) and publicly (Medicaid, 1/1/2015-12/31/2016) insured young adults (18-29 years) in the United States. Those with depression or anxiety diagnoses newly initiating BZD or SSRI treatment (without BZD or SSRI prescriptions in prior year) were included. Simultaneous "BZD + SSRI" initiation was defined as starting BZD and SSRI treatment on the same day. The cohorts included 604 664 privately insured young adults (BZD = 22%, BZD + SSRI = 10%, SSRI = 68%) and 110 493 publicly insured young adults (BZD = 23%, BZD + SSRI = 5%, SSRI = 72%). MEASUREMENTS Incident medically treated drug overdose events were identified from emergency department and inpatient encounters (ICD poisoning codes) within 6 months of treatment initiation. Crude and propensity-score adjusted cumulative incidence and hazard ratios (HR) were estimated. Sub-analyses evaluated drug overdose intent. FINDINGS Adjusted HRs of drug overdose for BZD vs. SSRI treatment was 1.36 (95% confidence interval [CI]:1.23-1.51) in privately and 1.59 (95%CI:1.37-1.83) in publicly insured young adults. The adjusted HRs of drug overdose for BZD + SSRI treatment vs. SSRI treatment were 1.99 (95%CI:1.77-2.25) in privately and 1.98 (95%CI:1.47-2.68) in publicly insured young adults. CONCLUSIONS Among young adults in the United States, initiating benzodiazepine treatment for anxiety and depression, alone or simultaneously with selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI), appears to have an increased risk of medically treated drug overdose compared with SSRI treatment alone. These associations were observed in publicly and privately insured individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greta A Bushnell
- Center for Pharmacoepidemiology and Treatment Sciences, Rutgers Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers University School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Moira A Rynn
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Tobias Gerhard
- Center for Pharmacoepidemiology and Treatment Sciences, Rutgers Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Administration, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Katherine M Keyes
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Deborah S Hasin
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Magdalena Cerdá
- Center for Opioid Epidemiology and Policy, Department of Population Health, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Abner Nyandege
- Center for Pharmacoepidemiology and Treatment Sciences, Rutgers Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Mark Olfson
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
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Eggart V, Mortazavi M, Kirchner SK, Keeser D, Brandstetter L, Hasan A, Wagner E. Association of Four Medication Classes and Non-suicidal Self-injury in Adolescents with Affective Disorders - A Retrospective Chart Review. PHARMACOPSYCHIATRY 2024; 57:4-12. [PMID: 37722411 DOI: 10.1055/a-2153-4370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) behaviour is frequently observed in children and adolescents with psychiatric conditions. Affected individuals are regularly treated with psychotropic drugs, although the impact of these agents on NSSI behaviour remains elusive. METHODS We performed a retrospective chart review from clinical routine data in a large cohort (N=1140) of adolescent inpatients with primary affective and non-affective psychiatric disorders according to ICD-10 (mean age=15.3±1.3 years; 72.6% female). Four separate mixed regression models compared the frequency of NSSI between treatment periods without any medication and four medication categories (benzodiazepines, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), high- and low-potency antipsychotics). RESULTS In those individuals with affective disorders as the primary diagnosis, periods without medication were associated with significantly lower NSSI/day compared to all four other medication conditions (benzodiazepines p<10-8, antidepressants/SSRIs p=0.0004, high-potency antipsychotics p=0.0009, low-potency antipsychotics p<10 -4). In individuals with a primary diagnosis other than an affective disorder, NSSI was significantly lower during the period without medication compared to the treatment periods with benzodiazepines (p=0.005) and antidepressants/SSRIs (p=0.01). However, NSSI rates in the no-medication condition were comparable to NSSI rates under high-potency (p=0.89) and low-potency antipsychotics (p=0.53). CONCLUSIONS The occurrence of NSSI correlates with the treatment with a psychotropic drug in children and adolescents with psychiatric disorders. Due to the retrospective design, it remains elusive to what extent psychotropic drugs might alter the frequency of NSSI in adolescents or if NSSI might indicate a transdiagnostic feature of more pronounced disease severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Eggart
- Department Rottmannshöhe, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, KBO-Heckscher-Klinikum gGmbH, Munich, Germany
| | - Matin Mortazavi
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Sophie-Kathrin Kirchner
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics of the University Augsburg, Bezirkskrankenhaus Augsburg, Medical Faculty, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Keeser
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Lisa Brandstetter
- Department Rottmannshöhe, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, KBO-Heckscher-Klinikum gGmbH, Munich, Germany
| | - Alkomiet Hasan
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics of the University Augsburg, Bezirkskrankenhaus Augsburg, Medical Faculty, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Elias Wagner
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
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9
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Campbell TJ, Men S, Shearer D, Ebejer T, Joosse M, Quercia J, Sanders J, Tadrous M, Antoniou T, Gomes T. The epidemiology of benzodiazepine-related toxicity in Ontario, Canada: a population-based descriptive study. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH = REVUE CANADIENNE DE SANTE PUBLIQUE 2023; 114:956-966. [PMID: 37318697 PMCID: PMC10267543 DOI: 10.17269/s41997-023-00784-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Despite the widespread use of prescription benzodiazepines, there are few studies examining trends and patterns of benzodiazepine-related toxicity. We describe the epidemiology of benzodiazepine-related toxicity in Ontario, Canada. METHODS We conducted a population-based, cross-sectional study of Ontario residents who had an emergency department visit or hospitalization for benzodiazepine-related toxicity between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2020. We reported annual crude and age-standardized rates of benzodiazepine-related toxicity overall, by age, and by sex. In each year, we characterized the history of benzodiazepine and opioid prescribing among people who experienced benzodiazepine-related toxicity, and reported the percentage of encounters with opioid, alcohol, or stimulant co-involvement. RESULTS Between 2013 and 2020, there were 32,674 benzodiazepine-related toxicity encounters among 25,979 Ontarians. During this period, the crude rate of benzodiazepine-related toxicity declined overall, from 28.0 to 26.1 per 100,000 population (age-standardized rate: 27.8 to 26.4 per 100,000), but increased among young adults aged 19 to 24 (39.9 to 66.6 per 100,000 population). Moreover, by 2020, the percentage of encounters associated with active benzodiazepine prescriptions had declined to 48.9%, while the percentage of encounters that had opioid, stimulant, or alcohol co-involvement rose to 28.8%. CONCLUSION Benzodiazepine-related toxicity has declined in Ontario overall, but has increased among youth and young adults. Furthermore, there is growing co-involvement of opioids, stimulants, and alcohol, which may reflect the recent emergence of benzodiazepines in the unregulated drug supply. Multifaceted public health initiatives comprising harm reduction, mental health supports, and promotion of appropriate prescribing are needed to reduce benzodiazepine-related harm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tonya J Campbell
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael's Hospital, 30 Bond St., Toronto, ON, M5B 1W8, Canada
| | | | - Dana Shearer
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael's Hospital, 30 Bond St., Toronto, ON, M5B 1W8, Canada
| | - Terry Ebejer
- Ontario Drug Policy Research Network Citizens' Panel, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Matt Joosse
- Ontario Drug Policy Research Network Citizens' Panel, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Josephine Quercia
- Ontario Drug Policy Research Network Citizens' Panel, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jane Sanders
- Ontario Drug Policy Research Network Citizens' Panel, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mina Tadrous
- ICES, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Women's College Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Tony Antoniou
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael's Hospital, 30 Bond St., Toronto, ON, M5B 1W8, Canada
- ICES, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Tara Gomes
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael's Hospital, 30 Bond St., Toronto, ON, M5B 1W8, Canada.
- ICES, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Institute of Health Policy, Management & Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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10
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Stangeland H, Handal M, Skurtveit SO, Aakvaag HF, Dyb G, Wentzel-Larsen T, Baumann-Larsen M, Zwart JA, Storheim K, Stensland SØ. Killing pain?: a population-based registry study of the use of prescription analgesics, anxiolytics, and hypnotics among all children, adolescents and young adults in Norway from 2004 to 2019. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2023; 32:2259-2270. [PMID: 36030342 PMCID: PMC9419914 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-022-02066-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The ongoing opioid epidemic has been a global concern for years, increasingly due to its heavy toll on young people's lives and prospects. Few studies have investigated trends in use of the wider range of drugs prescribed to alleviate pain, psychological distress and insomnia in children, adolescents and young adults. Our aim was to study dispensation as a proxy for use of prescription analgesics, anxiolytics and hypnotics across age groups (0-29 years) and sex over the last 15 years in a large, representative general population. The study used data from a nationwide prescription database, which included information on all drugs dispensed from any pharmacy in Norway from 2004 through 2019. Age-specific trends revealed that the prevalence of use among children and adolescents up to age 14 was consistently low, with the exception of a substantial increase in use of melatonin from age 5. From age 15-29, adolescents and young adults used more prescription drugs with increasing age at all time points, especially analgesics and drugs with higher potential for misuse. Time trends also revealed that children from age 5 were increasingly dispensed melatonin over time, while adolescents from age 15 were increasingly dispensed analgesics, including opioids, gabapentinoids and paracetamol. In contrast, use of benzodiazepines and z-hypnotics slightly declined in young adults over time. Although trends were similar for both sexes, females used more prescription drugs than their male peers overall. The upsurge in use of prescription analgesics, anxiolytics and hypnotics among young people is alarming.Trial registration The study is part of the overarching Killing Pain project. The rationale behind the Killing Pain research was pre-registered through ClinicalTrials.gov on April 7, 2020. Registration number NCT04336605; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/record/NCT04336605 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Helle Stangeland
- Norwegian Centre for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies (NKVTS), Gullhaugveien 1, 0484, Oslo, Norway.
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Department of Research and Innovation, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Marte Handal
- Department of Mental Disorders, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- Norwegian Centre for Addiction Research, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Svetlana Ondrasova Skurtveit
- Department of Mental Disorders, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- Norwegian Centre for Addiction Research, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Helene Flood Aakvaag
- Norwegian Centre for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies (NKVTS), Gullhaugveien 1, 0484, Oslo, Norway
| | - Grete Dyb
- Norwegian Centre for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies (NKVTS), Gullhaugveien 1, 0484, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Tore Wentzel-Larsen
- Norwegian Centre for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies (NKVTS), Gullhaugveien 1, 0484, Oslo, Norway
- Centre for Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Eastern and Southern Norway, Oslo, Norway
| | - Monica Baumann-Larsen
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Department of Research and Innovation, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - John Anker Zwart
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Department of Research and Innovation, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kjersti Storheim
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Department of Research and Innovation, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Physiotherapy, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | - Synne Øien Stensland
- Norwegian Centre for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies (NKVTS), Gullhaugveien 1, 0484, Oslo, Norway
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Department of Research and Innovation, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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11
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Antoniou T, McCormack D, Kitchen S, Pajer K, Gardner W, Lunsky Y, Penner M, Tadrous M, Mamdani M, Juurlink DN, Gomes T. Impact of a publicly-funded pharmacare program policy on benzodiazepine dispensing among children and youth: a population-based natural experiment. BMC Pediatr 2023; 23:519. [PMID: 37858122 PMCID: PMC10585894 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-023-04331-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In January 2018, the Government of Ontario, Canada, initiated a universal pharmacare program (OHIP+) for all individuals aged 24 years and younger. In April 2019, the program was amended to cover only children and youth without private insurance. Because benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed to children and youth despite their potential hazards, we examined whether changes in publicly-funded drug coverage influenced benzodiazepine dispensing trends in this demographic. METHODS We conducted a population-based natural experiment study of benzodiazepine dispensing to children and youth in Ontario between January 2013 and March 2020. We used interventional autoregressive integrated moving average models to estimate the impact of OHIP + and its subsequent modification on these trends. RESULTS The implementation of OHIP + was associated with an immediate increase in the monthly rate of benzodiazepine dispensing of 12.9 individuals per 100,000 population (95% confidence interval [CI]; 7.5 to 18.3 per 100,000). Benzodiazepine dispensing rates rose from 214.2 to 241.5 per 100,000 from December 2017 to March 2019, a 12.8% (95% CI 9.6-16.0%) increase. In stratified analyses, increases were most pronounced among females, children and youth living in the lowest income neighbourhoods and individuals aged 20 to 24. The April 2019 modification to OHIP + was not associated with changes in monthly benzodiazepine dispensing trends (0.39 individuals per 100,000; 95% CI -1.3 to 2.1 per 100,000). However, rates remained elevated relative to the period preceding OHIP + implementation. CONCLUSIONS Implementation of a publicly-funded pharmacare program resulted in more children and youth being prescribed benzodiazepines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tony Antoniou
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- ICES, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | | | | | - Kathleen Pajer
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - William Gardner
- ICES, Toronto, ON, Canada
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Yona Lunsky
- ICES, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Melanie Penner
- Autism Research Centre, Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto Ontario, Canada
| | - Mina Tadrous
- ICES, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Muhammad Mamdani
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- ICES, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Li Ka Shing Centre for Healthcare Analytics Research & Training, Unity Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation (Mamdani), University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - David N Juurlink
- ICES, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Tara Gomes
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- ICES, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation (Mamdani), University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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12
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Madeira L, Queiroz G, Henriques R. Prepandemic psychotropic drug status in Portugal: a nationwide pharmacoepidemiological profile. Sci Rep 2023; 13:6912. [PMID: 37106018 PMCID: PMC10139661 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-33765-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The prescription of psychotropic drugs has been rising in Europe over the last decade. This study provides a comprehensive profile of prepandemic consumption patterns of antidepressant, antipsychotic, and anxiolytic drugs in Portugal considering full nationwide psychotropic drug prescription and dispensing records (2016-2019) against several criteria, including active ingredient, sociodemographics, medical specialty, and incurred costs. An increase of 29.6% and 34.7% in the consumption of antipsychotics and antidepressants between 2016 and 2019 is highlighted, accompanied by an increase of 37M Eur in total expenditure (> 20M Eur in public copay) for these classes of drugs. Disparities in sociodemographic and geographical incidence are identified. Amongst other pivotal results, 64% of psychotropic drug prescriptions are undertaken by general practitioners, while only 21% undertaken by neurological and psychiatric specialties. Nationwide patterns of psychotropic drug prescription further reveal notable trends and determinants, establishing a reference point for cross-regional studies and being currently assessed at a national level to establish psychosocial initiatives and guidelines for medical practice and training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luís Madeira
- Instituto de Medicina Preventiva, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa; Hospital CUF Descobertas, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - Rui Henriques
- INESC-ID and Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.
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13
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Toce MS, Michelson KA, Hudgins JD, Olson KL, Monuteaux MC, Bourgeois FT. Association of prescription drug monitoring programs with benzodiazepine prescription dispensation and overdose in adolescents and young adults. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2023; 61:234-240. [PMID: 36919488 DOI: 10.1080/15563650.2023.2181092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Prescription drug monitoring programs are state-run databases designed to support safe prescribing of controlled substances and reduce prescription drug misuse. We analyzed healthcare claims data to determine the association between prescription drug monitoring programs with mandated provider review and adolescent and young adult benzodiazepine prescription dispensing and overdose. METHODS We performed a state-level retrospective cohort study to evaluate the association between implementation of prescription drug monitoring programs with mandated provider review and benzodiazepine prescription dispensing and benzodiazepine-related overdoses among adolescents (13-18 years) and young adults (19-25 years) between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2019. Data were obtained from a United States commercial health insurance company. RESULTS There were 74,539 (1.8%) adolescents and 246,760 (4.0%) young adults with at least one benzodiazepine prescription dispensed. Benzodiazepine overdoses occurred among 1,569 (0.04%) and 3,202 (0.05%) adolescents and young adults, respectively. Implementation of a prescription drug monitoring program with mandated provider review was associated with a 6.8% (95% CI, 1.6-11.8) yearly reduction in benzodiazepine prescription dispensing among adolescents and a 12.5% (95% CI, 9.3-15.5) yearly reduction among young adults. There was no decrease in benzodiazepine overdoses in either age group (-15.4% [95% CI, -21.5 to 3.0] and -8.0% [95% CI, -18.0 to 3.2] yearly change in adolescents and young adults, respectively). DISCUSSION Consistent with prior work, our study did not find an association between prescription drug monitoring program implementation and reduction in benzodiazepine-related overdoses among adolescents and young adults. However, the substantial reduction in benzodiazepine prescription dispensing is encouraging. CONCLUSION Prescription drug monitoring programs were associated with decreases in benzodiazepine prescription dispensing, but not benzodiazepine-related overdoses in this cohort of adolescents and young adults. These findings serve to inform development of further policies to address rising rates of benzodiazepine misuse and overdose in this patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael S Toce
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical Toxicology Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kenneth A Michelson
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joel D Hudgins
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Karen L Olson
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Computational Health Informatics Program (CHIP), Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Florence T Bourgeois
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Pediatric Therapeutics and Regulatory Science Initiative, Computational Health Informatics Program (CHIP), Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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14
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Antoniou T, McCormack D, Kitchen S, Pajer K, Gardner W, Lunsky Y, Penner M, Tadrous M, Mamdani M, Juurlink DN, Gomes T. Geographic variation and sociodemographic correlates of prescription psychotropic drug use among children and youth in Ontario, Canada: a population-based study. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:85. [PMID: 36631810 PMCID: PMC9832754 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14677-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Population-based research examining geographic variability in psychotropic medication dispensing to children and youth and the sociodemographic correlates of such variation is lacking. Variation in psychotropic use could reflect disparities in access to non-pharmacologic interventions and identify potentially concerning use patterns. METHODS We conducted a population-based study of all Ontario residents aged 0 to 24 years who were dispensed a benzodiazepine, stimulant, antipsychotic or antidepressant between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2018. We conducted small-area variation analyses and identified determinants of dispensing using negative binomial generalized estimating equation models. RESULTS The age- and sex-standardized rate of psychotropic dispensing to children and youth was 76.8 (range 41.7 to 144.4) prescriptions per 1000 population, with large variation in psychotropic dispensing across Ontario's census divisions. Males had higher antipsychotic [rate ratio (RR) 1.40; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.36 to 1.44) and stimulant (RR 1.75; 95% CI 1.70 to 1.80) dispensing rates relative to females, with less use of benzodiazepines (RR 0.85; 95% CI 0.83 to 0.88) and antidepressants (RR 0.81; 95% CI 0.80 to 0.82). Lower antipsychotic dispensing was observed in the highest income neighbourhoods (RR 0.72; 95% CI 0.70 to 0.75) relative to the lowest. Benzodiazepine (RR 1.12; 95% CI 1.01 to 1.24) and stimulant (RR 1.11; 95% CI 1.01 to 1.23) dispensing increased with the density of mental health services in census divisions, whereas antipsychotic use decreased (RR 0.82; 95% CI 0.73 to 0.91). The regional density of child and adolescent psychiatrists and developmental pediatricians (RR 1.00; 95% CI 0.99 to 1.01) was not associated with psychotropic dispensing. CONCLUSION We found significant variation in psychotropic dispensing among young Ontarians. Targeted investment in regions with long wait times for publicly-funded non-pharmacological interventions and novel collaborative service models may minimize variability and promote best practices in using psychotropics among children and youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tony Antoniou
- grid.415502.7Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Ontario Canada ,grid.418647.80000 0000 8849 1617ICES, Toronto, Ontario Canada ,grid.17063.330000 0001 2157 2938Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario Canada ,grid.415502.7Department of Family and Community Medicine, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Ontario Canada
| | | | - Sophie Kitchen
- grid.418647.80000 0000 8849 1617ICES, Toronto, Ontario Canada
| | - Kathleen Pajer
- grid.414148.c0000 0000 9402 6172Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario Canada ,grid.28046.380000 0001 2182 2255Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario Canada
| | - William Gardner
- grid.418647.80000 0000 8849 1617ICES, Toronto, Ontario Canada ,grid.28046.380000 0001 2182 2255School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario Canada
| | - Yona Lunsky
- grid.418647.80000 0000 8849 1617ICES, Toronto, Ontario Canada ,grid.155956.b0000 0000 8793 5925Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada ,grid.17063.330000 0001 2157 2938Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario Canada
| | - Melanie Penner
- grid.414294.e0000 0004 0572 4702Autism Research Centre, Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Canada ,grid.17063.330000 0001 2157 2938Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario Canada
| | - Mina Tadrous
- grid.418647.80000 0000 8849 1617ICES, Toronto, Ontario Canada ,grid.17063.330000 0001 2157 2938Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario Canada
| | - Muhammad Mamdani
- grid.415502.7Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Ontario Canada ,grid.418647.80000 0000 8849 1617ICES, Toronto, Ontario Canada ,grid.17063.330000 0001 2157 2938Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario Canada ,Li Ka Shing Centre for Healthcare Analytics Research & Training, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ontario Canada ,grid.17063.330000 0001 2157 2938Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario Canada ,grid.17063.330000 0001 2157 2938Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario Canada
| | - David N. Juurlink
- grid.418647.80000 0000 8849 1617ICES, Toronto, Ontario Canada ,grid.17063.330000 0001 2157 2938Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario Canada ,grid.17063.330000 0001 2157 2938Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario Canada
| | - Tara Gomes
- grid.415502.7Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Ontario Canada ,grid.418647.80000 0000 8849 1617ICES, Toronto, Ontario Canada ,grid.17063.330000 0001 2157 2938Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario Canada ,grid.17063.330000 0001 2157 2938Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario Canada
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15
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Bushnell GA, Gerhard T, Keyes K, Hasin D, Cerdá M, Olfson M. Association of Benzodiazepine Treatment for Sleep Disorders With Drug Overdose Risk Among Young People. JAMA Netw Open 2022; 5:e2243215. [PMID: 36413369 PMCID: PMC9682430 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.43215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Benzodiazepines are prescribed for the treatment of adolescent sleep disorders; however, benzodiazepine overdoses occur, often in combination with opioids. OBJECTIVE To evaluate whether benzodiazepine treatment for sleep disorders, compared with alternative pharmacologic treatments (trazodone, hydroxyzine, zolpidem, zaleplon, and eszopiclone), is associated with increased risk of drug overdose for young people. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This cohort study included privately insured people 10 to 29 years of age identified from a US commercial claims database (MarketScan), from January 1, 2009, to December 31, 2018. Young people with a sleep disorder diagnosis initiating benzodiazepine (n = 23 084) or comparator pharmacologic treatments (n = 66 706) were included in the study. Statistical analysis was performed from November 1, 2021, to May 16, 2022. EXPOSURES New use of benzodiazepine treatment or comparator pharmacologic treatments (defined as ≥1 year without a prescription for benzodiazepine or comparator medications). MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Incident diagnosed drug overdoses were identified from inpatient and emergency department records within 6 months of treatment initiation. The propensity score-adjusted cumulative incidence of overdose and hazard ratios (HRs) were estimated with intention-to-treat (analyzed based on initial treatment) and as-treated analyses (added censoring at treatment discontinuation). Results were stratified by prior prescription opioid fill. RESULTS The cohort included 23 084 young people initiating benzodiazepine treatment (14 444 female participants [62.6%]; mean [SD] age, 23 [4.1] years) and 66 706 initiating a comparator treatment (38 446 female participants [57.6%]; mean [SD] age, 22 [4.4] years). Six months after treatment initiation, 9.7% (95% CI, 9.3%-10.1%) of benzodiazepine users and 12.3% (95% CI, 12.1%-12.6%) of the comparator group were still receiving treatment. The crude incidence of drug overdose at 6 months was 0.9% for benzodiazepine initiators and 0.8% for comparator treatment initiators. In adjusted analyses, an increased risk of drug overdose was associated with benzodiazepines vs comparator treatments (intention-to-treat analysis: HR, 1.25 [95% CI, 1.03-1.51]; as-treated analysis: HR, 1.44 [95% CI, 1.14-1.80]). This association was stronger among young people with a recent prescription opioid fill vs those without a recent prescription opioid fill (as-treated analysis: adjusted HR, 2.01 [95% CI, 1.24-3.25] vs adjusted HR, 1.31 [95% CI, 1.00-1.70]). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE The findings of this study suggest that benzodiazepines, compared with alternative pharmacologic treatments for common sleep disorders, were associated with an increased risk of drug overdose among young people during the following 6-month period, especially among those with a recent opioid prescription. Drug overdose is an important safety consideration when treating young people with benzodiazepines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greta A. Bushnell
- Center for Pharmacoepidemiology and Treatment Sciences, Rutgers Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research, New Brunswick, New Jersey
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers University School of Public Health, Piscataway, New Jersey
| | - Tobias Gerhard
- Center for Pharmacoepidemiology and Treatment Sciences, Rutgers Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research, New Brunswick, New Jersey
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Administration, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey
| | - Katherine Keyes
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York
| | - Deborah Hasin
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York
- Department of Psychiatry, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Magdalena Cerdá
- Center for Opioid Epidemiology and Policy, Department of Population Health, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Mark Olfson
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York
- Department of Psychiatry, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
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16
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Coteur K, Mamouris P, Vaes B, Van Nuland M, Matheï C, Schoenmakers B. Evolution of benzodiazepine receptor agonist prescriptions in general practice: A registry-based study. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1014734. [PMID: 36211642 PMCID: PMC9546292 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1014734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Contrary to most European guidelines, benzodiazepine receptor agonists (BZRA) are often used continuously at a low dosage, being the most common form of long-term use. In Belgium, BZRA use is monitored by analyzing self-report data about medication use in the last 24 h. This method provides insufficient insight into the terms of use of these psychoactive drugs. Aim To describe trends in BZRA prescribing in Flanders, Belgium, between 2000 and 2019. Design and setting Population-based trend analysis and a case-control study for the year 2019 were done with data from a morbidity registry in general practice. Methods Repeated cross-sectional and joinpoint regression analyses revealed trends in sex- and age-standardized prescription rates among adult patients (18+). Results Overall, BZRA prescriptions increased. The highest overall increase was found among male patients 18-44 years old, with an average annual percentage change of 2.5 (95% CI: 0.9, 4.3). Among 65+ female patients, a decrease was found since 2006, with an annual percentage change of -0.7 (95% CI: -1.3, -0.1). In 2019, 12% of registered patients received minimally one prescription, long-term use was observed in 5%, back pain was the most common morbidity significantly associated with a rise in BZRA prescriptions, and zolpidem was the most prescribed BZRA (22%). Conclusion Despite some statistically significant decreasing trends, an overall increase in BZRA prescriptions was observed throughout the 19-year study period, especially among long-term users of 18-44 years and 65-plus. Zolpidem became the most prescribed BZRA and warrants more attention.
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Lou G, Yu Z, Chen L, Zhou Y, Zhang L. Trends in Prescriptions for Insomnia in a Province in China Between 2015 and 2019. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:915823. [PMID: 35795021 PMCID: PMC9251053 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.915823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The inappropriate use of pharmacological treatments for insomnia may increase patients' risk of serious adverse events. However, few epidemiological studies on the use of medications for insomnia in China have been conducted to date. OBJECTIVE We aimed to investigate the current pharmacological treatments for insomnia and guide the rational use of drugs. METHODS The prescription data of outpatients with insomnia between 2015 and 2019 in Zhejiang province were extracted from the Hospital Prescription Analysis Cooperative Project of China and evaluated. The demographic characteristics of insomnia and the proportion and prescription trends of different drugs were analyzed along with multidrug combinations for insomnia. RESULTS The number of patients with insomnia who were prescribed medications for insomnia increased from 2,385 in 2015 to 3,919 in 2019, with an increase of 64.32%, whereas the mean age of these patients decreased from 64.07 years to 60.94 years. There were nearly 1.42 times as many female patients prescribed medications for insomnia as male patients, and female patients tended to be younger than male patients. Benzodiazepines (53.99%) were the most common type of medicine for insomnia. The incidence of benzodiazepine usage decreased significantly yearly (P < 0.01), whereas the incidences of non-benzodiazepine receptor agonist (nBZRA) and antidepressant usage increased (P < 0.05). The most common benzodiazepine, nBZRA, antidepressant, and antipsychotic were estazolam, zolpidem, trazodone, and olanzapine, respectively. A total of 13.97% of outpatients with insomnia were prescribed multiple drugs for insomnia, even though nearly half of the drug combinations had similar pharmacological mechanisms. CONCLUSIONS Benzodiazepines remained the most common medication for insomnia, but the prescription rates of nBZRAs and antidepressants increased. Attention should be paid to multidrug combinations for insomnia, which may lead to an increased risk of serious adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guodong Lou
- Department of Pharmacy, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhenwei Yu
- Department of Pharmacy, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Liying Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yiting Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lisan Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Center for Sleep Medicine, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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Cloos JM, Lim Cow CYS, Bocquet V. Benzodiazepine high-doses: The need for an accurate definition. Int J Methods Psychiatr Res 2021; 30:e1888. [PMID: 34331787 PMCID: PMC8633930 DOI: 10.1002/mpr.1888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES A clear definition of what we understand of high-dose misuse or of a 'markedly increased dose' (as stated by the DSM-5) is important and past definitions may be inadequate. The aim of this review is to describe the different definitions used and to test these definitions for their accuracy. METHODS A narrative PubMed literature review was conducted based on articles published between 1 January 1990 and 31 December 2020 describing benzodiazepines (in MeSH Terms or MeSH Major Topic) and high-dose (or high-dosage). Specific definitions were applied to a population sample to show how definitions affect high-dose benzodiazepine prevalence. RESULTS Multiples of an equivalent-diazepam dose or of the World Health Organization 'defined daily dosage' were used more frequently than the overstep of the recommended maximum therapeutic dosage as a cut-off point. CONCLUSION High-dose use is rare but the prevalence in the general population varies among studies, mainly due to different definitions, making both clinical and epidemiological comparisons between studies difficult. Defining a high-dose user as a person who takes at least a higher dose than the maximum usual therapeutic dose over a defined period of time therefore appears to be clinically more consistent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Marc Cloos
- Department of Psychiatry, Hôpitaux Robert Schuman, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | | | - Valéry Bocquet
- Department of Public Health, Competence Centre in Methodology and Statistics, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg.,Unité de Soutien Méthodologique, CHU La Réunion, Saint-Denis, France
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Michaels NL, Spiller HA, Badeti J, Sheftall AH, Funk AR, Smith GA. Benzodiazepine exposures among women of reproductive age in the US, 2004-2018. Hum Exp Toxicol 2021; 40:1807-1816. [PMID: 33906473 PMCID: PMC9757131 DOI: 10.1177/09603271211013431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Benzodiazepines, often used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and other conditions, are prescribed more frequently to women than men, and emergency department visits and overdose deaths involving benzodiazepines have increased significantly among women in recent years. This study describes characteristics and trends associated with benzodiazepine exposures among women of reproductive age (15-49 years old) that were reported to United States poison control centers from 2004 through 2018. The National Poison Data System recorded 258,370 first-ranked benzodiazepine exposures among women 15-49 years old during the study period. More than one-half (56.9%) of exposures involved a single-substance and one-third (34.0%) occurred among women 20-29 years old. The majority were categorized as "intentional, suspected suicide" (73.2%) or "intentional" (12.9%). Exposures frequently resulted in admission to a psychiatric facility (20.6%), critical care unit (18.1%), or non-critical care unit (9.3%). Twenty percent of cases resulted in a serious medical outcome, including 205 deaths. The substantial percentage of benzodiazepine exposures among women of reproductive age that were intentional and associated with suicide attempts or suicide deaths indicate that increased prevention efforts are needed to address this issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- NL Michaels
- Center for Injury Research and Policy, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute of Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - HA Spiller
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
- Central Ohio Poison Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - J Badeti
- Center for Injury Research and Policy, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute of Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - AH Sheftall
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
- Center for Innovation in Pediatric Practice at the Abigail Wexner Research Institute of Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - AR Funk
- Central Ohio Poison Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - GA Smith
- Center for Injury Research and Policy, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute of Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
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Kimland EE, Bardage C, Collin J, Järleborg A, Ljung R, Iliadou AN. Pediatric use of prescribed melatonin in Sweden 2006-2017: a register based study. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2021; 30:1339-1350. [PMID: 32699990 PMCID: PMC8440257 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-020-01598-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Sleep disturbances are common in the pediatric population and should primarily be treated non-pharmacologically. Most medicines for sleep disturbances are not approved for pediatric use and data on long-term safety is scarce. In Sweden, melatonin is classified as a prescription medicine. The aim of the present study was to characterize the prevalence and incidence of dispensed melatonin prescriptions, long-term treatment, concomitant dispensation of psychotropic medication, and psychiatric comorbidity, in children and adolescents aged 0-17 years living in Sweden during 2006-2017. Data was retrieved by linking the national population-based registers, the Swedish Prescribed Drug register and the National Patient register. In 2017, nearly 2% of the pediatric population 0-17 years was dispensed at least one prescription of melatonin, which was more than a 15-fold increase for girls and a 20-fold increase for boys, when compared to 2006. Among the children in the age group 5-9 who initiated a melatonin treatment in 2009, 15% of girls and 17% of boys were found to be continuously prescribed melatonin 8 years later. Nearly 80% of all children with dispensed melatonin had concomitant dispensations of psychotropic medications. The most common combination was melatonin together with centrally acting sympathomimetic medicines (23% of girls and 43% of boys). About half of the children (47% of girls and 50% of boys) had at least one registered diagnosis of mental or behavioral disorders. The most common diagnosis was attention deficit hyperactive disorder, across all age groups and genders. The continuous increase of use of melatonin in children, often concomitant with other psychotropic medications, together with a high proportion of younger children with prescriptions of melatonin on a long-term basis, suggests the need for further structured follow up studies, in particular of long-term use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elin E Kimland
- Swedish Medical Products Agency, Dag Hammarskjölds väg 42, Box 26, 751 03, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Carola Bardage
- Swedish Medical Products Agency, Dag Hammarskjölds väg 42, Box 26, 751 03, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Julius Collin
- National Board of Health and Welfare, Rålambsvägen 3, 116 30, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anders Järleborg
- National Board of Health and Welfare, Rålambsvägen 3, 116 30, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rickard Ljung
- Swedish Medical Products Agency, Dag Hammarskjölds väg 42, Box 26, 751 03, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anastasia N Iliadou
- National Board of Health and Welfare, Rålambsvägen 3, 116 30, Stockholm, Sweden
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The influence of prescriber and patient gender on the prescription of benzodiazepines: evidence for stereotypes and biases? Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2021; 56:1083-1089. [PMID: 33258001 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-020-01989-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed globally. We hypothesize that gender stereotypes influence benzodiazepine prescriptions insofar as male prescribers are more likely to prescribe benzodiazepines to female patients. METHODS Our nationwide cohort study included 2,127,441 patients with a psychiatric disorder (ICD-9 codes 290-319) and 38,932 prescribers as part of the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database (1997-2013). We evaluated the effects of patient and prescriber gender on the proportion of patients prescribed benzodiazepines and the cumulative dosage of benzodiazepine prescription (mg) using generalized estimating equation and general linear models. RESULTS The proportion of patients prescribed benzodiazepines was higher among male (vs. female) prescribers [odds ratio (OR) = 1.06, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.05-1.07] and among female (vs. male) patients (OR = 1.08, 95% CI = 1.08-1.09). Similarly, male prescriber gender (β = 10,292.2, SE = 1265.5, p < 0.001) and female patient gender (β = 7913.7, SE = 627.1, p < 0.001) predicted higher cumulative dosages of benzodiazepine prescription. Mean cumulative dosage was highest among female patients seen by male prescribers (β = 4283.7, SE = 717.6, p < 0.001). The results were consistent in sensitivity analyses of patients with anxiety disorder (n = 1,632,363), major depression (n = 1,122,796), or chronic administration (n = 1,981,819), and prescribers with psychiatrists (n = 1276), and non-psychiatrists (n = 33,268). CONCLUSIONS Male prescribers were more likely to prescribe benzodiazepines to female patients relative to male patients. This gender bias in prescription is significant and warrants careful attention at point of care. We hypothesize that internalized societal biases and stereotypes affect benzodiazepine prescribing behaviour.
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Trends in the prescription of drugs used for insomnia: an open-cohort study in Australian general practice, 2011-2018. Br J Gen Pract 2021; 71:e877-e886. [PMID: 33950853 PMCID: PMC8366783 DOI: 10.3399/bjgp.2021.0054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite an increase in the prevalence of sleep problems, few studies have investigated changes in the prescribing of drugs that are often used to manage insomnia. AIM To explore changes in the pattern of benzodiazepine (BZD), Z-drug (zolpidem, zopiclone), and non-BZD prescriptions. DESIGN AND SETTING Open-cohort study comprising 1 773 525 patients (55 903 294 consultations) who attended one of 404 Australian general practices at least three times in two consecutive years between 2011 and 2018. METHOD Data were extracted from MedicineInsight, a database of 662 general practices in Australia. Prescription rates per 1000 consultations, the proportion of repeat prescriptions above recommendations, and the proportion of prescriptions for patients with a recent (within 2 years) recorded diagnosis of insomnia were analysed using adjusted regression models. RESULTS Rates of BZD, Z-drug, and non-BZD prescriptions were 56.6, 4.4, and 15.5 per 1000 consultations in 2011 and 41.8, 3.5, and 21.5 per 1000 consultations in 2018, respectively. Over the whole study period, temazepam represented 25.3% of the prescriptions and diazepam 21.9%. All BZD and zolpidem prescriptions declined over the whole study period (annual change varying from -1.4% to -10.8%), but non-BZD and zopiclone prescriptions increased in the same period (annual change 5.0% to 22.6%). Repeat prescriptions that exceeded recommended levels remained at <10% for all medications, except melatonin (64.5%), zolpidem (63.3%), zopiclone (31.4%), and alprazolam (13.3%). In 2018, >50% of Z-drug and melatonin prescriptions were for patients with insomnia. There was an annual increase of 0.8-5.9% in the proportion of prescriptions associated with a recently recorded diagnosis of insomnia. CONCLUSION Overall, BZD prescriptions in Australia declined between 2011 and 2018. However, the prescription of some of these drugs increased for patients with a recently recorded diagnosis of insomnia. This is concerning because of the potential adverse effects of these medications and the risk of dependence.
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Xie B, Fan B, Wang W, Li W, Lu C, Guo L. Sex differences in the associations of nonmedical use of prescription drugs with self-injurious thoughts and behaviors among adolescents: A large-scale study in China. J Affect Disord 2021; 285:29-36. [PMID: 33621712 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2021.02.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Background To investigate the sex differences in the associations of nonmedical use of opioids and sedatives with non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), suicidal thoughts, and suicide attempts. Methods This study presents secondary analyses of the 2015 National School-based Chinese Adolescents Health Survey. A total of 152, 527 students (aged 10-20 years) completing standard questionnaires were included in analyses. Appropriate sampling weights were utilized. Results After adjusting for the demographic profile, academic pressure, and depressive symptoms, nonmedical use of opioids (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=1.82, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.69~1.96) and sedatives (aOR=2.03, 95% CI=1.90~2.18) remain positively associated with NSSI, and adolescents who reported opioids or sedatives misuse were at a higher risk for suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts. A significant sex difference was found in the effects of nonmedical use of sedatives on NSSI, with the effects in girls stronger than that in boys (Ratio of two odds ratio [ROR]=1.18, P=0.011). Girls reporting nonmedical use of opioids and sedatives also had an increased risk of suicidal thoughts than boys (opioids misuse: ROR=1.25, P=0.002; sedatives misuse: ROR=1.21, P=0.006). Limitations Causal inference could not be tested due to the cross-sectional design. Conclusion Although nonmedical use of opioids or sedatives was associated with the increased risks of NSSI, suicidal thoughts, and suicide attempts among both boys and girls, there exist significant sex differences in these associations, and girls exhibited a higher risk of NSSI and suicidal thoughts than boys. Intervention strategies are needed to help vulnerable adolescents (e.g., those involved in NMUPD), with a focus on girls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Xie
- Department of Psychiatry, Shenzhen Nanshan Center for Chronic Disease Control, Shenzhen, China
| | - Beifang Fan
- Department of Psychiatry, Shenzhen Nanshan Center for Chronic Disease Control, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wanxin Wang
- Department of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Center of Nutrition Translation, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Wenyan Li
- Department of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Center of Nutrition Translation, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Ciyong Lu
- Department of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Center of Nutrition Translation, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Lan Guo
- Department of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China.
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The Effects of Early Onset Tranquilizers, Sedatives, and Sleeping Pills Use on Recent Consumption Among Adolescents. J Addict Med 2021; 16:e23-e29. [PMID: 33758113 DOI: 10.1097/adm.0000000000000839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adolescents' consumption of tranquilizers, sedatives, and sleeping pills (TSSp) has increased during the last few decades, and TSSp are currently among the substances with the lowest age-of-onset. We characterized current-use patterns of TSSp consumers by age when first taken. METHODS This study used individualized secondary data retrieved from the 2016 Spanish State Survey on Drug Use in Secondary Education (16-18-year-olds), and included all subjects who reported having taken TSSp at any point, but excluded those who had started during the previous year (n = 1502). Logistic regression models were used to obtain adjusted odds ratios (aOR) for associations between early TSSp consumption (<14 years) and current TSSp use patterns, adjusted for sociodemographic factors. RESULTS About 17.9% of respondents had taken TSSp (average age-of-onset = 13.7) and 45% of these without a prescription. TSSp consumption at <14 years was higher for males and nonrepeaters. Having begun to use TSSp < 14 years was associated with both higher probability of consumption in the last month (aOR = 1.41; 95%CI:1.12-1.77) and daily/almost daily consumption in the last month (aOR = 1.56; 95CI%:1.16-2.08). CONCLUSIONS The results of this study show there is a high proportion of 16 to 18 TSSp student consumers - both prescribed and nonprescribed; it also establishes that early onset-of-use is associated with higher levels of intensive use later on.
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Carrasco-Garrido P, Jiménez-Trujillo I, Hernández-Barrera V, Lima Florencio L, Palacios-Ceña D. Patterns of non-medical use of benzodiazepines and Z-Drugs among adolescents and young adults: gender differences and related factors. JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE USE 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/14659891.2020.1800846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Pilar Carrasco-Garrido
- Preventive Medicine and Public Health Teaching and Research Unit, Health Sciences Faculty, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Isabel Jiménez-Trujillo
- Preventive Medicine and Public Health Teaching and Research Unit, Health Sciences Faculty, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Valentín Hernández-Barrera
- Preventive Medicine and Public Health Teaching and Research Unit, Health Sciences Faculty, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lidiane Lima Florencio
- Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Domingo Palacios-Ceña
- Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid, Spain
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Design, synthesis, and preliminary pharmacological evaluation of novel thiazolidinone derivatives as potential benzodiazepine agonists. Mol Divers 2021; 26:769-780. [PMID: 33484399 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-021-10182-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Thiazolidinones are well-known heterocycles that demonstrate promising biological effects such as anticonvulsant activity. Hybridization of these chemicals with scaffold, which has necessary pharmacophores for binding to the benzodiazepine receptors, can prompt a novel structure possessing extensive anticonvulsant effects. In this study, novel derivatives of thiazolidinone as new benzodiazepine agonists were designed, synthesized, and biologically evaluated. Compound 5h, 4-chloro-2-(2-fluorophenoxy)-N-(4-oxo-2-(p-tolyl)thiazolidin-3-yl)benzamide, exhibited considerable anticonvulsant activity, proper sedative-hypnotic effect, no memory impairment, and no muscle relaxant effect. The pharmacological effects of the designed compounds were antagonized by flumazenil, which confirmed the benzodiazepine receptors' involvement in their biological effects. Based on in silico calculations of ADME properties of our novel compounds, they could be active oral agents potentially. In this study, we designed novel structures by the hybridization of thiazolidinone moiety with scaffold which has necessary pharmacophores for binding to the benzodiazepine receptors. The results are very promising for developing new lead compounds as benzodiazepine agonists possess anticonvulsant effects.
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Impact of changes in controlled drugs legislation on benzodiazepine receptor agonist prescribing in Ireland: a repeated cross-sectional study. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2021; 77:903-912. [PMID: 33410969 PMCID: PMC8128812 DOI: 10.1007/s00228-020-03063-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Purpose To examine the impact of new controlled drugs legislation introduced in May 2017 on benzodiazepine receptor agonist (BZRA) prescribing in Ireland. Methods A repeated cross-sectional analysis was conducted using publically available monthly pharmacy claims data from the General Medical Services (GMS) database. The study population comprised all GMS-eligible individuals aged ≥ 16 years from January 2016 to September 2019. Monthly prevalence rates of individuals receiving BZRA prescriptions per 10,000 eligible population were calculated and trends examined over time. Segmented linear regression of prevalence rates was used to examine changes before and after introduction of the legislation stratified by gender and age groups. Regression coefficients (β) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for monthly change were calculated. Results Pre-legislation (January 2016 to April 2017), there was a significant monthly decline in benzodiazepine prevalence rate (β = − 1.18; 95% CI − 1.84, − 0.51; p < 0.001) but no significant change in Z-drug prescribing. Post-legislation (May 2017 to September 2019), increases in prevalence rates were observed for benzodiazepines (β = 1.04; 95% CI 0.17, 1.92; p = 0.021) and Z-drugs (β = 1.04; 95% CI 0.26, 1.83; p = 0.010). Post-legislation trends showed increases in BZRA prevalence rates among the youngest subgroup (16–44 years), with variable changes in the middle-aged subgroup (45–64 years) and no changes in the oldest subgroup (≥ 65 years). Conclusions This study indicates that introduction of new legislation had limited impact on BZRA prescribing on the main public health scheme in Ireland. Interventions targeting specific population subgroups may be required to achieve sustained reductions in prescribing. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00228-020-03063-z.
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Landolt S, Rosemann T, Blozik E, Brüngger B, Huber CA. Benzodiazepine and Z-Drug Use in Switzerland: Prevalence, Prescription Patterns and Association with Adverse Healthcare Outcomes. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2021; 17:1021-1034. [PMID: 33880026 PMCID: PMC8052118 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s290104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to give a nationwide comprehensive picture of the prevalence and prescription patterns of benzodiazepines (BZ) and Z-drugs (ZD) in Switzerland and to analyze the association with adverse health care outcomes. PATIENTS AND METHODS A population-based, cross-sectional study was conducted, using a large health insurance database in Switzerland. Records from all adult patients with ≥1 prescription for a benzodiazepine and/or a Z-drug in 2018 were included. We calculated the prevalence of BZ and ZD user (extrapolated to the Swiss general population), the number of prescriptions and the type of provider (among each BZ and ZD only user). Multivariate logistic regression models were performed to estimate the association between drug prescription and the risk of hospitalization in different healthcare settings. RESULTS Of a total of 844'692 patients, 95'179 had ≥1 BZ and/or ZD prescription in 2018. The extrapolated one-year prevalence for the general Swiss population was 8.1% for a BZ prescription, 3.5% for a ZD prescription, and 10.5% for a BZ and/or ZD prescription, and continuously increased with age. The majority of the elderly (over 65 years) had ≥1 prescription (BZ: 51.9%; ZD: 56.9%; BZ and/or ZD: 53.5). The proportion of patients with ≥6 prescriptions per year was 23.1% for BZ only user and 35.2% for ZD only user. Most patients had ≥1 prescription from a general practitioner. Regression models showed a higher likelihood to be admitted to acute care, psychiatry, rehabilitation, or nursing home with ≥1 prescription for a benzodiazepine and/or a Z-drug. CONCLUSION This study is the first to give a nationwide overview of the current use of benzodiazepines and Z-drugs in Switzerland based on health insurance claims data. The results revealed a remarkably high prevalence among the general Swiss population, especially in older generations. The negative consequences of heavy BZ and ZD use are a crucial public health problem, that should be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salome Landolt
- Institute of Primary Care, University of Zürich, University Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Rosemann
- Institute of Primary Care, University of Zürich, University Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Eva Blozik
- Institute of Primary Care, University of Zürich, University Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.,Department of Health Sciences, Helsana Insurance Group, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Beat Brüngger
- Department of Health Sciences, Helsana Insurance Group, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Carola A Huber
- Institute of Primary Care, University of Zürich, University Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.,Department of Health Sciences, Helsana Insurance Group, Zürich, Switzerland
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Taipale H, Niederkrotenthaler T, Helgesson M, Sijbrandij M, Berg L, Tanskanen A, Mittendorfer-Rutz E. Initiation of antidepressant use among refugee and Swedish-born youth after diagnosis of a common mental disorder: findings from the REMAIN study. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2021; 56:463-474. [PMID: 32914300 PMCID: PMC7904723 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-020-01951-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The objective of this study was to compare the initiation and type of antidepressant use between refugees and matched Swedish-born youth after a diagnosis of a common mental disorder (CMD) and assess sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with the initiation. METHODS The study cohort included youth aged 16-25 years, with an incident diagnosis of CMD based on specialized health care registers in Sweden 2006-2016, without prior antidepressant use during 1 year. One Swedish-born person was matched for each identified refugee youth (N = 3936 in both groups). Initiation of antidepressant use and factors associated with the initiation, were investigated with logistic regression yielding Odds ratios, OR, and 95% Confidence Intervals, CI. RESULTS Refugees were less likely to initiate antidepressant use compared with Swedish-born (40.5% vs. 59.6%, adjusted OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.39-0.48). Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) were less frequently initiated for refugees than Swedish-born (71.2% vs. 81.3% of initiations, p < 0.0001). Sertraline was the most commonly initiated antidepressant both for refugees (34.3%) and Swedish-born individuals (40.3%). Among refugees, factors associated with increased odds of antidepressant initiation were previous use of anxiolytics or hypnotics, previous sickness absence of < 90 days, cancer and older age (OR range 1.07-2.72), and less than 5 years duration of residency in Sweden was associated with decreased odds (OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.63-0.92). CONCLUSION Young refugees with a CMD seem to initiate antidepressants in general and those most effective considerably less often than their Swedish-born counterparts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Taipale
- Division of Insurance Medicine, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Niuvanniemi Hospital, Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Thomas Niederkrotenthaler
- Division of Insurance Medicine, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
- Unit Suicide Research and Mental Health Promotion, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Magnus Helgesson
- Division of Insurance Medicine, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marit Sijbrandij
- Department of Clinical, Neuro- and Developmental Psychology, World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Research and Dissemination of Psychological Interventions, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lisa Berg
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Antti Tanskanen
- Division of Insurance Medicine, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
- Niuvanniemi Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Ellenor Mittendorfer-Rutz
- Division of Insurance Medicine, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
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Chan HY, Cheng SW, Sun HJ. Prescription patterns and trends of anxiolytics and hypnotics/sedatives among child and adolescent patients with psychiatric illnesses in a psychiatric center of northern Taiwan. TAIWANESE JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY 2021. [DOI: 10.4103/tpsy.tpsy_18_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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Taipale H, Särkilä H, Tanskanen A, Kurko T, Taiminen T, Tiihonen J, Sund R, Tuulio-Henriksson A, Saastamoinen L, Hietala J. Incidence of and Characteristics Associated With Long-term Benzodiazepine Use in Finland. JAMA Netw Open 2020; 3:e2019029. [PMID: 33119104 PMCID: PMC7596584 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.19029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE The proportion of patients who develop long-term benzodiazepine use remains controversial, as do the length of time before long-term use develops and the factors associated with long-term use. OBJECTIVE To investigate the incidence of long-term benzodiazepine and related drug (BZDR) use and factors associated with the development of long-term use implementing a follow-up design with new BZDR users. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This population-based cohort study used a nationwide cohort of 129 732 new BZDR users in Finland. New users of BZDRs aged 18 years or older were identified from the prescription register maintained by the Social Insurance Institution of Finland as individuals who initiated BZDR use during 2006 and had not used BZDRs from 2004 to 2005. The follow-up continued until death, long-term hospitalization, a gap of 2 years in BZDR use, or December 31, 2015. The population was analyzed according to age at treatment initiation, categorized into younger (<65 years) and older (≥65 years) subcohorts. Analyses were conducted from May 2019 to February 2020. EXPOSURES Use of BZDRs, modeled from register-based data using the PRE2DUP (from prescriptions to drug use periods) method. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Long-term BZDR use, defined as continuous use of 180 days or longer, and factors associated with long-term vs short-term use, compared using Cox proportional hazards models. RESULTS Among the 129 732 incident BZDR users, the mean (SD) age was 52.6 (17.7) years, and 78 017 (60.1%) individuals were women. During the follow-up period, 51 099 BZDR users (39.4%) became long-term users. Long-term treatment was more common in the older subcohort (19 103 individuals [54.5%]) than the younger subcohort (31 996 individuals [33.8%]). At 6 months, 28 586 individuals (22.0%) had become long-term users: 11 805 (33.7%) in the older subcohort and 16 781 (17.7%) in the younger subcohort. The largest proportions of initiators who became long-term users were those persons who initiated treatment with nitrazepam (76.4%; 95% CI, 73.6%-79.1%), temazepam (63.9%; 95% CI, 62.9%-65.0%), lorazepam (62.4%; 95% CI, 59.7%-65.1%), or clonazepam (57.5%; 95% CI, 55.9%-59.2%). Factors associated with the development of long-term use included male sex, older age, receipt of social benefits, psychiatric comorbidities, and substance abuse. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE The findings of this population-based cohort study conducted in Finland suggest that the incidence of subsequent long-term BZDR use in individuals who initiate use of BZDRs is high, especially among older persons, and that the specific BZDR used initially is associated with the development of long-term BZDR use and should be carefully considered when prescribing BZDRs. The observed factors that appear to be associated with development of long-term BZDR use also should be considered in clinical decision-making when starting and monitoring BZDR treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Taipale
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry, University of Eastern Finland, Niuvanniemi Hospital, Kuopio
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- University of Eastern Finland School of Pharmacy, Kuopio
| | - Hanna Särkilä
- Turku University Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- City of Turku Welfare Division, Turku City Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Antti Tanskanen
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry, University of Eastern Finland, Niuvanniemi Hospital, Kuopio
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Terhi Kurko
- Research Unit, The Social Insurance Institution, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tero Taiminen
- Turku University Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Jari Tiihonen
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry, University of Eastern Finland, Niuvanniemi Hospital, Kuopio
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Center for Psychiatry Research, Stockholm City Council, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Reijo Sund
- University of Eastern Finland School of Medicine, Kuopio
| | | | | | - Jarmo Hietala
- Turku University Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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Bushnell GA, Gerhard T, Crystal S, Olfson M. Benzodiazepine Treatment and Fracture Risk in Young Persons With Anxiety Disorders. Pediatrics 2020; 146:peds.2019-3478. [PMID: 32499386 PMCID: PMC7329250 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2019-3478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed to treat anxiety disorders and have been associated with falls and fractures in older adults. It is unknown whether benzodiazepines increase fracture risk in youth. We examined whether youth with anxiety disorders initiating benzodiazepine treatment have an increased risk of fractures compared with youth initiating selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). METHODS We used claims from commercially insured children (6-17 years) and young adults (18-24) with a recent anxiety disorder diagnosis, initiating benzodiazepines or SSRIs (2008-2016). Youth were followed until fracture, treatment discontinuation or switching, disenrollment, 3 months, or December 31, 2016. The primary end point was diagnostic codes for upper and lower limb fractures. Incident fracture rates, incident rate ratios (IRRs), and incident rate differences (IRDs) were estimated with propensity score inverse probability of treatment weighting. RESULTS The cohort included 120 715 children and 179 768 young adults. In children, crude fracture rates during treatment were 33.1 per 1000 person-years (PYs) for benzodiazepine initiators and 25.1 per 1000 PYs for SSRI initiators. Adjusted IRR and IRD were 1.53 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.94-2.50) and 13.4 per 1000 PYs. Risk was heightened in children initiating long-acting benzodiazepines versus SSRIs (adjusted IRR = 2.30 [95% CI: 1.08-4.91]). Fracture rates were lower in young adults, with minimal differences between treatments (adjusted IRR = 0.85 [95% CI: 0.57-1.27]; adjusted IRD = -1.3 per 1000 PYs). CONCLUSIONS An increased rate of fractures in children, but not young adults, with anxiety disorders initiating benzodiazepine treatment compared to SSRI treatment suggests a need for increased caution in the weeks after benzodiazepine initiation in children.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tobias Gerhard
- Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey,Center for Pharmacoepidemiology and Treatment Science, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey,Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey
| | - Stephen Crystal
- Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Mark Olfson
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health and,Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Columbia University, New York, New York; and
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Zich C, Johnstone N, Lührs M, Lisk S, Haller SP, Lipp A, Lau JY, Kadosh KC. Modulatory effects of dynamic fMRI-based neurofeedback on emotion regulation networks in adolescent females. Neuroimage 2020; 220:117053. [PMID: 32574803 PMCID: PMC7573536 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2020.117053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Research has shown that difficulties with emotion regulation abilities in childhood and adolescence increase the risk for developing symptoms of mental disorders, e.g anxiety. We investigated whether functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)-based neurofeedback (NF) can modulate brain networks supporting emotion regulation abilities in adolescent females. We performed three experiments (Experiment 1: N = 18; Experiment 2: N = 30; Experiment 3: N = 20). We first compared different NF implementations regarding their effectiveness of modulating prefrontal cortex (PFC)-amygdala functional connectivity (fc). Further we assessed the effects of fc-NF on neural measures, emotional/metacognitive measures and their associations. Finally, we probed the mechanism underlying fc-NF by examining concentrations of inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmitters. Results showed that NF implementations differentially modulate PFC-amygdala fc. Using the most effective NF implementation we observed important relationships between neural and emotional/metacognitive measures, such as practice-related change in fc was related with change in thought control ability. Further, we found that the relationship between state anxiety prior to the MRI session and the effect of fc-NF was moderated by GABA concentrations in the PFC and anterior cingulate cortex. To conclude, we were able to show that fc-NF can be used in adolescent females to shape neural and emotional/metacognitive measures underlying emotion regulation. We further show that neurotransmitter concentrations moderate fc–NF–effects. Neurofeedback implementations differentially modulate PFC-amygdala connectivity. Functional connectivity neurofeedback affect measures of emotion regulation. Neurotransmitter concentrations moderate neurofeedback effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catharina Zich
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3UD, UK; Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, FMRIB, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK.
| | - Nicola Johnstone
- School of Psychology, University of Surrey, Guildford, GU2 7XH, UK
| | - Michael Lührs
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, 6211 LK, the Netherlands; Department of Research and Development, Brain Innovation, Maastricht, 6229 EV, the Netherlands
| | - Stephen Lisk
- Psychology Department, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Simone Pw Haller
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3UD, UK
| | - Annalisa Lipp
- School of Psychology, University of Surrey, Guildford, GU2 7XH, UK
| | - Jennifer Yf Lau
- Psychology Department, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Kathrin Cohen Kadosh
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3UD, UK; School of Psychology, University of Surrey, Guildford, GU2 7XH, UK
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Kotlowska H, Krotka J, Szymanska M, Kubiak B, Sznitowska M, Nalluri BN. The use of novel tools for the assessment of powders and granules flow properties and for the analysis of minitablets compression process. Drug Dev Ind Pharm 2020; 46:547-556. [DOI: 10.1080/03639045.2020.1734020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Kotlowska
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Joanna Krotka
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Student Chapter of ISPE, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Marta Szymanska
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Student Chapter of ISPE, Gdansk, Poland
| | | | - Malgorzata Sznitowska
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Buchi N. Nalluri
- Department of Pharmaceutics, KVSR Siddhartha College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vijayawada, India
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Barczyk ZA, Rucklidge JJ, Eggleston M, Mulder RT. Psychotropic Medication Prescription Rates and Trends for New Zealand Children and Adolescents 2008-2016. J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol 2020; 30:87-96. [PMID: 31633377 DOI: 10.1089/cap.2019.0032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: The prescription of psychotropic medication used to treat psychiatric disorders has increased worldwide over the past two decades and has been discussed widely in the literature; however, limited data have been available for New Zealand. The current article aimed to address this knowledge gap. Methods: Prescription data obtained from The Pharmaceutical Management Agency of New Zealand (PHARMAC) were analyzed to obtain prescription dispensing rates and trends for antidepressants, antipsychotics, anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics, and stimulants/attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder medications for youth aged 0-17 years in New Zealand during 2008-2016, including a gender and ethnicity breakdown for 2016 to provide a "snapshot" of prescription demographics. These data sets contained all individual prescriptions dispensed in New Zealand during this time period, alongside a unique encrypted National Health Index number to distinguish individuals and demographic data. Results: In 2016, 2.36% of New Zealand youth, totaling 26,175 individuals, were prescribed at least one psychotropic medication, an increase of 65.03% from 2008. Rate of prescription for youth in 2016 and percentage increase since 2008 for each medication class were as follows: antidepressants: 1.07%, 78.33% increase; antipsychotics: 0.37%, 105.60% increase; anxiolytics: 0.15%, 50% increase; and sedatives and hypnotics: 0.22%, 37.50% increase. Stimulants were prescribed to 1.06% of the population, a 41.33% increase since 2011. In 2016 the number of prescriptions was split roughly equally between males and females, with more males receiving stimulant prescriptions and more females receiving antidepressant prescriptions. Stimulants were the medication most likely to be prescribed to Māori, Pacific, and Middle Eastern/Latin American/African groups, with antidepressants most likely for European and Asian groups. Māori tended to be prescribed medications at rates lower than the general population. Conclusions: Overall, prescription rates and the increase in prescription of psychotropic medication to children and adolescents in New Zealand fall within the mid range compared to other Western countries worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoe A Barczyk
- Department of Psychology, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Julia J Rucklidge
- Department of Psychology, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Matthew Eggleston
- Child, Adolescent & Family Service, Canterbury District Health Board, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Roger T Mulder
- Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
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Lindberg L, Hagman E, Danielsson P, Marcus C, Persson M. Anxiety and depression in children and adolescents with obesity: a nationwide study in Sweden. BMC Med 2020; 18:30. [PMID: 32079538 PMCID: PMC7033939 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-020-1498-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anxiety and depression are more common in children with obesity than in children of normal weight, but it is unclear whether this association is independent of other known risk factors. Interpretation of results from previous studies is hampered by methodological limitations, including self-reported assessment of anxiety, depression, and anthropometry. The aim of this study was to investigate whether obesity increases the risk of anxiety or depression independently of other risk factors in a large cohort of children and adolescents, using robust measures with regard to exposure and outcome. METHODS Children aged 6-17 years in the Swedish Childhood Obesity Treatment Register (BORIS, 2005-2015) were included (n = 12,507) and compared with a matched group (sex, year of birth, and area of residence) from the general population (n = 60,063). The main outcome was a diagnosis of anxiety or depression identified through ICD codes or dispensed prescribed medication within 3 years after the end of obesity treatment. Hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) from Cox proportional models were adjusted for several known confounders. RESULTS Obesity remained a significant risk factor for anxiety and depression in children and adolescents after adjusting for Nordic background, neuropsychiatric disorders, family history of anxiety/depression, and socioeconomic status. Girls in the obesity cohort had a 43% higher risk of anxiety and depression compared to girls in the general population (adjusted HR 1.43, 95% CI 1.31-1.57; p < 0.0001). The risk in boys with obesity was similar (adjusted HR 1.33, 95% CI 1.20-1.48; p < 0.0001). In sensitivity analyses, excluding subjects with neuropsychiatric disorders and a family history of anxiety/depression, the estimated risks in individuals with obesity were even higher compared with results from the main analyses (adjusted HR [95% CI]: girls = 1.56 [1.31-1.87], boys = 2.04 [1.64-2.54]). CONCLUSIONS Results from this study support the hypothesis that obesity per se is associated with risk of both anxiety and depression in children and adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Lindberg
- Division of Pediatrics, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Blickagången 6A Novum, 141 57, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Emilia Hagman
- Division of Pediatrics, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Blickagången 6A Novum, 141 57, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Pernilla Danielsson
- Division of Pediatrics, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Blickagången 6A Novum, 141 57, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Claude Marcus
- Division of Pediatrics, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Blickagången 6A Novum, 141 57, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Martina Persson
- Department of Medicine, Solna, Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Sachsska Children's Hospital, Södersjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Science and Education, Södersjukhuset, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Bushnell GA, Crystal S, Olfson M. Prescription Benzodiazepine Use in Privately Insured U.S. Children and Adolescents. Am J Prev Med 2019; 57:775-785. [PMID: 31753258 PMCID: PMC6935869 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2019.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Revised: 07/14/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed in the U.S. but entail safety concerns, including dependency. In pediatrics, many indications lack trial data. Authors aimed to describe youth initiating prescription benzodiazepine treatment, identify potential indications and prescribing concerns, estimate the duration of treatment by potential indication, and identify factors that predict long-term use. METHODS The study cohort included children (aged 3-12 years) and adolescents (aged 13-17 years) initiating prescription benzodiazepine treatment (≥3 days' supply) from January 2010 to September 2015 in a U.S. commercial claims database. Potential indications included selected ICD-9-CM diagnoses (≤30 days prior). Long-term (≥6 months) benzodiazepine treatment was estimated with Kaplan-Meier estimation and modified Poisson regression identified independent predictors of long-term benzodiazepine treatment (analysis completed in 2018). RESULTS Of 24,504 children and 61,046 adolescents initiating benzodiazepines, 62% of the children and 68% of the adolescents had a potential indication. Anxiety disorders were the most common indication, with mental health indications more common among adolescents (45%) than children (23%) and epilepsy and movement disorders higher in children. Recent opioid prescriptions were common before benzodiazepine initiation (children, 22%; adolescents, 21%). Six percent of the initiators became long-term benzodiazepine users. Potential indication, provider contact, psychotropic medication, and chronic conditions independently predicted long-term benzodiazepine treatment in adolescents and children. CONCLUSIONS U.S. children and adolescents are prescribed benzodiazepines for various mental health and other medical conditions, many lacking evidence of pediatric efficacy. Long-term benzodiazepine treatment, concurrent opioid prescriptions, psychotropic use, and prior substance use disorder diagnoses suggest safety risks among some youth prescribed benzodiazepines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greta A Bushnell
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York.
| | - Stephen Crystal
- Institute for Health, Health Care Policy, and Aging Research, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Mark Olfson
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York; Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
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Outpatient benzodiazepine utilization in Croatia: drug use or misuse. Int J Clin Pharm 2019; 41:1526-1535. [DOI: 10.1007/s11096-019-00915-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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