Medication therapy: adherence, knowledge and difficulties of elderly people from bipolar disorder

Assessment of medication adherence, medication safety awareness and medication practice among patients with lung cancer: A multicentre cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to explore the current status of medication adherence, safety awareness and practice among patients with lung cancer.

METHODS

We conducted a questionnaire-guided cross-sectional study in Xi'an, Yulin, Hanzhong and Weinan in Shaanxi Province, China, from April to June 2021 for a period of 3 months. The study questionnaire was developed according to previous related studies reported in the literature, and includes basic demographic information and patients' medication safety questions. The data were double-entered using EpiData 3.1 software; descriptive statistics, t-test, analysis of variance, the Kruskal-Wallis test and the Mann-Whitney U-test were performed to analyse the data.

RESULTS

A total of 567 participants were included, and 409 valid questionnaires were finally completed, with an effective response rate of 72.13%. More than 80% of patients showed good medication adherence; the average adherence score was 22 ± 2.68 of 25. The average score for medication safety awareness was 16.40 ± 4.41, which was significantly lower than that of medication adherence (p < .001). Only 22.74% of patients always checked their medicines before a nurse administered them; 17.60% of patients never checked their medicines. Few patients actively consulted an health care professional to understand safety information before taking a medication. A significant difference existed in safety awareness scores among age groups (p = .039) and geographic regions (p < .001). Patients with three or more comorbidities had the lowest awareness scores (p = .027).

CONCLUSION

We found that patients with lung cancer showed better medication adherence, but their awareness about medication safety was poor. Older patients, those with comorbidities and patients in regions with poor medical resources may have worse awareness about safety. Current medication education for patients should not only aim to improve adherence but should also encourage patients to take greater responsibility for their own safety and to actively participate in their medication safety. Greater systematic and individualized medication safety information is needed for older patients, those with more comorbidities and patients in areas with poor medical resources.

PATIENT CONTRIBUTION

We conducted a questionnaire-guided cross-sectional study on hospitalized lung cancer patients in Shaanxi Province to explore the patients' practices related to safety medication, including medication adherence and medication safety awareness.

Nonadherence after hospital discharge in patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder: A six-month naturalistic follow-up study

BACKGROUND

Despite a wealth of studies seeking to identify factors associated with nonadherence few consistent predictors have been determined, and several gaps still exist in the literature.

METHOD

We assessed 110 consecutively admitted patients diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder according to ICD-10 criteria. Assessments were performed during hospitalization and at six-months follow-up. Evaluation included sociodemographic, clinical, psychopathologic and treatment-related variables. Prevalence of nonadherence, associated variables, reasons for nonadherence and possible subtypes were explored. Adherence was defined as the concurrence of adherence to antipsychotic treatment and adherence to outpatient follow-up, during the six-month period.

RESULTS

Nonadherence was detected in 58.2% of patients. An identifiable profile was found in nonadherent patients. After multivariate logistic regression analysis, low socio-economic level (OR = 3.68; 95% CI = 1.42-9.53), current cannabis use or abuse (OR = 2.79; 95% CI = 1.07-7.28), nonadherence as a reason for relapse and admission (OR = 5.46; 95% CI = 2.00-14.90), and greater overall severity of symptoms at six months follow-up (OR = 2.00; 95% CI = 1.02-3.95) remained independently associated with nonadherence. Believing that medication is unnecessary was the most reported reason for nonadherence. For nonadherent patients (N = 64), two distinguishable subtypes were found: intentional nonadherence (N = 32; 50%), and unintentional nonadherence (N = 32; 50%).

CONCLUSIONS

A large percentage of patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder did not adhere to their treatment in the post-discharge follow-up period. The profile identified may enable better prevention of this problem. Specific reasons for nonadherence should also be explored to provide individualized strategies.

Old Age Bipolar Disorder-Epidemiology, Aetiology and Treatment

Data regarding older age bipolar disorder (OABD) are sparse. Two major groups are classified as patients with first occurrence of mania in old age, the so called “late onset” patients (LOBD), and the elder patients with a long-standing clinical history, the so called “early onset” patients (EOBD). The aim of the present literature review is to provide more information on specific issues concerning OABD, such as epidemiology, aetiology and treatments outcomes. We conducted a Medline literature search from 1970–2021 using the MeSH terms “bipolar disorder” and “aged” or “geriatric” or “elderly”. The additional literature was retrieved by examining cross references and by a hand search in textbooks. With sparse data on the treatment of OABD, current guidelines concluded that first-line treatment of OABD should be similar to that for working-age bipolar disorder, with specific attention to side effects, somatic comorbidities and specific risks of OABD. With constant monitoring and awareness of the possible toxic drug interactions, lithium is a safe drug for OABD patients, both in mania and maintenance. Lamotrigine and lurasidone could be considered in bipolar depression. Mood stabilizers, rather than second generation antipsychotics, are the treatment of choice for maintenance. If medication fails, electroconvulsive therapy is recommended for mania, mixed states and depression, and can also be offered for continuation and maintenance treatment. Preliminary results also support a role of psychotherapy and psychosocial interventions in old age BD. The recommended treatments for OABD include lithium and antiepileptics such as valproic acid and lamotrigine, and lurasidone for bipolar depression, although the evidence is still weak. Combined psychosocial and pharmacological treatments also appear to be a treatment of choice for OABD. More research is needed on the optimal pharmacological and psychosocial approaches to OABD, as well as their combination and ranking in an evidence-based therapy algorithm.

Elderly Bipolar Disorder

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

With more individuals reaching older ages, bipolar disorder is no longer a rare illness in the elderly. Despite the growing number of the older individuals with the illness, there are few studies that focus on bipolar disorder in the geriatric population leading to gaps in clinical knowledge and treatment. The aim of this study is therefore to increase understanding by summarizing the available literature on the epidemiology, symptomatology, comorbidities, and treatment recommendations in this cohort, as well as to suggest areas for future clinical and research focus.

RECENT FINDINGS

The prevalence of bipolar disorder is underestimated in the geriatric population. The illness maintains the main features observed in the other cohorts but it also has some specific characteristics in the older individuals. In this cohort, psychiatric and medical comorbidities tend to be the rule rather than the exception. Higher rates of cognitive impairments than age- and education-matched groups present across all of the illness phases. Treatment is more challenging in the elderly individuals due to higher rates of comorbidities and susceptibility to medication side effects. Two cohorts of older individuals with bipolar disorder can be recognized, those with symptoms that start earlier in life and those with late-life onset. Although the knowledge about elderly bipolar disorder is only slowly growing, it is increasingly recognized as an illness with unique features. More work is needed to improve diagnosis and to establish treatment guidelines.

Testing the hypothesis of subtypes of nonadherence in schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder: A prospective study

BACKGROUND

Nonadherence is a major problem in the treatment of psychotic disorders. It has been hypothesized that nonadherent patients with schizophrenia are not a homogeneous population and subtypes of nonadherence might exist, but this hypothesis has not been specifically tested.

AIM

To test the hypothesis of subtypes of nonadherence in schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder.

METHODS

This prospective study included 110 consecutively admitted patients diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. Assessments were performed at baseline and at 6 mo follow-up after discharge. Sociodemographic, clinical, psychopathological and treatment-related variables were evaluated. Adherence was defined as the concurrence of adherence to antipsychotic treatment and outpatient follow-up during the six-month period. Adherence to antipsychotic treatment was defined as the concurrence of objective and subjective adherence. Sixty-four patients (58%) fulfilled nonadherence criteria at the end of the follow-up period and were categorized according to their subtype of nonadherence.

RESULTS

In nonadherent patients (n = 64), 32 (50%) fulfilled criteria of intentional nonadherence, and 32 (50%) of unintentional nonadherence (UNA). Unintentional nonadherent patients, as compared to intentional nonadherent patients, are characterized by older age, lower educational level, worse cognitive and negative symptoms, greater severity, worse knowledge of their treatment regimen, greater prevalence of supervision of the treatment, lower number of prior hospitalizations and greater use of nonpsychiatric treatment, anticholinergics and hypnotics. Low educational level (OR = 26.1; 95%CI: 2.819-241), worse treatment knowledge at six months (OR per unit = 0.904; 95%CI: 0.853-0.957) and nonpsychiatric treatment at six months (OR = 15.8; 95%CI: 1.790-139) were independently associated to UNA.

CONCLUSION

Differentiated subtypes of nonadherence according to intentionality seem to exist in patients with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. Our findings suggest the need for differentiated approach, both in future research and in clinical practice.

Treatment Attitudes and Adherence Among Patients with Bipolar Disorder: A Systematic Review of Quantitative and Qualitative Studies

BACKGROUND

Systematic reviews about treatment attitudes of patients influencing adherence in bipolar disorder (BD) are rare.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines and principles of thematic synthesis. Selectively identified quantitative and qualitative studies were used to examine the attitude-adherence relationship in BD, the types and correlates of treatment attitudes, and the impact of psychosocial interventions on attitudes.

RESULTS

The final list of 163 articles included 114 observational reports (incorporating 21 psychosocial intervention trials), 45 qualitative/descriptive studies, and 4 patient surveys. A positive association between treatment attitudes and adherence was found in most quantitative and qualitative studies, though the strength of the relationship was unclear. Thematic analysis of qualitative studies suggested that patient attitudes influencing adherence were based on perceived advantages and disadvantages of treatment. The principal correlates of patients' attitudes were family attitudes, the clinician-patient alliance, social support, and patients' knowledge of BD. Though negative attitudes such as denial, concerns about adverse treatment consequences, and stigmatizing effects of treatment were common, many patients believed treatment to be beneficial and necessary. The limited data on the effect of psychosocial interventions indicated that treatments selectively targeting attitudes enhanced adherence.

LIMITATIONS

The studies were heterogeneous in design; the quality was uneven (fair to poor); and the risk of bias moderate to high.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite these flaws, awareness of the existing evidence on the attitude-adherence association and other aspects of treatment attitudes in BD can help in efforts to address nonadherence in BD.

Elderly people with mental disorders: experiencing the use of psychotropic medicines

OBJECTIVE

To interpret the experience of the elderly with mental disorder in the use of psychotropic medicines.

METHOD

Qualitative study in the interpretative modality, supported by the Grounded Theory. It was carried out from interviews with 16 elderly people with mental disorder and six relatives, totaling 22 participants.

RESULTS

In the experience of the use of psychotropic medicines, the elderly with mental disorders become aware of their condition, attribute meaning and establish strategies for the correct use. On the other hand, they express their dissatisfaction with being dependent on psychotropic medicines to live without symptoms, face their side effects and do not always use them correctly.

CONCLUSION

The use of psychotropic medicines is a priority in the life of the elderly and, in view of the fragilities found, it is necessary a continuous monitoring of health professionals.

Prevalence of medication therapy adherence in the elderly and related factors

RESUMO Objetivo: verificar a prevalência de adesão à terapêutica medicamentosa entre idosos em atendimento ambulatorial e se há associação entre tal adesão e fatores demográficos, socioeconômicos e condições de saúde. Método: estudo exploratório, descritivo, transversal, quantitativo, realizado nos ambulatórios de um hospital universitário no Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Participaram 107 idosos, selecionados por conveniência, que responderam a três instrumentos de coleta de dados. Realizou-se análise estatística descritiva e inferencial. Resultados: a prevalência de adesão foi de 86,9%. Houve associação estatisticamente significante entre a variável adesão e receber orientações do médico sobre como fazer uso dos medicamentos e apresentar reação adversa. Conclusão: é importante que os enfermeiros conheçam a prevalência de adesão aos medicamentos e os fatores a ela relacionados para melhor planejamento de intervenções que promovam o sucesso terapêutico.

Two years' outcome of acute mania in bipolar disorder: different effects of age and age of onset

BACKGROUND

Information about differences between younger and older patients with bipolar disorder and between older patients with early and late age of onset of illness during long-term treatment is scarce.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate the differences in treatment and treatment outcome between older and younger manic bipolar patients and between early-onset bipolar (EOB) and late-onset bipolar (LOB) older patients.

METHOD

The European Mania in Bipolar Longitudinal Evaluation of Medication study was a 2-year prospective, observational study in 3459 bipolar patients on the treatment and outcome of patients with an acute manic or mixed episode. Patients were assessed at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months post-baseline. We calculated the number of patients with a remission, recovery, relapse, and recurrence and the mean time to achieve this.

RESULTS

Older patients did not differ from younger bipolar patients in achieving remission and recovery or suffering a relapse and in the time to achieve this. However, more older patients recurred and in shorter time. Older patients used less atypical antipsychotics and more antidepressants and other concomitant psychiatric medication. Older EOB and LOB patients did not differ in treatment, but more older LOB patients tended to recover than older EOB patients.

CONCLUSION

Older bipolar manic patients did not differ from younger bipolar patients in short-term treatment outcome (remission and recovery), but in the long term, this may be more difficult to maintain. Distinguishing age groups in bipolar study populations may be useful when considering treatment and treatment outcome and warrants further study.

Asenapine for elderly bipolar manic patients

BACKGROUND

Bipolar disorder (BPD) in the elderly is probably heterogeneous and its etiopathogenesis is complex. The data for the treatment of late-life BPD are limited. Asenapine is approved in the United States for acute treatment of manic or mixed episodes of bipolar I disorder with or without psychotic features.

AIM

We report the results of acute treatment with asenapine in elderly patients with BPD.

METHOD

Elderly patients (N=11), mean age: 67.7 ± 6.1 years, consecutively admitted to the psychogeriatric ward due to acute bipolar mania were treated by asenapine 10mg/BID monotherapy for 4 weeks. Safety and tolerability assessments included adverse events (AEs), laboratory values, and anthropometric measures. Response, a secondary assessment, was measured as change in Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) total score from baseline to week 4.

RESULTS

One patient developed a rash on day 6 of treatment and one patient developed peripheral edema on day 14 of treatment. Both AEs resolved rapidly following discontinuation of asenapine. Only mild sedation was reported by three patients. In all cases, mean (± SD) change (improvement) in YMRS total score at week 4 was -21.4 ± 12.9 and 7/11 (63.6%) of patients remitted (YMRS≤12).

CONCLUSION

In this small open-label study of elderly patients with bipolar mania, acute treatment with asenapine was well tolerated and effective.