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Sedative hypnotic use among veterans with a newly reported mental health disorder

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 April 2016

Elizabeth A. DiNapoli ,
Adam D. Bramoweth ,
Christopher Cinna  and
John Kasckow
Elizabeth A. DiNapoli
Affiliation:
VISN 4 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
Adam D. Bramoweth*
Affiliation:
VISN 4 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
Christopher Cinna
Affiliation:
VISN 4 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA Center for Social and Public Policy, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
John Kasckow
Affiliation:
VISN 4 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
*
Correspondence should be addressed to: Adam D. Bramoweth, PhD, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Research Office Building (151R), University Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15240, USA. Phone: +412-360-2806; Fax: +412-360-2369. Email: [email protected].
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Abstract

Background:

This study compared sedative hypnotic use by type of mental health diagnosis and determined factors associated with use among older veterans (65+ years) with a newly reported mental health disorder.

Methods:

This study used data from veterans who received primary care services at VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System (VAPHS) from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2011 (n = 879).

Results:

Sedative hypnotics were commonly used in older veterans within 12-months following a newly reported mental health disorder (19.9%), particularly amongst those with insomnia (41.7%). The number of newly reported mental health disorders was a significant factor associated with sedative hypnotic use, with the odds of use increasing by more than 200% in older adults with two newly reported disorders compared to those with one newly reported mental health disorder.

Conclusions:

Continued efforts are needed to improve provider and patient awareness of the risks associated with sedative hypnotic use in older adults, as well as to increase access to and receipt of non-pharmacological mental health treatments for this vulnerable population.

Keywords

sedatives and hypnoticsveteransmental healthagedinappropriate prescriptions
Type
Research Article
Information
International Psychogeriatrics , Volume 28 , Issue 8 , August 2016 , pp. 1391 - 1398
Copyright
Copyright © International Psychogeriatric Association 2016 

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