Psychopharmacologic Medication Use Research Articles

Association of Weight Status and Waist Circumference with Physical Activity in people with Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders and healthy controls

BackgroundIndividuals with Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders (SSD) often suffer from obesity and do limited Physical Activity (PA). PA has many beneficial effects on a variety of somatic and mental variables and it should be strengthened among people with mental disorders. The relationship between Body Mass Index (BMI), Waist Circumference (WC), and PA in this population is poorly understood, with a lack of precise PA assessment. This study investigates the association between BMI, WC, weight, and PA in individuals with SSD and controls using accelerometers. MethodsOne hundred twenty-six patients with SSD (residents and outpatients) and 110 sex- and age-matched controls were enrolled. Clinical, sociodemographic, and quality-of-life data were collected. PA was measured with a tri-axial ActiGraph GT9X and quantified by Vector Magnitude (VM). Relationships between PA and BMI, WC, and weight changes were analysed using linear regression models. ResultsPatients were more likely to be unmarried, unemployed, and less educated compared to controls (p < 0.001). Residents had more medical comorbidities (p = 0.001), while outpatients had higher BMI, weight, and WC (p < 0.001). Residents reported more severe psychopathology, lower functioning, and greater use of psychopharmacological medications (p < 0.001). Higher PA levels were not significantly associated with lower BMI, WC, or weight. Although not statistically significant, increased PA showed a trend towards lower obesity risk. ConclusionsSociodemographic, medical, and clinical characteristics of individuals with SSD define vulnerability factors that can inform tailored interventions to improve PA.

Sensory Symptoms and Signs of Hyperarousal in Individuals with Fragile X Syndrome: Findings from the FORWARD Registry and Database Multisite Study.

This study was designed to increase our understanding about characteristics and the impact of sensory symptoms (SS) and signs of hyperarousal (HA) in individuals with fragile X syndrome (FXS) from childhood through early adulthood and by gender. Data derived from the Fragile X Online Registry With Accessible Research Database (FORWARD), a natural history study of FXS, were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multivariate linear and logistic regression models to examine SS and signs of HA, their impact on behavioral regulation and limitations on the subject/family. The sample (N = 933) consisted of 720 males and 213 females. More males were affected with SS (87% vs. 68%) and signs of HA (92% vs. 79%). Subjects who were endorsed as having a strong sensory response had more comorbidities, including behavioral problems. The predominant SS was difficulty with eye gaze that increased with age in both genders. As individuals age, there was less use of non-medication therapies, such as occupational therapy (OT)/physical therapy (PT), but there was more use of psychopharmacological medications and investigational drugs for behaviors. Multiple regression models suggested that endorsing SS and signs of HA was associated with statistically significantly increased ABC-C-I subscale scores and limited participation in everyday activities. This study improves our understanding of SS and signs of HA as well as their impact in FXS. It supports the need for more research regarding these clinical symptoms, especially to understand how they contribute to well-known behavioral concerns.

Psychopharmacological Medication Use in Frontotemporal Dementia at the Time of Diagnosis: Comparison with Alzheimer's Disease.

Due to the significant presence of neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) spectrum disorders, psychiatric misdiagnoses, diagnostic delay, and use of psychiatric treatments are common prior to the FTD diagnosis. Furthermore, treatment of diagnosed FTD patients mainly relies on off-label psychopharmacological approaches. Currently, limited real-world data are available regarding the actual use of psychopharmacological medications in FTD. To evaluate psychopharmacological medication use at the time of FTD diagnosis. Psychopharmacological medication use was evaluated in a Finnish FTD cohort containing 222 FTD patients, including the major clinical disease phenotypes (behavioral, language, and motor variants) and genetic patients carrying the C9orf72 repeat expansion. A cohort of 214 Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients was used as a neurodegenerative disease reference group. Active use of psychopharmacological medications at the time of diagnosis was significantly more common in FTD compared to AD, especially in the case of antidepressants (26.1% versus 15.0%, OR = 2.01, p = 0.008), antipsychotics (23.9% versus 9.3%, OR = 3.15, p < 0.001), and mood-stabilizers (6.3% versus 1.9%, OR = 2.93, p = 0.085; not statistically significant), whereas the use of cholinesterase inhibitors or memantine was nearly nonexistent in FTD patients. Female gender and behavioral variant of FTD phenotype alongside with depressive and psychotic symptoms were the most prominent factors associating with the use of these medications among the FTD spectrum patients. Use of off-label psychopharmacological medication and polypharmacy is substantially common at the time of FTD diagnosis. This likely reflects the challenges in using symptom-driven treatment approaches, especially prior to the eventual diagnosis.

Psychiatric Morbidity in Women With Previous Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Nationwide Register-Based Cohort Study.

To investigate associations between previous gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and incident psychiatric morbidity, and to explore the role of subsequent diabetes development in psychiatric morbidity risk. A nationwide register-based cohort study including all women delivering in Denmark from 1997 to 2018 was conducted. GDM exposure was based on diagnosis code, whereas psychiatric morbidity outcome was based on diagnosis code and psychopharmacological medication use. Multiple Cox regression and mediation analyses were performed. In a study population of 660,017 women, previous GDM was associated with increased risk of depression based on diagnosis code and/or medication use (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.22 [95% CI 1.18-1.27]), any psychiatric diagnosis (aHR 1.20 [95% CI 1.13-1.27]), and any psychopharmacological medication use (aHR 1.21 [95% CI 1.17-1.25]). Moreover, risk of depressive and anxiety disorders, as well as antidepressant and antipsychotic medication use, was increased, with aHRs ranging from 1.14 (95% CI 1.05-1.25) to 1.32 (95% CI 1.22-1.42). No associations were found regarding substance use disorders, psychotic disorders, bipolar disorders, postpartum psychiatric disease, or anxiolytic medication use. Psychiatric morbidity risk was higher in women with versus without subsequent diabetes development. However, GDM history affected risk estimates only in women without subsequent diabetes. Subsequent diabetes mediated 35-42% of the associations between GDM and psychiatric morbidity. GDM was associated with increased psychiatric morbidity risk. Subsequent diabetes development played a significant role in future psychiatric morbidity risk after GDM, although it only partly explained the association.

Antipsychotics, Antiepileptics, and Fabrication: Are We Making It or Faking It?

Antipsychotics, Antiepileptics, and Fabrication: Are We Making It or Faking It?

Pachychoroid pigment epitheliopathy in fellow eyes of patients with unilateral central serous chorioretinopathy

AimsTo investigate the prevalence of pachychoroid pigment epitheliopathy (PPE) in fellow eyes of patients with unilateral central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) and to determine differences between patients with PPE, uncomplicated pachychoroid...

Factors Affecting Burden of Psychopharmacological Medication in Patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder: The Importance of Early Diagnosis

Objective: The aim of the present study is to specify the frequency in psychopharmacological medication use in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and determine their age range at diagnosi...

RISK FACTORS FOR CENTRAL SEROUS CHORIORETINOPATHY: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) is a common retina disease and has a relative high recurrence rate, etiology, and pathogenesis of which remains ambiguous. The systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to measure risk factors for CSC in a quantitative method, providing some precautions and interventions on this disease and preventing further recurrences. A comprehensive literature review relating to risk factors for CSC through PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and VIP databases was conducted before March 2015. Odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated after data combination to assess the associations between risk factors and CSC. A total of 9839 patients in 17 studies were included and risk factors with significant differences found between CSC and control groups were listed as follows: hypertension (OR = 1.7; 95% CI: 1.28-2.25), Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection (OR = 3.12; 95% CI: 1.81-5.40), steroid usage (OR = 4.29; 95% CI: 2.01-9.15), sleeping disturbance (OR = 1.90; 95% CI: 1.28-1.83), autoimmune disease (OR=3.44; 95% CI: 1.90-6.26), psychopharmacologic medication use (OR = 2.69; 95% CI: 1.63-4.45), and Type-A behavior (OR = 2.53; 95% CI: 1.08-5.96). The authors concluded that hypertension, H. pylori infection, steroid usage, sleeping disturbance, autoimmune disease, psychopharmacologic medication use, and Type-A behavior were possible risk factors relating to the occurrence of CSC.

Prevalence of pseudobulbar affect symptoms and clinical correlates in nursing home residents

ObjectivePseudobulbar affect (PBA) is a neurological disorder of emotional expression, characterized by uncontrollable episodes of crying or laughing in patients with certain neurological disorders affecting the brain. The purposes of this study were to estimate the prevalence of PBA in US nursing home residents and examine the relationship between PBA symptoms and other clinical correlates, including the use of psychopharmacological medications.MethodsA retrospective study was conducted between 2013 and 2014 with a convenience sample of residents from nine Michigan nursing homes. Chronic‐care residents were included in the “predisposed population” if they had a neurological disorder affecting the brain and no evidence of psychosis, delirium, or disruptive behavior (per chart review). Residents were screened for PBA symptoms by a geropsychologist using the Center for Neurologic Study‐Lability Scale (CNS‐LS). Additional clinical information was collected using a diagnostic evaluation checklist and the most recent Minimum Data Set 3.0 assessment.ResultsOf 811 residents screened, complete data were available for 804, and 412 (51%) met the criteria for the “predisposed population.” PBA symptom prevalence, based on having a CNS‐LS score ≥13, was 17.5% in the predisposed population and 9.0% among all nursing home residents. Those with PBA symptoms were more likely to have a documented mood disorder and be using a psychopharmacological medication, including antipsychotics, than those without PBA symptoms.ConclusionsPseudobulbar affect symptoms were present in 17.5% of nursing home residents with neurological conditions, and 9.0% of residents overall. Increasing awareness and improving diagnostic accuracy of PBA may help optimize treatment. © 2015 The Authors. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Use of Psychopharmacologic Medications in Adolescents With Restrictive Eating Disorders: Analysis of Data From the National Eating Disorder Quality Improvement Collaborative

PurposePsychopharmacologic medications are often prescribed to patients with restrictive eating disorders (EDs), and little is known about the frequency of use in adolescents. We examined the use of psychopharmacologic medications in adolescents referred for treatment of restrictive ED, potential factors associated with their use, and reported psychiatric comorbidities. MethodsRetrospective data from the initial and 1-year visits were collected for patients referred for evaluation of restrictive ED at 12 adolescent-based ED programs during 2010 (Group 1), including diagnosis, demographic information, body mass index, prior treatment modalities, and psychopharmacologic medications. Additional data regarding patients' comorbid psychiatric conditions and classes of psychopharmacologic medications were obtained from six sites (Group 2). ResultsOverall, 635 patients met inclusion criteria and 359 had 1-year follow-up (Group 1). At intake, 20.4% of Group 1 was taking psychopharmacologic medication and 58.7% at 1 year (p ≤ .0001). White, non-Hispanic race (p = .020), and prior higher level of care (p < .0001) were positively associated with medication use at 1 year. Among Group 2 (n = 256), serotonin reuptake inhibitors/serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors use was most common, and 62.6% had a reported psychiatric comorbidity. Presence of any psychiatric comorbidity was highly associated with medication use; odds ratio, 10.0 (5.6, 18.0). ConclusionsAdolescents with restrictive ED treated at referral centers have high rates of reported psychopharmacologic medication use and psychiatric comorbidity. As more than half of this referral population were reported to be taking medication, continued investigation is warranted to ensure the desired outcomes of the medications are being met.

ANTIPSYCHOTICS AND OTHER PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGICAL MEDICATION USE IN UNITED STATES NURSING HOMES: WHAT ARE THE CONCERNS AND ACTIONS TAKING PLACE TO OPTIMIZE PRESCRIBING?

Historically, the use of psychopharmacological medications (PPMs), such as antipsychotics, antidepressants, sedative-hypnotics and anxiolytics, has been scrutinized due to concerns with safety and efficacy especially in older adults with dementia. In 2012, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) launched a National Initiative to improve the behavioral health of older adults residing in America's Nursing Homes with a focus on reducing the inappropriate use of antipsychotics. This is in addition to the Unnecessary Medication Guidance (F329) that is utilized by surveyors to look at all medications for indication, dose, duration and monitoring for efficacy and adverse consequences. The intent of this presentation is to describe the use of psychopharmacological medications in nursing homes (NHs) and relate it to the ongoing initiatives to improve the care of persons with dementia. In order to estimate the prevalence and patterns of use of psychopharmacological medications (PPMs) a 5% random sample of 2007 Medicare claims data (Parts A, B and D claims) linked to the Minimum Data Set 2.0. This is a cross sectional study of a nationally representative sample of 69, 832 NHs residents with > 3 months of institutionalization. The study measured one-year prevalence and quality of PPM use and operationalized the indication, dose, and duration of use according to the current CMS guidance and practice guidelines. Dose exposure was operationalized with a modified standardized daily dose (mSDD). There were over two-thirds of residents using > 1 PPM and most using them for greater than half of the year. Among antipsychotic users, the indication for use was chronic psychiatric conditions (49.9%); Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementia with behavioral symptoms (61.6%) and Delirium (20.7%). The mean days of use for each of the indications respectively were 214, 215 and 190 with 71-92% of the residents on a mSDD within acceptable range. These national estimates provide a benchmark to look at the chronic use of all psychopharmacological medications among long stay nursing home residents. Furthermore, in light of the increased focus on antipsychotics it highlights that prescribing of other psychopharmacologicals should not be ignored.

Quality of psychopharmacological medication use in nursing home residents

Despite well-documented evidence regarding antipsychotic use in older adults residing innursing homes (NHs), there is a lack of evidence-based use and quality benchmarks for other psychopharmacological medications (PPMs), including antidepressants, anxiolytics, and sedative-hypnotics. To estimate the prevalence and patterns of use of PPMs and to measure the quality of PPM use. Using a 5% random sample of 2007 Medicare claims data linked to the Minimum Data Set 2.0, this cross-sectional study identified a nationally representative sample of 69,832 NH residents with ≥3 months of institutionalization. This study measured 1-year prevalence and quality of PPM use, as assessed by indication, dose, and duration of use defined and operationalized according to the current Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Unnecessary Medication Guidance for Surveyors and relevant practice guidelines. Over two-thirds of residents (72.1%, n=50,349) used ≥1 PPM in 2007, with the highest prevalence seen in antidepressants (59.4%), and the lowest in anxiolytics (8.9%). Almost two-thirds (61.0%) of PPM users used ≥2 PPM classes. Compared to other PPM therapeutic classes, antipsychotic users had greatest evidence of guideline adequate use by indication (95.8%) and dose (78.7%). In addition, longer duration of adequate treatment was observed among antipsychotic users (mean=208 days, standard deviation [SD]=118) as compared to anxiolytic (mean=159 days, SD=118) and sedative-hypnotic users (mean=183 days, SD=117). This study found that PPM use remains highly prevalent among long-stay Medicare NH residents. While antipsychotic use remained high (31.5%), little antipsychotic use was deemed inadequate by indication. However, the 1-year prevalence of use, dose, and duration of use of other PPMs remain high and potentially inadequate. Practitioners and policy-makers should heed both the high use and lower prescribing quality of antidepressants, anxiolytics, and sedative-hypnotics in NH residents.

Clinical, Behavioral, and Treatment Differences in Nursing Facility Residents with Dementia, with and without Pseudobulbar Affect Symptomatology

Characterize the prevalence and impact of crying and tearfulness as symptoms that may be suggestive of pseudobulbar affect (PBA) in residents of nursing facilities, including those with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and non-AD [non-AD-associated] associated dementia. Data were extracted retrospectively from a large repository of de-identified and linked Minimum Data Set 2.0 (MDS) and prescription claims records for the period between October 1, 2009, and September 30, 2010. A score of 1 or 2 on MDS item E1m ("crying, tearfulness") was used to identify potential PBA. 19,000 nursing facilities in 48 states. Prescription and MDS records of nursing facility residents. Comparison of concomitant diagnoses, MDS mood, and behavioral indicators, and psychopharmacologic medication use, in residents with crying/tearfulness to a control group matched for age, gender, diagnosis of AD or non-AD dementia, and diagnosis of depression. A total of 137,829 residents underwent at least one MDS assessment during the study period. Of these, 12,595 (9.1%) had item E1m ("crying, tearfulness") scored as a 1 or 2 on their MDS assessments. Ten thousand residents were then randomly selected from this group and matched to 10,000 controls without "crying, tearfulness" (MDS E1m = 0) for analysis. A total of 4,786 (47.9%) unique residents with "crying, tearfulness" had a diagnosis of AD (8.8%), non-AD dementia (31.5%), or both (7.6%). All of the MDS mood indicators were at least twice as prevalent in this group compared with those without "crying, tearfulness" Additionally, mood symptoms such as anger, worried/pained facial expressions, and repetitive verbalizations; and behavioral symptoms such as verbal/physical abuse and socially inappropriate/disruptive behavior, were more than twice as frequent in the "crying, tearfulness" group. Antipsychotic medications were also used more often in this group (50% vs. 36.1%), as were antidepressants (59.1% vs. 49.8%). In the absence of an International Classification of Diseases 9th edition, Clinical Modification code, the presence of "crying, tearfulness" on MDS 2.0 item E1m was used as a proxy to identify potential PBA. Nursing facility residents with "crying, tearfulness" had a higher prevalence of all mood and behavior indicators as well as psychopharmacological medication use, compared with matched controls without "crying, tearfulness." Similar results were seen in the subgroup of residents with an underlying diagnosis of AD and/or non-AD dementia. Further research should validate the actual prevalence of PBA in this population, and the corresponding impact on resident outcomes.

Significant sleep disturbances in euthymic bipolar patients

ObjectiveA growing amount of data suggests that sleep dysfunction is frequently observed in bipolar disorder (BD) patients even when they do not fulfill the criteria for major mood episodes. Thus, we performed a case–control study assessing sleep status in a group of euthymic BD patients and a group of health controls. MethodsA total of 209 subjects (104 health controls and 105 BD patients) were enrolled in the study. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used for sleep assessment. Inclusion criteria for the BD group were a diagnosis of BD, following DSM-IV-TR criteria, according to the MINI-plus structured clinical interview. Euthymia was established as a score lower than 7 both in the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) and in the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS). Health controls were also interviewed using the MINI-plus and included in this study if they were free of any current or past DSM-IV-TR axis I psychiatric disorder as well the actual use of psychopharmacological medications. ResultsWhile 21.2 % of the control group displayed poor sleep quality according to the global PSQI-BR score, 82.9 % of the euthymic BD patients had poor sleep quality (p=0.000). PSQI sleep duration subcomponent showed comparable results in the two groups (p=0.535), even though BD patients had significant disruptions in sleep latency (p=0.000) and sleep efficiency (p=0.000) subcomponents. ConclusionWe were able to show that BD patients, even in euthymic phase, exhibit a significantly worse sleep quality as compared with health controls as assessed by PSQI total score and five of its seven subcomponents.

Pharmacotherapeutic Management of Dementia Across Settings of Care

To describe population-based use of cognitive-enhancing and psychopharmacological medications across care settings in Medicare beneficiaries with dementia. One-year (2008) cross-sectional study. Medicare administrative claims from a 5% random sample. Medicare beneficiaries with dementia aged 65 and older with continuous Medicare Parts A, B, and D coverage and alive throughout 2008. To ascertain dementia, one or more medical claims with a dementia International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification code was required before 2008, and an additional claim was required in 2008 to confirm active disease. Use of medications commonly prescribed in managing dementia (cognitive enhancers, antidepressants, antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers) was assessed using three measures: annual prevalence of use, consistency of use, and count of psychopharmacological medication classes. Care setting was determined using the number of months of nursing home (NH) residency: no NH (0 months), partial NH (1-11 months), and full NH (12 months). Community-dwellers represented 41.3% of the cohort, whereas 42.4% and 16.3% resided partially and fully in a NH, respectively. Annual prevalence of use was 57.1% for cognitive enhancers, 56.4% for antidepressants, 34.0% for antipsychotics, and 8.8% for mood stabilizers. Cognitive enhancer use was significantly lower in those with any NH stay (partial NH vs no NH, adjusted prevalence ratio (APR) = 0.84, 99% confidence interval (CI) = 0.83-0.86; full NH vs no NH, APR = 0.83, 99% CI = 0.81-0.85). In contrast, those with any NH residence had significantly higher use of all psychopharmacological medication classes than community-dwellers. More than half the cohort had consistent medication regimens during 2008 (64.8%). The number of psychopharmacological medication classes used increased with increasing NH stay duration. This population-based study documents significant differences in medication use for managing dementia between care settings and substantial use of psychopharmacological medications in older adults with dementia.

Psychopharmacological Medication Use Among Older Adults with Dementia in Nursing Homes

Historically, the use of psychopharmacological medications, such as antipsychotic, antidepressant, and anxiolytic agents, have been scrutinized due to concerns with safety and efficacy especially in older adults with dementia. Over the past year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services launched a national initiative to improve the behavioral health of older adults residing in America's nursing homes with a focus on reducing the inappropriate use of these medications to inform the practitioner of the importance of not just evaluating antipsychotic agents but all medications that an older person with dementia may be prescribed. This is critical due to the increased vulnerability of this population to adverse effects coupled with varying degrees of efficacy. Online national resources are also provided.

P4‐336: Clinical, behavioral and treatment differences in nursing home residents with dementia, with and without PBA symptomatology

Pseudobulbar affect (PBA) is a neurologic condition characterized by sudden, frequent and involuntary episodes of crying or laughing which occurs secondary to neurologic conditions or brain injury. PBA-associated crying episodes may be inaccurately attributed to a mood disorder. Our objective was to characterize the prevalence and impact of symptoms suggestive of PBA in residents of nursing facilities with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and non-AD dementia. Data were extracted retrospectively from a large repository of de-identified and linked Minimum Data Set 2.0 (MDS) and prescription claims records of US nursing home residents between 10/1/2009 and 9/30/2010. PBA symptomatology was defined as a score of 1 or 2 on MDS item E1m (“crying, tearfulness”). Concomitant diagnoses, MDS mood and behavioral indicators, and psychopharmacologic medication use in residents with PBA symptoms were compared with a group of residents without PBA symptoms who were propensity-matched for age, gender, diagnosis of AD or non-AD dementia, and diagnosis of depression. A total of 137,829 residents underwent at least one MDS assessment during the study period. Of these, 12,595 (9.1%) had item E1m (“crying, tearfulness”) scored as a 1 or 2 on their MDS assessments. Ten thousand residents were then randomly selected from this group and matched to 10,000 controls without crying/tearfulness for analysis. A total of 4786 (48%) unique residents with symptoms of PBA had a diagnosis of AD or non-AD dementia. All of the MDS mood indicators were at least twice as prevalent in the group with PBA symptomatology compared to those without. Additionally, mood symptoms such as anger, worried/pained facial expressions, and repetitive verbalizations; and behavioral symptoms such as verbal/physical abuse and socially inappropriate/disruptive behavior were more than twice as frequent in the PBA symptomatology group. Antipsychotic medications were also used more often in the group with PBA symptoms (50% vs 36.1%), as were antidepressants (59.1% vs 49.8%). Nursing home residents with dementia and symptoms suggestive of PBA had a higher prevalence of mood and behavioral symptoms, and antipsychotic use. Further research should better-elucidate PBA symptoms in this population.

Validity of Type D personality in Iceland: association with disease severity and risk markers in cardiac patients

Type D personality has been associated with poor prognosis in cardiac patients. This study investigated the validity of the Type D construct in Iceland and its association with disease severity and health-related risk markers in cardiac patients. A sample of 1,452 cardiac patients completed the Type D scale (DS14), and a subgroup of 161 patients completed measurements for the five-factor model of personality, emotional control, anxiety, depression, stress and lifestyle factors. The Icelandic DS14 had good psychometric properties and its construct validity was confirmed. Prevalence of Type D was 26–29%, and assessment of Type D personality was not confounded by severity of underlying coronary artery disease. Regarding risk markers, Type D patients reported more psychopharmacological medication use and smoking, but frequency of previous mental problems was similar across groups. Type D is a valid personality construct in Iceland, and is associated with health-related risk markers, but not cardiac disease severity.

Trends in Psychopharmacologic Medication Use in U.S. Nursing Homes Indicate Improved Care

(2003). Trends in Psychopharmacologic Medication Use in U.S. Nursing Homes Indicate Improved Care. Journal of Aging & Pharmacotherapy: Vol. 13, No. 1, pp. 7-11.

Characterization of the abnormality in esophageal acid exposure in gastroesophageal reflux disease

PURPOSE: To determine systemic factors associated with central serous chorioretinopathy.METHODS: In a retrospective study, 230 consecutive patients with central serous chorioretinopathy examined in a referral setting were compared with a historical gender-matched and age-matched control group of 230 patients with ocular findings who were examined in the same referral setting.RESULTS: The median age of the patients was 49.8 years, and of the control subjects, 50.0 years. The male-female ratio for both groups was 2.7:1. Patients with central serous chorioretinopathy were more likely to use psychopharmacologic medications (odds ratio = 2.6; 95% confidence interval = 1.30 to 5.19; P = .0049) and corticosteroids (odds ratio = 3.17; 95% confidence interval = 1.30 to 7.70; P = .0067) and were more likely to have hypertension (odds ratio = 2.25; 95% confidence interval = 1.39 to 3.63; P = .0008) than were the control subjects.CONCLUSIONS: This study identified psychopharmacologic medication use, corticosteroid use, and hypertension as factors associated with central serous chorioretinopathy. These findings reinforce the concept that stress and adaptations to stress play a role in this disorder. The findings of possible associations between central serous chorioretinopathy and both hypertension and corticosteroid usage suggest that these modifiable factors may influence morbidity of central serous chorioretinopathy.