Study, Nov/21: Geriatric Depression and Inappropriate Medication...

[[Buddie]]

The full title of this Czech/American study is "Geriatric Depression and Inappropriate Medication: Benefits of Interprofessional Team Cooperation in Nursing Homes".

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34886164/

Abstract

An investigation of inappropriate medication use in treatment of depressivity in institutionalized older adults, based on a nurse-led evaluation of functional status and depressive symptoms in nursing home residents. Methods: A cross-sectional multicenter study was performed using records from 1087 residents cared for in fifteen nursing homes (NHs) in the Czech Republic. Inclusion criteria were being a permanent resident of one of the facilities, being 60 years of age or older, having a Geriatric Depression Scale score of 6 or more, and having a Mini Mental State examination score 10 or more. The final sample for analysis included 317 depressed NH residents. Results: 52 percent of NH residents with depressivity had no antidepressant treatment. Benzodiazepines were the only medication in 16 percent of depressed residents, and were added to antidepressant treatment in 18 percent of residents. Benzodiazepine users had significantly higher GDS scores compared to non-users (p = 0.007). Conclusion: More than half of depressed NH residents remained without antidepressant treatment. Residents inappropriately treated with benzodiazepines were more depressed than residents treated with antidepressants only, or even not treated at all. Cooperation of the interprofessional team in the screening of depressive symptoms has the potential to improve the quality of care.


Full Study:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8657238/

[[Buddie]]

Interesting, [...]. Kinda scary, tho. Lord save me from ending up in a nursing home. 

[...]

[[Buddie]]

Yes, [...], these studies don't paint a pretty picture, do they? I doubt there's much in the way of "informed consent" when it comes to these types of medications.