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Psychotropic medication discussions in older adults' primary care office visits: so much to do, so little time
- Authors:
- AHN SangNam, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Aging and Mental Health, 15(5), July 2011, pp.618-629.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
This study investigated discussions of psychotropic medications during older patient's visits to primary care physicians. It also examined different scenarios physicians use to address mental health complaints of older adults. Fifty nine videotaped care visits involving mental health discussions were complemented by patient and physician surveys. Findings revealed that a third of visits contained no psychotropic medication discussions despite its important role in treating mental illnesses. When prescribing psychotropic medicines, physicians presented information about the medication's purpose and brand name more often than adverse effects or usage. More competing demands were associated with less psychotropic medication discussions. Given the seriousness of mental illness in late life, the authors concluded that system-level changes may be needed to correctly diagnose mental illness, take more proactive actions to improve mental health, and enhance information exchange concerning psychotropic medication.