General Anxiety Disorder

Angie SzumlinskiNews

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a debilitating condition that is prevalent among older adults. Estimates are that 2.4% to 6.3% of older adults suffer with GAD. What exactly is GAD? It is characterized by persistent, uncontrollable worry that occurs for at least 6 months. It is often associated with decreased quality of life, cognitive impairment, disability, and increased healthcare utilization. …

Antipsychotic Use During Pandemic

Angie SzumlinskiHealth, Studies

In a recent study published in the JAMA Internal Medicine Network, the use of psychotropic medications among nursing home residents in Ontario, Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic was discussed. The study examined the monthly proportion of nursing home residents who were prescribed psychotropic drugs as a proportion of the monthly number of residents filling a prescription for any drug from …

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Antipsychotic – The Silent Killer?

Angie SzumlinskiHealth, Studies

We have all heard about hypertension being the silent killer, but what about the use of “first-generation” or “typical” antipsychotic medications? A recent study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that geriatric patients receiving these medications were significantly more likely to experience death or cardiopulmonary arrest compared to people who did not take these drugs! Unfortunately, …

CMS Releases Enforcement of Federal Regulations Related to Antipsychotic Medication Utilization Rates

Angie SzumlinskiCompliance, News

As of January 2019, there are 235 late adopter nursing homes that have been cited for noncompliance with federal regulations related to unnecessary medications or psychotropic medications two or more times since January 1, 2016, and who have not shown improvement in their long-stay antipsychotic medication rates. If these facilities are determined not to be in substantial compliance with requirements …