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Context Many patients with potentially curable cancer do not complete their prescribed treatment regimens because of the toxicity. There is evidence that the common endpoints of many of these toxicities are amenable to quality of life (QOL)-directed interventions. Objectives This study was conducted to determine the effect of a multidisciplinary QOL-directed intervention on patients' adherence to planned chemoradiation (CR) regimens. Methods The results of two randomized controlled trials that used the same QOL intervention were pooled to form a cohort of 61 patients with advanced localized gastrointestinal cancer. Of these 61 subjects, 29 participated in six to eight bi- to triweekly sessions that included exercise, education, and relaxation, and 32 received usual medical care. The primary endpoint was completion of their prescribed CR regimens. Secondary outcomes included hospitalization during CR, rates of adverse postoperative events, and complete pathological response in those undergoing neoadjuvant therapy. Results Significantly, more members of the intervention than the control group completed their planned CR regimens (77.8 vs. 38.2%, P = 0.003). More participants in the control ( n = 14) than the intervention ( n = 5) group ( P = 0.063) required hospitalization. Among those undergoing neoadjuvant CR, those in the intervention group were significantly more likely to complete CR as planned (81.0% vs. 37.5%, P = 0.005) and less likely to be hospitalized (14.3% vs. 50.0%, P = 0.011). Conclusion A structured multidisciplinary QOL-directed intervention delivered to patients undergoing CR may increase the proportion of patients who complete CR as planned and reduce unplanned hospitalizations. Utilization is an important outcome in QOL-directed intervention trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer caregiving can negatively impact the quality of life (QOL) of the caregiver. In-person interventions for improving coping skills have been shown to be effective in improving QOL for caregivers. This pilot project explored the feasibility and acceptability of a virtual group therapy intervention to improve short-term cancer caregiver QOL. Caregivers of cancer patients were enrolled in a structured multidisciplinary intervention of eight virtual group therapy sessions provided over four weeks between September 9, 2013 and November 17, 2014. Group sessions were led by trained facilitators and included components of physical therapy, occupational therapy, psychosocial education, cognitive-behavioral intervention, supportive discussion, spiritual reflection, and mindfulness therapy. Feasibility was based on acceptable number of recruited participants per session; acceptability was defined using attendance and 80% QOL completion rates. QOL domains and symptom burden were assessed using validated single items. The 20 cancer caregivers who enrolled were mostly older (80% were ≥ 65 years), female (76.5%), married to the patient (88.2%), Caucasian (100%), and highly educated (100%). 60% attended one to five sessions, 15% attended six to eight sessions, and 25% attended no sessions. Thirty percent completed pre- and post- intervention ratings of QOL items. Findings suggested that a virtual group therapy intervention is feasible for the cancer caregivers in this study. Although not statistically significant, the caregivers reported higher QOL and less symptom burden in multiple domains after participating in the virtual group therapy intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Existing pharmacological treatments for psychiatric disorders have demonstrated limited efficacy, delayed onset of action, and significant burden of side effects. Recent findings from human studies with psychedelics have shown promise, demonstrating rapid and sustained clinical benefits of these compounds for a variety of psychiatric disorders. Classical psychedelics have a rich history and some of these compounds have been used in shamanic and spiritual ceremonies for millennia. The psychoactive effects of these drugs, particularly on human consciousness, have generated great scientific curiosity, and early research on psychedelics suggested their clinical benefits for psychiatric conditions, including alcohol use disorders and anxiety and depressive symptoms in terminal illness and life-threatening conditions. Since the 1990s, after a period of dormancy that followed the criminalization of psychedelic drugs since the Controlled Substance Act of 1970, the continued interest in their unique psychoactive effects along with the pursuit for novel and more effective treatments in psychiatry have led to a renewed interest in research on these compounds. While preliminary findings on psychedelics are encouraging, current evidence is still insufficient to support extensive use of these drugs routinely. Long-term safety and efficacy of these compounds remain unclear, and several clinical trials are underway and may add clarity to these questions. Therefore, this article intends to provide an overview of the evidence to date on psychedelic drugs – particularly psilocybin, MDMA, and LSD – for the treatment of psychiatric disorders. • This article intends to provide an overview of the clinical applications of psychedelic drugs and psychedelic-assisted therapy for psychiatric conditions. • The goal is to highlight the evidence to date from clinical research on psilocybin, MDMA, and LSD, since these drugs have been more extensively studied, besides a discussion on methodological challenges and future directions of human research on psychedelics. • Noteworthy, a review of preclinical evidence is beyond the scope of this article. • Moreover, ayahuasca, ibogaine, mescaline, and other hallucinogens will be covered elsewhere in this special edition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objectives: ApoE ε4 is associated with adverse health conditions that negatively impact the quality of life (QOL). The relationship between ApoE ε4 and QOL has not been explored in the oldest old. Our study aimed to examine ApoE in the oldest old and explore its association with QOL. Design: Cross-sectional cohort study. Setting: A medium sized community in Olmsted County, Minnesota. Participants: Individuals aged 90 to 99 years, living independently or in long term care environments. Measurements: We collected demographic information and measured cognitive function (Short Test of Mental Status, Mini-Mental State Examination, Mattis Dementia Rating Scale), QOL (Linear Analogue Self Assessment), and ApoE distribution. Subjects were classified as cognitively normal, mild cognitive impairment, dementia, or dementia with stroke and/or parkinsonism (DEMSP). Regression model was used to assess the predictors of QOL. Results: A total of 121 subjects (45 cognitively normal, 13 with mild cognitive impairment, 34 with dementia, 29 DEMSP) aged 90–99 years, 106 (87.6 %) females, were included. Frequency of ApoE ε3 allele was highest (194 [80.2%]: ε2/3 18, ε3/3 77, ε3/4 22) followed by ApoE ε4 (25 [10.3%]: ε2/4 3, ε3/4 22) and ApoE ε2 (23 [9.5%; ε2/2 1, ε2/3 18, ε2/4 3). None of the subjects carried ApoE ε4/4 genotype. QOL was similar between ApoE ε4 carrier and noncarriers. Physical well-being, emotional well-being, intellectual well-being, social connectedness, and coping ability were positively associated with QOL, whereas male sex, DEMSP, pain frequency, and pain severity were negatively associated. Conclusions: The most common ApoE in the oldest old was ε3/3 genotype and ε3 allele. No association was found between ApoE ε4 and QOL. However, those with high physical, emotional and intellectual well being, social connectedness, and coping ability had the highest overall QOL. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Opioids have been used to treat pain and invoke pleasure for centuries. Modern scientific advancements have led to more potent, synthetic opioids. While certainly more effective in treating pain, they can also be much more addictive. Over the years the scientific community has developed a clearer understanding of the role opioid receptors play in causing and treating opioid use disorders (OUD) and we now know that OUD can develop in individuals taking opioids for "legitimate" pain. Current guidelines suggest that all prescribers (especially those prescribing opioids) be capable treating OUD. Pharmacological advances have led to a wide array of safe and effective treatment options to address OUDs. This paper will discuss the history of opioid development, what is known about the transition from analgesic uses to addiction and modern evidenced based treatment strategies to address OUDs. • Scientific advancements have led to stronger opioids improving pain treatment but also increasing addiction potential • Prescribers of opioids for chronic pain need to be able to identify and treat opioid use disorders (OUD) in their patients • Three medication options exist to treat OUD and these options are enhanced by therapy based chemical dependency treatment [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine barriers to accepting mental health care among depressed cancer patients. Cancer patients who screened positive for depression were referred for mental health treatment and sent a validated questionnaire designed to assess barriers to receiving mental health care. Responses were compared between patients who accepted their referral and those who did not. Among 75 patients who agreed to participate, 51 (68%) completed the questionnaire. Reported barriers to accessing mental healthcare were not significantly different between the two groups but patients residing within 50 miles of the clinic had increased odds of attending their appointment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Catatonia is a challenging and heterogeneous neuropsychiatric syndrome of motor, affective and behavioral dysregulation which has been associated with multiple disorders such as structural brain lesions, systemic diseases, and psychiatric disorders. This systematic review summarized and compared functional neuroimaging abnormalities in catatonia associated with psychiatric and medical conditions. Using PRISMA methods, we completed a systematic review of 6 databases from inception to February 7th, 2024 of patients with catatonia that had functional neuroimaging performed. A total of 309 studies were identified through the systematic search and 62 met the criteria for full-text review. A total of 15 studies reported patients with catatonia associated with a psychiatric disorder (n = 241) and one study reported catatonia associated with another medical condition, involving patients with N -methyl- d -aspartate receptor antibody encephalitis (n = 23). Findings varied across disorders, with hyperactivity observed in areas like the prefrontal cortex (PFC), the supplementary motor area (SMA) and the ventral pre-motor cortex in acute catatonia associated to a psychiatric disorder, hypoactivity in PFC, the parietal cortex, and the SMA in catatonia associated to a medical condition, and mixed metabolic activity in the study on catatonia linked to a medical condition. Findings support the theory of dysfunction in cortico-striatal-thalamic, cortico-cerebellar, anterior cingulate-medial orbitofrontal, and lateral orbitofrontal networks in catatonia. However, the majority of the literature focuses on schizophrenia spectrum disorders, leaving the pathophysiologic characteristics of catatonia in other disorders less understood. This review highlights the need for further research to elucidate the pathophysiology of catatonia across various disorders. • Catatonia is associated with multiple illnesses beyond psychiatric disorders. • Functional neuroimaging findings indicate multiple circuits dysfunction. • Most of functional neuroimaging research in catatonia has focused on schizophrenia. • Catatonia in medical and psychiatric disorders may show distinct dysfunction patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To determine the role of previous psychiatric disorders including substance use disorders on emergency department (ED) patients on involuntary holds and compare presentations, treatment, and outcomes based on cause. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of patients ≥ 18 years old on involuntary holds in the ED of a tertiary care center from January 1, 2013, to November 30, 2015. Demographic and clinical information were collected. Those with and without prior psychiatric disorder including substance use disorder were compared. Results: We identified 251 patients of which 129 (51.4%) had a psychiatric disorder, 23 (9.2%) had a substance use disorder, and 86 (34.3%) had both. Thirteen patients (5.2%) had no psychiatric disorder or substance use disorder and the majority 10 (76.9%) were on involuntary holds due to suicidal threats related to pain or another medical problem. Patients without a psychiatric or substance use disorder were older (55 years [17.8] vs 42 [19]; P = 0.01), more likely to be married (10 [76.9%] vs 64 [26.9%]; P < 0.001), and had more medical comorbidities (10 [76.9%] vs 114 [47.9%]; P = 0.049) compared with those without a psychiatric or substance use disorder. Conclusion: Patients on involuntary holds most commonly have pre-existing psychiatric disorder including substance use disorder. Patients on involuntary holds without history of psychiatric disorder often have severe pain or other active medical conditions which may contribute to suicidal thoughts. Addressing these underlying medical issues may be crucial in preventing further psychiatric decompensation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study describes the specific threats of harm to others that led to the use of the Baker Act, the Florida involuntary hold act for emergency department (ED) evaluations. The study also summarizes patient demographics, concomitant psychiatric diagnoses, and emergent medical problems.Methods: This is a retrospective review of 251 patients evaluated while on involuntary hold from January 1, 2014 through November 30, 2015 at a suburban acute care hospital ED. The data that were collected included demographic information, length of stay, reason for the involuntary hold, psychiatric disorder, substance use, medical illness, and violence in the ED. The context of the homicidal threat also was collected.Results: We found that 13 patients (5.2%) were homicidal. Three patients had homicidal ideations alone, whereas 10 made homicidal threats toward others. Of the 10 making homicidal threats, 7 named a specific person to harm. Ten of the 13 homicidal patients (76.9%) also were suicidal. Eleven patients (84.6%) had a psychiatric disorder: 9 patients (69.2%) had a depressive disorder and 8 patients (61.5%) had a substance use disorder. Eight patients had active medical problems that required intervention in the ED.Conclusions: We found that three-fourths of patients expressing homicidal threats also were suicidal. The majority of patients making threats of harm had a specific plan of action to carry out the threat. It is important to screen any patient making homicidal threats for suicidal ideation. If present, there is a need to implement immediate management appropriate to the level of the suicidal threat, for the safety of the patient. Eighty-five percent of patients making a homicidal threat had a previously documented psychiatric disorder, the most common being a depressive disorder. This finding differs from previous studies in which psychosis predominated. More than 60% of homicidal patients had an unrelated medical disorder requiring intervention. It is important not to overlook these medical disorders while focusing on the psychiatric needs of the patient; most of our homicidal patients proved to be cooperative in the ED setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Patients requiring involuntary holds are frequently seen in the emergency department (ED). Much of what is known comes from studies of patients at urban academic centers. Our aim was to describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients who were evaluated while on involuntary status at a suburban ED.Methods: The medical records of patients seen in the ED requiring involuntary hold status between January 1, 2014 and November 30, 2015 were reviewed. Demographic and clinical variables including medical and psychiatric comorbidity were collected. A subanalysis was performed comparing patients who attempted suicide with all other involuntary patients.Results: Two hundred fifty-one patient records were reviewed; 215 patients (85.3%) had psychiatric disorders-depression was the most common (57%)-and 108 patients (43%) had substance use disorders. Only 13 patients (5.2%) had neither a psychiatric disorder nor a history of substance use. Twenty-two patients (8.8%) were violent in the ED. Thirteen patients (5.2%) were readmitted, and 1 patient died within 30 days of discharge from the ED. One hundred twenty-four patients (49.4%) had medical disorders. Suicidal ideation was the most common reason for involuntary hold (n = 185, 73.7%); 63 patients (25.1%) attempted suicide. Compared with other involuntary patients, the patients who attempted suicide were less likely to use opiates (odds ratio 0.27, 95% confidence interval 0.08-0.94, P = 0.04) and to have medical disorders (odds ratio 0.52, 95% confidence interval 0.28-0.98, P = 0.04).Conclusions: Patients in this study differed from those in urban centers with respect to sex and psychiatric disorder; however, substance misuse was common in both settings. Suicidal ideation including suicide attempt was the most common reason for involuntary status. Patients who attempted suicide were similar to other patients on involuntary hold with respect to demographic and clinical variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Importance: Statin use has been associated with depression; however studies of the association between statin use and depression have yielded mixed results. Objective: To determine whether statin use is associated with depression and to evaluate the evidence supporting this association. Data sources: Ovid MEDLINE In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations, Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycInfo, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Scopus were searched through December 28, 2012. Study selection: We included studies that evaluated exposure to statins, reported the development of depression, and relative risks or odds ratios (ORs) or provided data for their estimation. Two reviewers screened 981 abstracts independently using a standardized form, reviewed full text of 59 selected articles, and included 7 studies in this metaanalysis. Data extraction and synthesis: Study design, statin exposure, development of depression, and study quality were extracted by 2 independent reviewers. A pooled OR with 95% confidence interval (CI) was estimated using the random-effects model and heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran's Q test and the I 2 statistic. Results: Seven observational studies (4 cohort, 2 nested case-control, and 1 cross-sectional) from 5 countries enrolling 9187 patients were included. Statin users were 32% less likely to develop depression than nonusers (adjusted OR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.52–0.89). Modest heterogeneity was observed between the studies (I 2=55%, P=0.01), which could be accounted for by one study, exclusion of which removed the heterogeneity (P=0.40, I 2=2%) and further strengthened the antidepressant effect of statin (adjusted OR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.43–0.93). Heterogeneity could not be explained by study design or study population. The quality of supporting evidence was fair. Conclusions and relevance: This systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that statin use is associated with lower risk for depression. However, higher-quality studies are needed to confirm the magnitude of this association. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

OBJECTIVE: To determine the risk of hospitalization and death in relation to preexisting depression and anxiety among patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The cohort consisted of 799 Olmsted County, MN, residents diagnosed with CVD (myocardial infarction or heart failure) from January 1, 1979, to December 31, 2009, who completed a Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) prior to their event. The MMPI was used to identify depression and anxiety, and participants were followed up for hospitalizations and death during an average of 6.2 years. RESULTS: Depression and anxiety were identified in 282 (35%) and 210 (26%) participants, respectively. After adjustment, depression and anxiety were independently associated with a 28% (95% confidence interval [CI], 8%-51%) and 26% (95% CI, 3%-53%) increased risk of being hospitalized, respectively. Depression also conferred an increased risk of all-cause mortality of similar magnitude, whereas the hazard ratio for anxiety was not statistically significant. The combined occurrence of depression and anxiety led to a 35% (95% CI, 8%-71%) increase in the risk of hospitalizations. CONCLUSION: Among patients with CVD, both preexisting depression and anxiety, occurring on average 17 years before the CVD event, independently predict hospitalizations. In addition, the 2 conditions may act synergistically on increasing health care utilization in patients with CVD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Assessment of patient quality of life (QOL) requires balancing the details provided by multi-item assessments with the reduced burden of single-item assessments. In this project, we investigated the psychometric properties of single-item Linear Analog Scale Assessments (LASAs) for patients with newly diagnosed high-grade gliomas. Measures included QOL LASAs (overall, physical, emotional, spiritual, intellectual), Symptom Distress Scale (SDS), Profile of Mood States (POMS; overall, confusion, fatigue), and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Brain (FACT-Br; overall, brain, physical, emotional). Associations of LASA measures with SDS, POMS, and FACT-Br domains and with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance score (PS) and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) were assessed. Repeated measures ANOVA models compared the change over time of LASAs and SDS, POMS, and FACT-Br. Two hundred five patients completed the assessments across three time points. To allow comparison across measures, all scores were converted to a scale of 0–100, with higher scores indicating better QOL. LASA mean scores ranged from 60 to 78; SDS, POMS, and FACT-Br ranged from 62 to 81. FACT-Br physical (P <0.001) and POMS fatigue subscale (P =0.005) decreased over time, as did LASA physical (P =0.08). LASA scales were strongly associated with corresponding scales on SDS, POMS, and FACT-Br (0.44

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the safety of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in patients receiving long-term warfarin therapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective data were reviewed for 35 consecutively hospitalized patients who received long-term warfarin therapy and ECT at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn, between January 1, 1994, and December 31, 2001. RESULTS: A total of 300 ECT treatments were administered to the 35 patients. Of 284 ECT treatments for which data were available, no ECT-related complications due to anticoagulation occurred despite increases in blood pressure and pulse rate. One patient experienced ventricular tachycardia, resulting in transfer to a cardiology service for temporary monitoring, No other serious ECT- related adverse effects were noted. The rate of lntertreatment delirium was similar to that reported in other studies. CONCLUSIONS: Electroconvulsive therapy in patients receiving long-term warfarin therapy appears to be safe Although no major adverse effects were Identified in our case series, additional prospective evaluation is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prevalence of infectious diseases is substantially higher among patients with substance use disorders (SUD). Factors associated with drug use including sharing needles and injecting supplies, presence of contaminants in drugs and drug use related paraphernalia, risky behaviors associated with drug use, immune suppression secondary to chronic drug use, poverty and homelessness all increase the risk of infections. Persons with SUD have low rates of health care utilization and may miss opportunities for early diagnosis and care of infectious complications of substance use. When infectious diseases are comorbid with drug use, they are associated with substantial morbidity and mortality and result in significant healthcare costs. Patients with SUD may be rescued from an overdose, detoxified or treated for a SUD but facilities and clinicians are often reluctant to assume responsibility for evaluation and treatment of concurrent infectious or medical diseases. Increased screening for these disorders, utilizing vaccinations and other preventative strategies including clean supplies and safe injecting sites and providing comprehensive substance use and infectious disease treatment have the potential to significantly improve patient related outcomes and enhance public health. In this paper we review the prevalence of various common infectious diseases among persons who use drugs, their clinical presentation, mode of transmission, screening and diagnosis. We detail some of the common mechanisms by which persons who use drugs are at increased risk of contracting infections. We also discuss preventive and treatment strategies for infectious diseases occurring in the context of SUD. • Persons who use drugs are at increased risk of developing infectious diseases • When infectious diseases co-occur with drug use they are associated with increased morbidity and mortality • Patients with comorbid infectious diseases, mental health disorders and substance use disorders should receive care in integrated settings [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To explore the ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic on Mental Health and Substance Use., Patients and Methods: Relevant literature examining the correlation between COVID-19 and mental health/substance use was reviewed, and findings were summarized., Results: Specific mechanisms regarding COVID-19's effects on the brain are unclear, but preliminary studies and biomarkers have been suggested in the literature. Numerous studies demonstrated COVID-19 has immediate and lingering neuropsychiatric impacts on affected patients. Psychiatric disorders and substance abuse increased during the COVID-19 pandemic due to biological and psychosocial factors, with a significant burden on individuals and societies worldwide, particularly in the United States., Conclusion: COVID-19 has shown us that underlying causes of mental health and substance abuse problems are more complicated than we have appreciated. Neuroinflammation and psychosocial stresses impact mental health and substance use. These factors need to be explored further for a better understanding and intervention., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Munipalli, Al-Soleiti, Morris and Rummans.)

Objective: This study began as a single-blind randomized controlled trial (RCT) to investigate the efficacy and safety of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for severe treatment-refractory agitation in advanced dementia. The aims are to assess agitation reduction using the Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory (CMAI), evaluate tolerability and safety outcomes, and explore the long-term stability of agitation reduction and global functioning. Due to challenges encountered during implementation, including recruitment obstacles and operational difficulties, the study design was modified to an open-label format and other protocol amendments were implemented., Methods: Initially, the RCT randomized participants 1:1 to either ECT plus usual care or simulated ECT plus usual care (S-ECT) groups. As patients were enrolled, data were collected from both ECT and simulated ECT (S-ECT) patients. The study now continues in an open-label study design where all patients receive actual ECT, reducing the targeted sample size from 200 to 50 participants., Results: Study is ongoing and open to enrollment., Conclusion: The transition of the ECT-AD study design from an RCT to open-label design exemplifies adaptive research methodologies in response to real-world challenges. Data from both the RCT and open-label phases of the study will provide a unique perspective on the role of ECT in managing severe treatment-refractory agitation in dementia, potentially influencing future clinical practices and research approaches., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright: © 2024 Lapid et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.)

Objective: To investigate patterns and trends of co-prescriptions of stimulants and sedatives within the last 6 years at a tertiary care center., Method: Patients 18 years of age and older who were dispensed at least one stimulant prescription from an institutional pharmacy between 1/1/2015 and 7/1/2021 were included. Prescription data for any co-prescribed sedative/hypnotic were collected., Results: Both the number of stimulant dispenses and the number of patients with stimulant dispenses increased significantly with yearly incidence rate ratios of 1.115 (95% CI [1.110, 1.119]) and 1.090 (95% CI [1.084, 1.096]), respectively. The number of patients with a stimulant dispensed who also had a benzodiazepine or "Z-drug" sedative-hypnotic dispensed at any point in the search timeframe increased significantly with incidence rate ratios of 1.077 and 1.092, respectively. The number of stimulant dispenses, number of patients with stimulant dispenses, and number of patients with a stimulant dispensed who also had both a benzodiazepine and Z-drug dispensed at any point in the search timeframe increased significantly more in Non-White than in White patients., Conclusions: The results confirm previous findings of increases in dispensing of stimulants over the past 6 years and report increased polypharmacy of stimulants and sedative-hypnotics., Competing Interests: Declaration of Conflicting InterestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

The use and misuse of prescription stimulants has escalated during the past decade, with concerns of being "the next epidemic." The diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and the use of prescription stimulants have rapidly increased in children and adults in the past decade. Amphetamine use more than doubled from 2006 to 2016. In 2018, among illicit substance users in the past year (53.2 million), more than 5 million 12 years or older had misused prescription stimulants. The most commonly reported motivations for misuse were to help with alertness and concentration, in approximately 60% of respondents. Most persons who misused prescription stimulants received the medication from a friend or relative, who got it through a health care provider. It is important to reexamine the pattern of prescription stimulant use after the loosening of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fifth Edition) criteria for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder diagnosis. Caveats to the this report could be the understudied specific populations (such as medical students), the exclusion of the military and institutionalized populations from the study, and the variations among individual states in stimulant prescribing patterns., (Copyright © 2022 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: The current study was designed to evaluate the translation of clinical trial outcomes and clinical guidelines for the treatment of fibromyalgia (FM) into an intensive multicomponent clinical program embedded in routine care delivery. The study aimed to assess the adaptation of these recommended strategies into routine clinical care while evaluating their effectiveness and durability in improving functional status and level of distress in a large clinical sample of FM patients., Methods: Four hundred eighty-nine patients with FM completed a 2-day program that incorporated best practice recommendations for the treatment of FM. Patients completed the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire-Revised, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, and the Pain Catastrophizing Scale at admission to the program and at follow-up on average 5 months posttreatment., Results: Significant improvements were seen in functional status (p < 0.0001), depressive symptoms (p < 0.0001), and pain catastrophizing (p < 0.0001) after participation in the intensive multicomponent treatment program., Conclusions: The present study shows that an intensive multicomponent treatment program embedded in routine care delivery is effective in significantly improving functional status and psychological distress in a large sample of FM patients. The significant improvements were durable and maintained at follow-up., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2020 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: There is limited information concerning whether social determinants of health affect postliver transplant (LT) outcomes. This study aims to understand to what extent the health of LT recipients' counties of residence influence long-term LT outcomes., Methods: We used the United Network for Organ Sharing data to identify adult LT recipients transplanted between January 2010 and June 2018. Patient-level data were matched to county-level County Health Ranking (CHR) data using transplant recipient zip code, and nationwide CHRs were created. Mixed-effects Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine associations between CHRs and graft and patient survival post-LT., Results: Health outcomes rank was significantly associated with posttransplant graft and patient survival, with worst tertile counties showing a 13% increased hazard of both graft failure and patient mortality compared to the best tertile counties., Conclusions: Although county health is associated with LT outcomes, it also appears that LT recipient selection is effective at mitigating major disparities based on county of residence and helps yield equitable outcomes in this respect., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2020 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To compare outcomes among newborns of opioid-using and nonopioid drug-using mothers with those of control mothers who did not report substance use., Methods: Using the Rochester Epidemiology Project, newborns diagnosed with drug withdrawal syndrome (per ICD-9 or ICD-10 codes) from January 2010 through June 2017 were identified. For mothers, data collected included age, race, drug use, number of prenatal visits, and results of the urinary drug abuse survey, meconium test, and self-report survey. Demographic and perinatal data collected for newborns included birth date; sex; Apgar scores at 1, 5, and 10 minutes; neonatal intensive care stay; and vital status. Controls (n = 771) were similarly selected in regard to sex, birth date, and county., Results: Of 328 infants identified, 168 were born with opioid neonatal abstinence syndrome and 160 with a nonopioid withdrawal syndrome. Control mothers had more prenatal visits than mothers in the nonopioid and opioid groups. Newborns of control mothers had higher Apgar scores at 1 and 5 minutes than both substance-using groups. Opioid-using mothers were almost twice as likely to have newborns requiring intensive care and 3 times as likely to use benzodiazepines compared to the other substance-using mothers. Substance-using mothers had more premature babies than controls., Conclusions: Prenatal opioid use is a substantial risk factor for prematurity. Newborns diagnosed with neonatal abstinence syndrome are at risk of perinatal complications. Mothers using opioids during pregnancy also tend to use other substances. Longitudinal research should clarify how prenatal substance use interacts with other risk factors during a child's first years., (© Copyright 2021 Physicians Postgraduate Press, Inc.)

Background: It is standard of care and an accreditation requirement to screen for and address distress and psychosocial needs in patients with cancer. This study assessed the availability of mental health (MH) and chemical dependency (CD) services at US cancer centers., Methods: The 2017-2018 American Hospital Association (AHA) survey, Area Health Resource File, and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Hospital Compare databases were used to assess availability of services and associations with hospital-level and health services area (HSA)-level characteristics., Results: Of 1,144 cancer centers surveyed, 85.4% offered MH services and 45.5% offered CD services; only 44.1% provided both. Factors associated with increased adjusted odds of offering MH services were teaching status (odds ratio [OR], 1.76; 95% CI, 1.18-2.62), being a member of a hospital system (OR, 2.00; 95% CI, 1.31-3.07), and having more beds (OR, 1.04 per 10-bed increase; 95% CI, 1.02-1.05). Higher population estimate (OR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.97-0.99), higher percentage uninsured (OR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.86-0.95), and higher Mental Health Professional Shortage Area level in the HSA (OR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.98-1.00) were associated with decreased odds of offering MH services. Government-run (OR, 2.85; 95% CI, 1.30-6.22) and nonprofit centers (OR, 3.48; 95% CI, 1.78-6.79) showed increased odds of offering CD services compared with for-profit centers. Those that were members of hospital systems (OR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.14-2.29) and had more beds (OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.01-1.03) also showed increased odds of offering these services. A higher percentage of uninsured patients in the HSA (OR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.88-0.97) was associated with decreased odds of offering CD services., Conclusions: Patients' ability to pay, membership in a hospital system, and organization size may be drivers of decisions to co-locate services within cancer centers. Larger organizations may be better able to financially support offering these services despite poor reimbursement rates. Innovations in specialty payment models highlight opportunities to drive transformation in delivering MH and CD services for high-need patients with cancer.

During the current coronavirus disease 2019 epidemic, many outpatient chemical dependency treatment programs and clinics are decreasing their number of in-person patient contacts. This has widened an already large gap between patients with substance use disorders (SUDs) who need treatment and those who have actually received treatment. For a disorder where group therapy has been the mainstay treatment option for decades, social distancing, shelter in place, and treatment discontinuation have created an urgent need for alternative approaches to addiction treatment. In an attempt to continue some care for patients in need, many medical institutions have transitioned to a virtual environment to promote safe social distancing. Although there is ample evidence to support telemedical interventions, these can be difficult to implement, especially in the SUD population. This article reviews current literature for the use of telehealth interventions in the treatment of SUDs and offers recommendations on safe and effective implementation strategies based on the current literature., (Copyright © 2020 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: We explored the feasibility of a clinical pathway to identify hospitalized patients with dementia who would benefit from a palliative intervention., Design and Methods: Consecutive geropsychiatric admissions were screened for terminal dementia to be randomized to a palliative consultation vs usual care., Findings: A total of 43 of the 188 patients (23%) had dementia; however, dementia stages were severe but not terminal. The pathway was not feasible because of the lack of the target population in the inpatient setting for the intervention., Practice Implications: New clinical pathways are needed to identify patients with dementia who would benefit from palliative care., (© 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

This study aimed to determine barriers to accepting mental health care among depressed cancer patients. Cancer patients who screened positive for depression were referred for mental health treatment and sent a validated questionnaire designed to assess barriers to receiving mental health care. Responses were compared between patients who accepted their referral and those who did not. Among 75 patients who agreed to participate, 51 (68%) completed the questionnaire. Reported barriers to accessing mental healthcare were not significantly different between the two groups but patients residing within 50 miles of the clinic had increased odds of attending their appointment.

Objectives: Sleep disturbances are prevalent in cancer patients, especially those with advanced disease. There are few published intervention studies that address sleep issues in advanced cancer patients during the course of treatment. This study assesses the impact of a multidisciplinary quality of life (QOL) intervention on subjective sleep difficulties in patients with advanced cancer., Method: This randomized trial investigated the comparative effects of a multidisciplinary QOL intervention (n = 54) vs. standard care (n = 63) on sleep quality in patients with advanced cancer receiving radiation therapy as a secondary endpoint. The intervention group attended six intervention sessions, while the standard care group received informational material only. Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), administered at baseline and weeks 4 (post-intervention), 27, and 52., Results: The intervention group had a statistically significant improvement in the PSQI total score and two components of sleep quality and daytime dysfunction than the control group at week 4. At week 27, although both groups showed improvements in sleep measures from baseline, there were no statistically significant differences between groups in any of the PSQI total and component scores, or ESS. At week 52, the intervention group used less sleep medication than control patients compared to baseline (p = 0.04) and had a lower ESS score (7.6 vs. 9.3, p = 0.03)., Significance of Results: A multidisciplinary intervention to improve QOL can also improve sleep quality of advanced cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy. Those patients who completed the intervention also reported the use of less sleep medication.

Prevalence of infectious diseases is substantially higher among patients with substance use disorders (SUD). Factors associated with drug use including sharing needles and injecting supplies, presence of contaminants in drugs and drug use related paraphernalia, risky behaviors associated with drug use, immune suppression secondary to chronic drug use, poverty and homelessness all increase the risk of infections. Persons with SUD have low rates of health care utilization and may miss opportunities for early diagnosis and care of infectious complications of substance use. When infectious diseases are comorbid with drug use, they are associated with substantial morbidity and mortality and result in significant healthcare costs. Patients with SUD may be rescued from an overdose, detoxified or treated for a SUD but facilities and clinicians are often reluctant to assume responsibility for evaluation and treatment of concurrent infectious or medical diseases. Increased screening for these disorders, utilizing vaccinations and other preventative strategies including clean supplies and safe injecting sites and providing comprehensive substance use and infectious disease treatment have the potential to significantly improve patient related outcomes and enhance public health. In this paper we review the prevalence of various common infectious diseases among persons who use drugs, their clinical presentation, mode of transmission, screening and diagnosis. We detail some of the common mechanisms by which persons who use drugs are at increased risk of contracting infections. We also discuss preventive and treatment strategies for infectious diseases occurring in the context of SUD., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Opioids have been used to treat pain and invoke pleasure for centuries. Modern scientific advancements have led to more potent, synthetic opioids. While certainly more effective in treating pain, they can also be much more addictive. Over the years the scientific community has developed a clearer understanding of the role opioid receptors play in causing and treating opioid use disorders (OUD) and we now know that OUD can develop in individuals taking opioids for "legitimate" pain. Current guidelines suggest that all prescribers (especially those prescribing opioids) be capable treating OUD. Pharmacological advances have led to a wide array of safe and effective treatment options to address OUDs. This paper will discuss the history of opioid development, what is known about the transition from analgesic uses to addiction and modern evidenced based treatment strategies to address OUDs., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest None., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The purpose of this study was to assess the availability of mental health (MH) and chemical dependency (CD) services at US transplant centers, because appropriate psychosocial assessment and care is associated with better transplant outcomes. We used the 2017-2018 American Hospital Association survey, Area Health Resource File, and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Hospital Compare databases to quantify availability of services and examined associations of hospital- and health services area-level characteristics with odds of offering services with generalized linear mixed models. We found that 15% of transplant centers did not offer MH services and 62% did not offer CD services. Hospitals were more likely to offer MH services if they were larger (OR [95% CI]: 1.03 [1.01, 1.06]) and had a lower rate of uninsured patients in the health services area (OR [95% CI]: 0.89 [0.80, 0.99]) and were more likely to offer CD services if they were larger (OR [95% CI]: 1.02 [1.01, 1.03]) or were members of a system (OR [95% CI]: 2.31 [1.26, 4.24]). Additional research is needed to understand whether lack of MH or CD services at transplant centers affects patients' ability to access comprehensive psychosocial care and whether this affects patient outcomes., (© 2019 The American Society of Transplantation and the American Society of Transplant Surgeons.)

The fact that opioids are valuable tools for the management of pain has been known and used for thousands of years. Currently, millions of Americans are treated annually with opioids, and many of these patients are elderly. Opioids present risks to geriatric patients, some of which are unique to the population, and providers should have a good grasp of those risks. An understanding of how to select appropriate medications for the management of pain and of the myriad of alternatives available for pain management is vital to the care of older patients. This article presents a review, for primary care providers, of issues unique to opioid management in older adults., (Copyright © 2020. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Background: Psychiatric disorders are common in cancer patients and impact outcomes. Impact on cancer care cost needs study to develop business case for psychosocial interventions., Objective: To evaluate the impact of preexisting psychiatric comorbidities on total cost of care during 6 months after cancer diagnosis., Methods: This retrospective cohort study examined patients diagnosed with cancer between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2014, at one National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center. Patients who received all cancer treatment at the study site (6598 of 11,035 patients) were included. Patients were divided into 2 groups, with or without psychiatric comorbidity, based on International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) diagnosis codes. Total costs of care during the first 6 months of treatment were based on standardized costs adjusted to 2014 dollars, determined by assigning Medicare reimbursement rates to professional billed services and applying appropriate cost-to-charge ratios. Quantile regression models with covariate adjustments were developed to assess the effect of psychiatric comorbidity across the distribution of costs., Results: Six hundred ninety-eight (10.6%) of 6598 eligible patients had at least one psychiatric comorbidity. These patients had more nonpsychiatric Elixhauser comorbidities (mean 4 vs. 3). Unadjusted total cancer care costs were higher for patients with psychiatric comorbidity (mean [standard deviation]: $51,798 [$74,549] vs. $32,186 [$45,240]; median [quartiles]: $23,871 [$10,705-$57,338] vs. $19,073 [$8120-$38,230]). Quantile regression models demonstrated that psychiatric comorbidity had significant incremental effects at higher levels of cost: 75th percentile $8629 (95% confidence interval: $3617-13,642) and 90th percentile $42,586 (95% confidence interval: $25,843-59,330)., Conclusions: Psychiatric comorbidities are associated with increased total cancer costs, especially in patients with very high cancer care costs, representing an opportunity to develop mitigation strategies., (Copyright © 2020 Academy of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Patients who may be a danger to themselves or others often are placed on involuntary hold status in the Emergency Department (ED). Our primary objective was to determine if there are demographic and/or clinical variables of involuntary hold patients which were associated with an increased ED LOS., Methods: Records of ED patients evaluated while on involuntary hold from January 1, 2014 through November 30, 2015 at a suburban acute-care hospital ED were reviewed. Data collected included demographics information, LOS, suicidal or homicidal ideation, suicide attempt, blood alcohol concentration (BAC), urine drug test (UDT), psychiatric disorder, substance use, medical illness, violence in the ED, and hospital admission. Linear regression based on the log of LOS was used to identify factors associated with increased LOS., Results: Two-hundred and fifty-one patients were included in the study. ED LOS (median) was 6 h (1, 49). Linear regression analysis showed increased LOS was associated with BAC (p = 0.05), urine drug test (UDT) (p = 0.05) and UDT positive for barbiturates (p = 0.01). There was no significant difference in ED LOS with respect to age, gender, housing, psychiatric diagnosis, suicidal or homicidal ideation, suicide attempt, violence, medical diagnosis, or admission status., Conclusions: Involuntary hold patients had an increased ED LOS associated with alcohol use, urine drug test screening, and barbiturate use. Protocol development to help stream-line ED evaluation of alcohol and drug use may improve ED LOS in this patient population., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest Authors have no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Patients over the age 65 are a quickly expanding segment of the US population and represent a large percentage of patients requiring inpatient care. Older adults are more likely to experience polypharmacy and adverse drug effects. This review explains the risks of polypharmacy and potentially inappropriate medications in the elderly. Specific classes of medications frequently used in older adults in acute care settings are examined, including anticholinergic, sedative hypnotics, and antipsychotic medications. We discuss strategies aimed at addressing polypharmacy in this population including a drug regimen review (which is distinct from medication reconciliation), screening tools, pharmacist-led interventions, and computer-based strategies in the context of current literature and research findings. We provide a summary of general guidelines that may be helpful for geriatricians and hospitalists in improving patient care and clinical outcomes.

Objectives: To determine the role of previous psychiatric disorders including substance use disorders on emergency department (ED) patients on involuntary holds and compare presentations, treatment, and outcomes based on cause., Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of patients ≥ 18 years old on involuntary holds in the ED of a tertiary care center from January 1, 2013, to November 30, 2015. Demographic and clinical information were collected. Those with and without prior psychiatric disorder including substance use disorder were compared., Results: We identified 251 patients of which 129 (51.4%) had a psychiatric disorder, 23 (9.2%) had a substance use disorder, and 86 (34.3%) had both. Thirteen patients (5.2%) had no psychiatric disorder or substance use disorder and the majority 10 (76.9%) were on involuntary holds due to suicidal threats related to pain or another medical problem. Patients without a psychiatric or substance use disorder were older (55 years [17.8] vs 42 [19]; P = 0.01), more likely to be married (10 [76.9%] vs 64 [26.9%]; P < 0.001), and had more medical comorbidities (10 [76.9%] vs 114 [47.9%]; P = 0.049) compared with those without a psychiatric or substance use disorder., Conclusion: Patients on involuntary holds most commonly have pre-existing psychiatric disorder including substance use disorder. Patients on involuntary holds without history of psychiatric disorder often have severe pain or other active medical conditions which may contribute to suicidal thoughts. Addressing these underlying medical issues may be crucial in preventing further psychiatric decompensation.

Objective: We describe a three-phase implementation of the International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement Depression and Anxiety Standard Set in a Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry practice., Methods: During the preintervention phase, we reviewed patient-reported outcome tools and engaged stakeholders and leadership. During phase 1, the standard set was converted into an electronic previsit intake assessment that was implemented in a physician champion's practice. Patients completed the intake on a tablet, and computer adaptive testing was used to reduce response burden. Physician-facing data display facilitated use during subsequent in-person visits. An electronic version of the follow-up standard set was used during follow-up visits. During phase 2, a second physician tested scalability and the intervention was disseminated department wide in phase 3., Results: During phase 1, 186 intakes and 67 follow-up electronic patient-reported outcome sets were completed. Average patient age was 54 years, and 44% were male. On average, patients ranked the tool 4.4 out of 5 and spent 22 minutes completing the intake. Time-driven activity-based costing found the new process to be cost-effective. During phase 2, 386 patients completed electronic patient-reported outcome sets, with 315 follow-up visits. Patients ranked the tool as 4.0 out of 5 and spent 26 minutes completing the questions. During phase 3, 2166 patients completed intake electronic patient-reported outcome sets and 1249 follow-up visits. Patients ranked the tool 4.3 out of 5 and spent 26 minutes on it. Scores and completion time did not differ greatly between phases., Conclusions: Integration of the International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement Depression and Anxiety Standard Set is feasible. Future research comparing International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement set with other approaches and in different settings is needed., (Copyright © 2019 Academy of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The United States is in the midst of a national opioid epidemic. Physicians are encouraged both to prevent and treat opioid-use disorders (OUDs). Although there are 3 Food and Drug Administration-approved medications to treat OUD (methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone) and there is ample evidence of their efficacy, they are not used as often as they should. We provide a brief review of the 3 primary medications used in the treatment of OUD. Using data from available medical literature, we synthesize existing knowledge and provide a framework for how to determine the optimal approach for outpatient management of OUD with medication-assisted treatments., (Copyright © 2019 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: This study describes the specific threats of harm to others that led to the use of the Baker Act, the Florida involuntary hold act for emergency department (ED) evaluations. The study also summarizes patient demographics, concomitant psychiatric diagnoses, and emergent medical problems., Methods: This is a retrospective review of 251 patients evaluated while on involuntary hold from January 1, 2014 through November 30, 2015 at a suburban acute care hospital ED. The data that were collected included demographic information, length of stay, reason for the involuntary hold, psychiatric disorder, substance use, medical illness, and violence in the ED. The context of the homicidal threat also was collected., Results: We found that 13 patients (5.2%) were homicidal. Three patients had homicidal ideations alone, whereas 10 made homicidal threats toward others. Of the 10 making homicidal threats, 7 named a specific person to harm. Ten of the 13 homicidal patients (76.9%) also were suicidal. Eleven patients (84.6%) had a psychiatric disorder: 9 patients (69.2%) had a depressive disorder and 8 patients (61.5%) had a substance use disorder. Eight patients had active medical problems that required intervention in the ED., Conclusions: We found that three-fourths of patients expressing homicidal threats also were suicidal. The majority of patients making threats of harm had a specific plan of action to carry out the threat. It is important to screen any patient making homicidal threats for suicidal ideation. If present, there is a need to implement immediate management appropriate to the level of the suicidal threat, for the safety of the patient. Eighty-five percent of patients making a homicidal threat had a previously documented psychiatric disorder, the most common being a depressive disorder. This finding differs from previous studies in which psychosis predominated. More than 60% of homicidal patients had an unrelated medical disorder requiring intervention. It is important not to overlook these medical disorders while focusing on the psychiatric needs of the patient; most of our homicidal patients proved to be cooperative in the ED setting.

Background: Increasing numbers of patients over the age of 60 are undergoing liver transplantation., Objective: We sought to determine whether age or clinical morbidities were associated with pre- and post-transplant executive and memory performance using the Brief Test of Adult Cognition by Telephone (BTACT)., Methods: Participants included 36 recipients with n = 20 in the older group (>60 y) and n = 16 in the younger group (≤60 years). The BTACT was administered an average of 3 months before transplant, and at follow-up post-transplant intervals of 3, 6, and 9 months. BTACT composite scores for memory and executive function with age and education norms were obtained., Results: Older recipients were more likely to have hepatocellular carcinoma, a lower biological MELD score at transplant, less cellular rejection, and fewer post-operative hospital days. Older and younger recipients showed comparable pre-transplant executive and memory function and comparable post-transplant improvement. Both older and younger patients showed statistically significant improvement in executive function scores at 3 months post-transplant and maintained improvement at 6 and 9 months. Memory function improved significantly in older patients by 6 months post-transplant but did not improve significantly in the younger group., Conclusion: Older liver transplant recipients were more likely to have hepatocellular carcinoma and a lower biological MELD score than younger recipients, but both age groups showed comparable pre-transplant cognitive performance and post-transplant cognitive improvement. Additionally, a normed telephone test can be used to effectively screen and track executive and memory function post-transplant., (Copyright © 2019 Academy of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Opioid use is a significant national crisis impacting individuals struggling with addiction and their families. The majority of individuals who abuse opioids are of child-rearing age, and critical knowledge gaps remain regarding how this abuse impacts their offspring. Fortunately, treatment for opioid use disorders is available. The primary goal of this study was to evaluate both physical and psychiatric diagnoses of children who have at least 1 parent participating in a buprenorphine-assisted treatment program., Methods: This retrospective study is based on chart review (January 1, 2010, through June 30, 2018). Children with parents receiving care in a buprenorphine clinic were identified and matched on sex, race, and age in a ratio of 1:5 with controls from the general pediatric clinic population. Data related to health outcomes were extracted from the medical records., Results: Compared to controls (n = 120), children of parents receiving buprenorphine-assisted treatment (n = 24) were more likely to have been born premature (odds ratio [OR] = 3.3, P = .035), had jaundice after birth (OR = 2.7, P = .034), had enuresis/encopresis (P < .001), and had been the victims of abuse or neglect (OR = 19.7, P = .0005). Children of parents with opioid use disorders were also more likely to utilize emergency services (ie, being seen in the emergency department for fussiness; OR = 4.0, P = .046) and were less likely to be covered by private insurance compared to state-funded insurance (OR = 0.2, P = .0013)., Conclusions: Parental opioid use disorder impacts children. More research is needed to better describe long-term effects of treatment of parental opioid use on their offspring and to help design addiction treatment programs to support whole family units., (© Copyright 2019 Physicians Postgraduate Press, Inc.)

Purpose: The impact of psychiatric comorbidities on the cost of cancer care in radiation oncology practices is not well studied. We assessed the acute and 24-month follow-up costs for patients with and without pre-existing psychiatric comorbidities undergoing radiation therapy., Methods and Materials: Patients with cancer undergoing radiation therapy at our institution from 2009 to 2014 were denoted as having pre-existing psychiatric conditions (Psych group) if they had associated billing codes for any of the 422 International Classification of Diseases, 9th revision psychiatric conditions during the 12 months before their cancer diagnosis. The Elixhauser comorbidity index was calculated, excluding psychiatric categories. Medicare reimbursement was assigned to professional services, and Medicare departmental cost-to-charge ratios were applied to service line hospital charges and adjusted for inflation to create 2017 standardized costs. Acute (0-6 month) and follow-up (6-24 month) costs were subcategorized into clinic, emergency department, hospital inpatient, and outpatient costs., Results: Among 1275 patients, 126 (9.9%) had at least 1 pre-existing psychiatric diagnosis. On univariate analysis, both acute and long-term costs were higher in the Psych group. The largest significant differences in costs were follow-up hospital inpatient costs ($5861 higher; 95% confidence interval [CI], $687-$11,035; P = .002), follow-up hospital outpatient costs ($2086 higher; 95% CI, -$142 to $4,314; P = .040), and follow-up emergency department costs ($396 higher; 95% CI, $149-$643; P < .001). Age, race, sex, and treatment modalities were comparable, but the Psych group patients had more median comorbidities (2 vs 1) and had more respiratory cancer diagnoses than the nonpsychiatric group (31% vs 17%). On multivariate analysis adjusted for age, sex, cancer diagnosis, and comorbidities, global follow-up costs remained 150% higher in the Psych group (P < .001). Acute costs were similar after adjustment (P = .63)., Conclusions: Psychiatric comorbidities independently predict elevated healthcare costs in patients treated for cancer. Radiation oncology payment models should consider adjustments to account for psychiatric comorbidities because addressing these may mitigate cost differential., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)