This week, we examine the struggles older Canadians face in the ED, pain management for fibromyalgia patients, and a hybrid approach to PTSD treatment.
Seniors Struggling in Emergency Departments
New research in The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry exposes a growing mental health crisis among older Canadians seeking emergency care. The researchers, working out of CHU de Québec-Université Laval, analyzed data from more than 1,600 senior patients who visited emergency departments (EDs) for mental health issues between 2020 and 2021. And what they uncovered shows major obstacles that hamper the detection and management of mental health concerns among seniors in acute care settings.
The research results revealed that suicidal ideation was the most frequent mental health issue among older ED patients, affecting 40.8% of cases. Other prevalent conditions included:
- Neurocognitive disorders (31.8%) and
- Mood disorders (25.2%).
Disturbingly, patients 85 and older appeared to be more likely to be restrained. And yet they were the least likely to receive a psych eval. Additionally, 87.4% of patients had a prior history of mental health issues, and 22.2% suffered from chronic alcoholism.
Despite the severity of their conditions, healthcare workers discharged nearly half of these patients without hospitalization. And that probably explains why about 15% of them returned to the ED over the following 30 days.
The findings reveal damning gaps in emergency mental health care for older Canadians. Researchers recommend better training for ED professionals, improved screening protocols, and community-based support programs.
IN OTHER PSYCHIATRY AND NEUROLOGY NEWS
- A review in The Primary Care Companion for CNS Disorders shows that exercise therapies can curb pain-related distress that comes with fibromyalgia.
- JCP has published preliminary results suggesting a combined ketamine treatment might yield better outcomes for PTSD patients.
- PCC research discusses whether (and how) caregivers should manage anxiety, agitation, and fear in critically ill patients.
- Several industry groups speak out against the new U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ approach to psychotropic drug safety.
- And the most recent installment in our “Emerging Approaches in Schizophrenia” series.
