Work

The influence of co-morbidities on prescribing pharmacotherapy for insomnia: evidence from US national outpatient data 1995–2004

Year: 2008

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Patients with insomnia are likely to have other co-morbidities that could affect pharmacotherapeutic choices. This study examined the prevalence and impact of co-morbidities on the pharmacological treatment of insomnia. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective data analysis of the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey from 1995 to 2004, comprising patients with a diagnosis of insomnia, was conducted. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to predict the impact of co-morbidities on pharmacotherapy for insomnia. RESULTS: A total of 5,487 unweighted patient visits with insomnia were identified, representing 161.4 million patients in the US. Approximately 38% of these patients had at least one co-morbid condition. Patients with mental co-morbidities, especially anxiety, had decreased likelihood of receiving pharmacotherapy for insomnia. CONCLUSIONS: Mental co-morbidities such as episodic mood disorder, anxiety and depression are prevalent in patients with insomnia. However, many co-morbid patients do not receive pharmacological therapy specific for insomnia.

Source: Journal of Medical Economics

DOI: 10.3111/13696990701817491

Authors: Manjiri D Pawaskar, Vijay N Joish, Fabian T Camacho, Rafia S Rasu, Rajesh Balkrishnan

Institutions: The Ohio State University, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Wake Forest University, University of Missouri–Kansas City

Language: English

Topic: Sleep and related disorders

Subfield: Experimental and Cognitive Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: bronze

Funder: Sanofi