Homicide and Dementia: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Homicide by older offenders is rare and devastating. It likely occurs due to a complex interaction of personal, social, and environmental factors. Dementia is a progressive neurological condition which may amplify behavioural disturbances such as aggression. This systematic review aims to evaluate the factors associated with homicide committed by people with dementia in order to inform clinical practice. SUMMARY: MEDLINE, PsychINFO, Embase, and PubMed databases were searched in accordance with PRISMA guidelines for empirical studies examining the characteristics and circumstances of people with dementia who committed homicides. Data on factors associated with the homicide were extracted and the quality of each study rated using standardized criteria. A total of 499 papers were screened and thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Study design included case reports (seven studies), case series (four studies), and two retrospective cohort studies, indicative of low levels of evidence. Sample sizes were 1-70. Study findings were predominantly descriptive. Quality ratings ranged from 50 to 100%. Factors associated with disinhibition such as dysexecutive syndrome, alcohol use, and delirium may predispose to severe impulsive aggression. Psychosis and personality pathology appeared to influence targeted assaults resulting in homicide by people with dementia. Victim vulnerability was also a key element. KEY MESSAGES: The current evidence examining risk factors for homicide committed by people with dementia is limited. However, there are common characteristics reported in these descriptive studies including psychiatric factors and cognitive states causing disinhibition. Recommendations for clinical practice include early assessment of older people with dementia and changed behaviours to allow management of comorbidities and reversible risk factors, alongside education, and advice to carers (who may be targets of aggression). Specialized geriatric forensic psychiatry services and care settings should be developed.

A systematic review of clozapine's effectiveness for primary psychotic and bipolar disorders in older adults.

OBJECTIVES: The primary aim was to systematically review the literature regarding the effectiveness of clozapine in reducing symptoms of primary psychotic and bipolar disorders in older adults. The secondary aim was to describe other reported patient and caregiver outcomes of clozapine treatment in older adults. DESIGN: MEDLINE, Embase, PsychINFO, ProQuest, and PubMed databases were searched according to PRISMA guidelines for original empirical research examining the effectiveness of clozapine in adults aged 65 years or more with primary psychotic and bipolar disorders. Identified studies were assessed for methodological quality using the QualSyst tool. RESULTS: 1121 records were screened, of which 7 studies met the inclusion criteria. In total, 128 subjects participated in the included studies (111 of whom were from a single study), with an age range of 65-86 years, and diagnoses including schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, and delusional disorder. Indications for clozapine use included treatment resistance and inability to tolerate other treatments. While six out of seven studies reported some improvement on the primary measure of psychopathology after treatment with clozapine, the group effects were modest and based on low-level evidence. Additional reported outcomes included discharge destination, death, and relapse. Most of the included studies were only of adequate methodological quality, with significant risks of bias identified. CONCLUSIONS: Clozapine may have positive effects for primary psychotic and bipolar illnesses in some older adults, but the group effects reported were modest and based on low-level evidence studies with methodological limitations. Based on these findings, clinical decision-making about whether or not to trial clozapine should involve an individualized analysis of potential benefits and risks in collaboration with patients and their families and caregivers.

The development of pathways for responding to patient complexity in a liaison psychiatry setting.

OBJECTIVES: The aims were to develop and operationalise a method of identifying patients at increased risk of adverse outcomes due to clinical and systems complexity within consultation-liaison psychiatry (CLP), and to formalise escalation processes for enhanced input with targeted clinical and organisational support. METHODS: The literature pertaining to methods for identifying and responding to complexity in general hospital settings was reviewed. An Escalation Tool operationalising the identification of complexity and response pathways was devised and tested. Feedback on the face validity and utility guided refinement. RESULTS: Two established tools that assess complexity, INTERMED and the Patient-Centred Accreditation method (PCAM) and a novel 'episode complexity' screening method, were identified and informed the development of a tool for identifying and responding to complexity, which was then piloted. The tool was deemed useful, notwithstanding variability in scoring. CONCLUSIONS: The Escalation Tool combined elements of existing measures to identify complexity in general hospital inpatients and guide pathways for action. It was well received and considered feasible for implementation, with local adaptation according to available resources.

A systematic review of the evidence for the efficacy of opioids for chronic non-cancer pain in community-dwelling older adults.

INTRODUCTION: the ageing global population and concomitant increase in the use of opioid analgesia have highlighted the need to evaluate the effectiveness of opioids for chronic pain in older people. METHODS: a systematic review of the evidence for the efficacy of opioids for chronic non-cancer pain in community-dwelling people aged 65 years or more was conducted using PRISMA guidelines. The databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, Pubmed and PsychINFO were searched. The quality of studies was assessed. Secondary aims were to assess correlates of opioid use and the decision-making processes of prescribers. RESULTS: seven studies were identified of low to high quality. The majority of older people experienced ongoing pain despite continuing opioid therapy. There were mixed results regarding benefits of opioids in terms of activities of daily living and social engagement. In nursing home residents, opioid use at baseline was associated with severe pain, severe impairment in activities of daily living and a diagnosis of depression. Fear of causing harm to older people was common amongst opioid prescribers, limiting prescription. Facilitators of opioid prescription included educational interventions and access to an evidence base for opioid use. CONCLUSION: there is limited evidence supporting the use of long-term opioid use in older people for chronic non-cancer pain and a lack of trials in this age group. Age-specific guidelines are required addressing initial assessment, indications, monitoring and de-prescribing.

Carer insights into self-harm in the very old: A qualitative study.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the insights of carers to better understand self-harm in their older relatives. METHODS: An in-depth interview was conducted with the nominated relative/friend (carer) of a person over 80 who had self-harmed within the last month. Carer interpretation and experience of the self-harm and clinical care were explored qualitatively. Audio recordings were transcribed and the content thematically analyzed using N-VIVO. RESULTS: Thirty-two carers of 30 older people who self-harmed were interviewed. Physical, social, and psychological issues were identified as contributory to self-harm. Themes relating to the perceived barriers to seeking help included "they can't communicate," "suicide and secrets," and "invalidation." Themes for the intent of self-harm were "attention seeking" and "wanting to die." Themes which emerged for consequences of self-harm for carers were "anger," "guilt and self-blame," and "it made us ill." Themes for solutions to address the underlying factors leading to self-harm were "more practical support and structure," "improving communication," "removing means of self-harm," "advance care directives as a solution for suffering," and "ignoring self-harm." Clinical care themes were "shared shame and stigma," "safety and supervision vs being locked up," "clinicians dismissing the carer," and "relief and support." CONCLUSIONS: Validation of carer perspectives and understanding family dynamics may improve communication at various system levels and inform interventions for older persons, concurrently support families, and potentially reduce risk of repeat self-harm. Good care must be holistic, be person-centred, and relieve carer burden. A shared understanding and psychotherapeutic approaches to management of self-harm in late life should be considered.

Self-harm in the very old one year later: has anything changed?

OBJECTIVES: To follow-up a cohort of older people who self-harmed, their carer, and general practitioner (GP) and examine their reflections on the self-harm, care experiences, and outcomes. DESIGN: Qualitative in-depth interviews. SETTING: Two teaching hospitals and associated community services. PARTICIPANTS: Twelve-month follow-up of participants aged 80 or older who self-harmed, their nominated carers, and GPs. MEASUREMENTS: A geriatric psychiatrist gathered data through patient and carer interviews using a narrative inquiry approach and from medical records. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed. N-VIVO facilitated data organization for thematic analysis. Questionnaires sent to the patient's GP examined their perspectives and aspects of care relating to the self-harm. RESULTS: Nineteen patients (63% baseline sample), 29 carers (90.6%), and 11 GPs (36.7%) were available at follow-up. Themes emerging from patients were "denial and secrets;" "endless suffering;" "more invalidation;" "being heard;" and "miserable in care." Themes from carer interviews were "denial and secrets;" "patient's persistent wish to die;" "abandonment by clinicians;" "unending burden for the carer;" and "distress regarding placement." General practitioner themes were "the problem is fixed;" "the troops have arrived;" and "I understand." CONCLUSIONS: Factors contributing to self-harm persisted at follow-up. Positive and negative responses were identified in the older person's system, highlighting areas for potential intervention. A conceptual framework for understanding self-harm in the very old was derived that emphasized the importance of understanding individual needs, the interpersonal context of the older person, and carer burden. Interventions should improve communication, facilitate shared understanding of perspectives, and provide support at all levels.

Understanding self-harm in older people: a systematic review of qualitative studies.

OBJECTIVE: Rates of suicide in older adults are generally higher than other age groups. Although risk factors for suicide attempts, and self-harm more generally, in this population are well-characterised, many of these vulnerabilities are common to older people and individual motivations are less well understood. Qualitative research may reveal more about the underlying thought processes, meaning and experiences of older people who self-harm. METHODS: A systematic review of qualitative studies examining the reasons why older people have self-harmed was undertaken by searching databases and screening the reference lists of articles. The quality of studies was critically appraised. A content analysis was performed to identify themes. RESULTS: The search yielded eight studies of variable quality which met the inclusion criteria; three pertained to indirect self-harm (refusal to eat or take medications and self-neglect) and five related to suicidal behaviour. Themes emerging from the analysis of studies of people who had self-neglected included control, impaired decision-making and coping skills and threats to self-identity and continuity. In those who had suicidal behaviour, themes related to loss of and regaining control; alienation, disconnectedness and invisibility; meaningless and raison d'etre; and accumulated suffering and a 'painful life'. CONCLUSIONS: There is scant literature evaluating self-harm in older people using qualitative methods. Nonetheless, this review suggests that active and passive self-harm should be considered as distinct entities as the underlying motivations and intents differ. Understanding individual perceptions and experiences which lead to self-harm may guide clinicians in delivering more sensitive, holistic interventions and counter ageism.

Undertaking a Fellowship in Indigenous mental health.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this paper is to report the experiences of the author during her Advanced Training Fellowship year in Indigenous mental health and consultation-liaison psychiatry through the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatry. The description will include a discussion of how such a Fellowship may complement the key learning objectives of advanced training in psychiatry. CONCLUSIONS: A Fellowship in Indigenous mental health can offer a variety of experiences for the psychiatry trainee, including clinical work, research and teaching. The planning and collaboration with Aboriginal health organizations, key clinicians and Ethics committees provides a unique opportunity to learn invaluable communication and consultancy skills.

Rational Suicide, Euthanasia, and the Very Old: Two Case Reports.

Suicide amongst the very old is an important public health issue. Little is known about why older people may express a wish to die or request euthanasia and how such thoughts may intersect with suicide attempts. Palliative care models promote best care as holistic and relieving suffering without hastening death in severely ill patients; but what of those old people who are tired of living and may have chronic symptoms, disability, and reduced quality of life? Two cases of older people who attempted suicide but expressed a preference for euthanasia were it legal are presented in order to illustrate the complexity underlying such requests. The absence of a mood or anxiety disorder underpinning their wishes to die further emphasises the importance of understanding the individual's narrative and the role of a formulation in guiding broad biopsychosocial approaches to management.

Evaluating the effectiveness of educational interventions to prevent delirium.

The aim of this study was to combine knowledge about how clinicians learn with a review of educational interventions to prevent delirium in hospitalised patients. The primary aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of approaches to delirium education. A detailed search of educational and medical databases was undertaken. The type of intervention used was classified according to the PRECEED model of Green and colleagues, using factors relevant to behaviour change in health promotion. The effectiveness of the intervention was determined by assessing changes in staff performance and patient outcomes. Nineteen studies of variable design and quality were identified. Studies using predisposing, enabling and reinforcing strategies together were more often effective in producing changes in staff behaviour and patient outcomes. Education and guidelines used together or in combination have little effect. When strategies to enable and reinforce changes in clinical practice are used together with education sessions, outcomes for patients are more positive.