Polypharmacy and anticholinergic burden scales in older adults: a cross-sectional study among psychiatric outpatients in a tertiary care hospital.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Mental disorders are prevalent among older adults, often leading to the use of multiple medications, many with anticholinergic properties. Polypharmacy, common in this population, is a major contributor to anticholinergic burden, which is linked to cognitive and physical decline. This study investigates the relationship between polypharmacy and anticholinergic burden across seven anticholinergic burden scales in elderly patients attending the psychiatric outpatient.

Methods

Study was conducted at a psychiatry outpatient clinic at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, India, from December 2021 to March 2023. Elderly patients (aged ≥ 60 years) who were on at least one psychotropic medication and had a primary working diagnosis of psychiatric illness

SUBMITTER: Bidarolli M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11744821 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature