This newsletter includes information regarding the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. We also share practical tips on psychotropic drug adherence, key points from a presentation on updates on geriatric psychopharmacology, and our practical research summaries (Quick Takes).
988: The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
The 988 lifeline is the new 3-digit dialing code in the United States that routes callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Before this 3-digit dialing code, there was a lifeline phone number (1-800-273-8255), which will remain available for anyone experiencing emotional distress or a suicidal crisis. The idea is that this new, shorter phone number will make it easier for people to remember and access mental health crisis services.
It was modeled after 911, and the 988 is meant to fill an important mental health crisis care gap. You can learn more here.
- What is the primary goal of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline?
- The lifeline provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.
- Since when is the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline available?
- The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration along with Vibrant Emotional Health launched the lifeline on January 1, 2005. However, this new 3-digit phone number has been available across the United States since July 16, 2022.
- Who answers when you dial or text 988?
- Inquiries are answered by trained counselors from the existing lifeline network, which is a national network of over 200 local crisis centers.
- Calls to the lifeline are routed to the closest center based on area code to connect callers to counselors in their state.
- Who can use the lifeline?
- Any person who is in emotional distress or suicidal crisis can use the lifeline. People are welcome to call to discuss substance abuse, economic worries, relationships, sexual identity, depression, and mental and physical illness, among others.
- People can also call if a loved one is struggling to help them find available resources or has encouraged them to call.
- Who supports the lifeline and crisis centers?
- The federal government has made significant investments in the network, and Congress started appropriating an additional bucket to support call centers.
Psychotropic Drug Adherence, With Martha Sajatovic, M.D.
In this interview, Dr. Martha Sajatovic presents approaches for the assessment of psychotropic drug adherence in clinical practice. She also reviews common reasons for suboptimal adherence and cites strategies to address these.
Interview highlights include the following:
- Adherence assessment is a continuous process, and evaluation for adherence should be performed at every visit.
- Scales, such as the Rating of Medication Influences or the Drug Attitudes Inventory, may be helpful in exploring suboptimal adherence and possible reasons behind this.
- A collaborative approach is recommended in identifying and targeting issues related to suboptimal adherence.
Learn more and earn 0.5 CME credits here.
Updates on Geriatric Psychopharmacology
In this video lecture, Dr. Lauren Gerlach addresses essential concepts regarding the use of psychotropics in older adults, including the principles and challenges of prescribing medications to this population. She also reviews the special considerations, safety, and adverse effects of the different medication classes and guides clinicians on the importance of performing detailed medication reconciliation.
Using SSRIs and SNRIs in the Geriatric Population
- The mantra of geriatric prescribing is to start low, go slow, do not stop, and be patient.
- SSRIs are the first-line treatment for late-life depression and anxiety.
- The most common side effects of SSRIs include GI upset, headache, and sexual side effects.
- Avoid using paroxetine in older adults, given the anticholinergic properties.
- SNRIs are indicated for chronic pain, depression, and anxiety.
- Common side effects include activation, increase in blood pressure, and withdrawal symptoms.
Learn more and earn 1.25 CME credits here.
Quick Takes: Informing Your Practice
A Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study of Brexpiprazole for the Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder
- Brexpiprazole as a treatment for people with a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder separated from placebo only in 1 week of a recent randomized trial—the last week, interestingly. Learn more.
Association Between FIASMA Psychotropic Medications and Reduced Risk of Intubation or Death in Individuals With Psychiatric Disorders Hospitalized for Severe COVID-19
- Previous research has shown that, compared with those not taking it, people taking fluvoxamine are less likely to have a severe course if infected by COVID-19.
- This benefit appears to be associated with multiple medications that are functional inhibitors of acid sphingomyelinase activity (FIASMAs).
- Most SRIs are FIASMAs, except citalopram. Duloxetine is; venlafaxine is not. Multiple first-generation antipsychotics are FIASMAs but not haloperidol. Among second-generation antipsychotics, aripiprazole is a FIASMA; olanzapine and risperidone are not. Learn more.
Listen to or read the full volume, and earn 0.5 CME credits here.
Listen to Our Podcast: Psychopharm Updates
Don’t miss out on the latest updates in psychopharmacology! Each episode showcases one of our products on a regular basis: Video lectures, Quick Takes, and Expert Consultations. We update our feed every 5 days.
References
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. (n.d.). About the Lifeline. Retrieved July 25, 2022, from https://988lifeline.org/about/
