Polypharmacy and older adults: A role for psychology and psychologists

The literature and clinical experience confirm polypharmacy as an important contributor to avoidable morbidity and mortality among older adults. Sociocultural factors, along with the interplay among aging, physiology, chronic disease, and the medicines that seniors take play important roles in clinical presentations, conclusions drawn, interventions planned and implemented, and health care outcomes. Knowledgeable psychologists can help reduce the number and severity of common geriatric syndromes (e.g., falls and mental status changes) that our nation's elders suffer due to inappropriate polypharmacy. Providing high quality psychological services includes developing collaborative relationships with medication prescribers and participating in interdisciplinary teams, even if loosely defined (as is often the case at the community-based, independent practitioner level of care). Informed psychological interventions (including dynamic, cognitive, and/or behavioral) can effectively modify many older adults' medical and other health concerns, reducing the need for and risks associated with taking multiple medications. Participating in research, public education, and advocacy efforts in order to enhance the quality and effectiveness of the health care and services that older adults receive are also vital roles for psychology and psychologists.