SC Connecticut News

A recent study led by Yale School of Medicine researchers reveals that medications for opioid use disorder (OUD) are underutilized in psychiatric hospitals across the United States. Published on November 13 in JAMA Network Open, the study indicates that fewer than half of these facilities offer such treatments.

The overlap between opioid addiction and psychiatric disorders underscores the need for accessible treatment options. "More than a third of treatment-seeking patients with opioid use disorder have a psychiatric disorder as well," states the research, emphasizing the importance of these medications in psychiatric settings.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved three medications for treating OUD: buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone. Studies show that buprenorphine and methadone can reduce overdose death risk by over 50%. "These are incredible, lifesaving medications," says Dr. Shawn Cohen, assistant professor at Yale School of Medicine and co-leader of the study.

Dr. Cohen collaborated with Dr. Srinivas Muvvala, Dr. David Fiellin, and doctoral student Tamara Beetham to analyze data from a national survey involving 1,021 psychiatric hospitals. Only 490 reported having OUD treatments available.

The reasons behind their limited availability remain unclear but may involve stigma and insufficient provider education. Despite regulatory challenges associated with methadone and buprenorphine, these drugs are easier to prescribe within hospital settings compared to outpatient clinics.

Making these medications more accessible in psychiatric hospitals could benefit patients hospitalized for other conditions who might not otherwise seek treatment for OUD. Dr. Muvvala highlights missed opportunities for intervention: "We are missing an opportunity to intervene...by initiating treatment when patients are in the hospital."

He further notes that starting medication during hospitalization increases patient engagement with outpatient care post-discharge: "This discussion doesn’t happen with other treatments...stigma and bias can prevent providers from recognizing that this is a condition that can be treated."