• My Dashboard My Education Find an Ophthalmologist
  • Home
  • For Ophthalmologists
    • Meetings
      • AAO 2021
        • Meeting Information
          • Past and Future Meetings
          • Contact Information
          • Virtual Meeting Guide
          • Policies and Disclaimers
        • Program
          • Program Search
          • Program Highlights
          • Program Committees
          • CME
          • Meeting Archives
        • Expo
        • Registration
        • Hotels & Travel
          • Hotel Reservation Information
          • New Orleans
          • International Attendees
          • Hotel Meeting Space
        • Presenter Central
          • Presenter Central
          • Abstract Selection Process
          • Submission Policies
          • Subject Classification/Topics
          • Instruction Courses and Skills Transfer Labs
          • Papers and Posters
          • Videos
          • Grand Rounds Symposium
          • Program Participant and Faculty Guidelines
          • Faculty Development Program
        • Exhibitors
          • Exhibitor Central
          • Exhibitor Portal Information
          • New Exhibiting Companies
          • Exhibitor Resources
      • Mid-Year Forum
        • Registration and Travel
        • Congressional Advocacy Day
        • Advocacy Ambassador Program
        • Program
        • Schedule
        • Sponsored Attendees
        • News
      • Ophthalmology Business Summit
      • Codequest
        • Codequest Instructors
        • Claim Codequest CME or CEU Credit
      • Eyecelerator
    • Clinical Education
      • COVID-19
      • Education
        • Browse All Education
        • Courses
        • Cases
        • Learning Plans
        • Interactive
        • Focal Points
        • Wills Eye Manual
        • Disease Reviews
        • Clinical Webinars
        • Diagnose This
        • Self-Assessments
        • Educational Centers
          • Glaucoma Education Center
          • Pediatric Ophthalmology Education Center
          • Laser Surgery Education Center
          • Myopia Resources
          • Oculofacial Plastic Surgery Center
          • Redmond Ethics Center
      • Journals
      • Guidelines
        • Browse All Practice Guidelines
        • Preferred Practice Patterns
        • Clinical Statements
        • Compendium Guidelines
        • Complementary Therapy Assessments
        • Medical Information Technology
        • Ophthalmic Technology Assessments
        • Patient Safety Statements
        • Choosing Wisely
        • Low Vision
        • Eye Care for Older Adults
        • Eye Disease Statistics
        • About the Hoskins Center
      • Multimedia Library
        • Browse All Videos and Audio
        • Clinical and Surgical Videos
        • Presentations and Lectures
        • 1-Minute Videos
        • Master Class Videos
        • Basic Skills Videos
        • Interviews
        • Audio and Podcasts
        • Images
        • Submit an Image
        • Submit a Video
      • News
        • Browse All Clinical News
        • Editors' Choice
        • Headlines
        • Current Insight
      • CME Central
        • Browse All CME Activities
        • Claim CME Credit and View Transcript
        • CME Planning Resources
        • Complete Your Financial Disclosure
        • Joint Sponsorship Portal
        • LEO Continuing Education Recognition Award
        • Safe ER/LA Opioid Prescribing
        • Check Your Industry Payment Records
      • MOC
      • Resident Education
        • All Resident Education
        • OKAP and Board Exam Resources
          • OKAP Exam
          • Board Prep Resources
          • OKAP and Board Review Presentations
          • Study Flashcards
        • Resident Courses
        • Resident Videos
        • Cataract Master
        • Simulation in Resident Education
        • Pediatric Ophthalmology Education Center
        • News and Advice from YO Info
    • Membership
      • Join
      • Renew
      • Current Member
      • Volunteer
      • Physician Wellness
      • Member Directory
      • Member Obituaries
      • AAOE Membership
    • Advocacy
      • Advocacy News
      • Get Involved
        • Ways to Give
        • How to Get Involved
        • Congressional Advocacy
        • Support the Academy's Agenda
        • Research Legislation
        • Find Your Legislators
        • I Am an Advocate
        • Advocacy at Home
        • Advocate Tools
        • Best Practices for Advocating at Home
        • Social Media Toolkit
        • Letter to Editor
        • Town Hall Guide
        • Guide to Engaging With New Lawmakers
        • Resources
        • Attending a Political Fundraiser
      • OPHTHPAC
        • About Us
        • Join OPHTHPAC
        • OPHTHPAC Blog
      • Surgical Scope Fund
        • Support Surgery By Surgeons
        • Surgery By Surgeons Blog
    • Publications
      • EyeNet Magazine
        • Latest Issue
        • Archive
        • Subscribe
        • Advertise
        • Write For Us
        • Corporate Lunches
        • Contact
        • MIPS 2019
        • MIPS 2020
      • Focal Points
      • Ophthalmology
      • Ophthalmology Glaucoma
      • Ophthalmology Retina
      • YO Info
      • Scope
    • Subspecialties
      • Cataract/Anterior Segment
      • Comprehensive Ophthalmology
      • Cornea/External Disease
      • Glaucoma
      • Neuro-Ophthalmology/Orbit
      • Ocular Pathology/Oncology
      • Oculoplastics/Orbit
      • Pediatric Ophthalmology/Strabismus
      • Refractive Management/Intervention
      • Retina/Vitreous
      • Uveitis
    • IRIS Registry
      • About
      • Using the Registry
        • User Guide
        • Medicare Reporting
        • Maintenance of Certification
        • Non-EHR Reporting
      • Sign Up
        • Application Process
        • Why Participate
        • Once You've Applied: Getting Started
        • What Practices Are Saying About the Registry
      • Requirements
        • EHR Systems
        • Data & Technical Needs
      • Research
      • Registry Dashboard
      • News
    • Medicare Information
  • For Practice Management
    • Coding
      • Codequest
      • Ask the Coding Experts
      • Coding Updates and Resources
      • Coding for Injectable Drugs
      • ICD-10-CM
        • News and Advice
      • Ophthalmic Coding Specialist (OCS) Exam
    • Regulatory
      • Medicare Participation Options
      • Audits
      • Medicare Advantage Plans
        • Termination Appeal Letter
      • New Medicare Card
      • Provider Enrollment, Chain and Ownership System (PECOS)
      • HIPAA Resources
    • Practice Operations
      • Practice Management Advice
      • Lean Management
      • Cybersecurity
      • Private Equity
      • EHRs
        • Overview
        • Planning and Preparation
        • Vendor Selection
        • Implementation and Evaluation
        • Patient Portals
        • Resources
        • Ratings
    • Events
      • Annual Meeting
      • Business Summit
      • Codequest Courses
    • Leadership
      • AAOE Board of Directors
      • Leadership Program (OPAL)
    • Listservs
    • Resources
      • Practice Management Resource Library
      • Coronavirus Resources
      • Patient Education
      • Practice Forms Library
        • Practice Forms Library - Examination
        • Practice Forms Library - Financial
        • Practice Forms Library - HIPAA
        • Practice Forms Library - Human Resources
        • Practice Forms Library - Job Descriptions
        • Practice Forms Library - Patient Forms
        • Practice Forms Library - Protocols
        • Practice Forms Library - Surgery
      • Practice Analytics
        • Benchmarking Tool
        • Salary Survey
      • Consultant Directory
      • Ophthalmology Job Center
      • Practice Management for Retina
      • Reopening and Recovery
    • Get Involved
    • Medicare
      • Quality
        • Overview
        • Reporting
        • Measures
      • Promoting Interoperability
        • Overview
        • Measures
        • Attestation
        • Hardships and Exceptions
        • Audits
        • News and Advice
      • Improvement Activities
        • Overview
        • List of Improvement Activities
        • Attestation
        • Audits
      • Cost
      • Avoid a Penalty
      • Resources
        • 2019 to 2020 MIPS Changes
        • MIPS Solo and Small Practice Survival Guide
        • MIPS Glossary
        • MIPS Resources on EyeNet
        • MIPS Extreme Hardship Exceptions
        • Solo and Small-Practice Roadmap
        • MIPS Manual
        • MIPS Large Practice Roadmap
        • IRIS Registry User Guide
        • CMS Websites
        • 2020 MIPS Payments: Understanding Remittance Advice Codes
        • Final Checklist for EHR/Non-EHR 2019 MIPS Reporting
        • MIPS Tips
        • MIPS Archive
    • Membership
  • For Public & Patients
    • Eye Health A-Z
    • Symptoms
    • Glasses & Contacts
    • Tips & Prevention
    • News
    • Ask an Ophthalmologist
    • Patient Stories
    • No Cost Eye Exams
    • Español
      • A - Z de Salud Ocular
      • Síntomas
      • Anteojos y Lentes de Contacto
      • Consejos y Prevención
      • Noticias
      • Relatos de Pacientes
      • Exámenes de la vista sin costo
      • English
  • AAO 2021
    • Meeting Information
      • Past and Future Meetings
      • Contact Information
      • Virtual Meeting Help
      • Virtual Meeting Guide
      • Policies and Disclaimers
    • Program
      • Program Search
      • Program Highlights
      • Program Committees
      • CME
      • Meeting Archives
    • Expo
    • Registration
    • Hotels & Travel
      • Hotel Reservation Information
      • New Orleans
      • International Attendees
      • Hotel Meeting Space
    • Presenter Central
      • Presenter Central
      • Abstract Selection Process
      • Submission Policies
      • Subject Classification/Topics
      • Instruction Courses and Skills Transfer Labs
      • Papers and Posters
      • Videos
      • Grand Rounds Symposium
      • Program Participant and Faculty Guidelines
      • Faculty Development Program
    • Exhibitors
      • Exhibitor Central
      • Exhibitor Portal Information
      • New Exhibiting Companies
      • Exhibitor Resources
  • About
    • Who We Are
      • What We Do
      • About Ophthalmology
      • The Eye Care Team
      • Ethics and the Academy
      • History
      • Museum of Vision
      • Values
    • Governance
      • Council
      • Board of Trustees
      • Committees
      • Academy Past Presidents
      • Secretariats
      • Elections
      • Academy Blog
      • Academy Staff Leadership
    • Leadership Development
    • Awards
      • Laureate Recognition Award
      • Outstanding Advocate Award
      • Outstanding Humanitarian Service Award
      • International Blindness Prevention Award
      • Distinguished Service Award
      • Guests of Honor
      • Secretariat Award
      • Straatsma Award
      • Achievement Award Program
      • Artemis Award
      • EnergEYES Award
      • International Education Award
      • International Scholar Award
      • Commitment to Advocacy Award
      • Visionary Society Award
    • Financial Relationships
    • Policy Statements
    • Related Organizations
      • Subspecialty/Specialized Interest Society Directory
      • State Society Directory
      • Subspecialty/Specialized Interest Society Meetings
      • State Society Meetings
      • Resources for Societies
    • Year in Review
      • 2019 Year in Review
  • Foundation
    • About
      • Funding Allocations and Sources
      • 2019-2020 Annual Report
      • Annual Report Archives
      • News From the Chair
      • Foundation Staff
    • Our Impact
      • Partners for Sight
      • Donor Spotlights
      • Global Ophthalmic Community
      • Sponsorships
      • Patients and the Public
    • Giving Options
      • Our Supporters
      • Estate and Planned Giving
      • Ophthalmic Business Council
    • Orbital Gala
      • Why Attend
      • Photo Recap
      • Corporate Support Opportunities
      • Tribute Gifts
      • Silent Auction
      • Corporate Sponsors
    • Donate
    • Museum of the Eye Campaign
      • Museum Supporters
  • Museum of the Eye
    • Visit
    • Events
    • Explore
      • Research and Resources
      • Collection Search
      • Previous Exhibits
      • Oral Histories
      • Biographies
    • Volunteer
    • Mailing List
    • Donate
    • About the Museum
      • Museum Blog
  • Young Ophthalmologists
    • YO Info
    • Learn to Bill
    • Engage with the Academy
  • Senior Ophthalmologists
    • Scope
    • Practice Transitions
  • International Ophthalmologists
    • Global Programs and Resources for National Societies
    • Awards
    • Global Outreach
  • Residents
  • Medical Students
×
Log In Create an Account
  • For Ophthalmologists
  • For Practice Management
  • For Public & Patients
  • About
  • Foundation
  • Museum of the Eye
  • COVID-19
  • Journals
  • Education
    • Education
    • Courses
    • Cases
    • Learning Plans
    • Interactive
    • Focal Points
    • Wills Eye Manual
    • Disease Reviews
    • Clinical Webinars
    • Diagnose This
    • Self-Assessments
    • Education Centers
      • Glaucoma Education Center
      • Pediatric Ophthalmology Education Center
      • Laser Surgery Education Center
      • Oculofacial Plastic Surgery Center
      • Redmond Ethics Center
      • Myopia Resources
  • Guidelines
    • Practice Guidelines
    • Preferred Practice Patterns
    • Clinical Statements
    • Ophthalmic Technology Assessments
    • Patient Safety Statements
    • Complementary Therapy Assessments
    • Compendium Guidelines
    • Medical Information Technology
    • Low Vision
    • Choosing Wisely
    • Eye Care for Older Adults
    • Eye Disease Statistics
    • About the Hoskins Center
    • Artificial Intelligence
    • Premium IOLs
  • Multimedia
    • Multimedia Library
    • Video
      • 1-Minute Videos
      • Presentations and Lectures
      • Master Class Videos
      • Basic Skills Videos
      • Clinical and Surgical Videos
      • Interviews
      • Resident Lectures
      • Submit a Video
    • Audio and Podcasts
    • Images
      • Submit an Image
  • News
    • Clinical News
    • Editors' Choice
    • Headlines
    • Current Insight
  • CME
    • CME Central
    • Claim CME Credit and View Transcript
    • CME Planning Resources
    • Complete Your Financial Disclosure
    • Joint Sponsorship Portal
    • LEO Continuing Education Recognition Award
    • Safe ER/LA Opioid Prescribing
    • Check Your Industry Payment Records
  • MOC
  • Residents
    • Resident Education
    • OKAP and Board Exam Resources
      • OKAP Exam
      • Board Prep Resources
      • OKAP and Board Review Presentations
      • Study Flashcards
    • Resident Courses
    • Resident Videos
    • Cataract Master
    • Simulation in Resident Education
    • Diversity and Inclusion Education
    • Pediatric Ophthalmology Education Center
    • News and Advice from YO Info
    • Clinical Education /
    • Book Excerpts /
    • Basic and Clinical Science Course - Excerpt
  • 2020–2021 BCSC Basic and Clinical Science Course™

    Go to Academy Store Learn more and Purchase.

    1 Update on General Medicine

    Chapter 11: Behavioral and Neurologic Disorders

    Pharmacologic Treatment of Psychiatric Disorders

    Antianxiety and Hypnotic Drugs

    Benzodiazepines

    The benzodiazepine class of medications is often the first-line therapy for patients with GAD. They are also beneficial as an adjunct to anesthesia or for management of alcohol withdrawal, treatment of seizures, alleviation of muscle spasm, treatment of insomnia, and treatment of nocturnal myoclonus. Table 11-2 lists the common antianxiety and hypnotic medications as well as the older class of barbiturates. The use of barbiturate drugs has declined due to their high potential for addiction and abuse. Although effective in treating these disorders, benzodiazepine use has also diminished over concerns related to dependency. Benzodiazepines are often prescribed to patients to manage the acute stage of chronic anxiety to allow time for prescribed serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which may be safer for prolonged use, to take effect.

    Table 11-2 Antianxiety and Hypnotic Medications

    The mechanism of action for benzodiazepines is centered around their effect on gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in the central nervous system. Although these agents are similar in their effects, there is variation in the time of onset, half-life, and how they are metabolized. Withdrawal symptoms, including anxiety, tremors, psychosis, and even seizures, are more likely if intake is abruptly stopped after long-term use. All of the benzodiazepine drugs have the potential to cause retrograde amnesia, and respiratory depression is possible, especially if combined with alcohol. Benzodiazepines are involved in overdose suicide attempts in about 5% of cases.

    Ophthalmic considerations The abuse potential of benzodiazepines is mild compared with other drugs such as hydromorphone and cocaine. Nevertheless, long-term administration of these agents can cause physical dependence. Ocular adverse effects can occur, although they tend to be dose-related and transient. Decreased accommodation, induced phorias, and nystagmus are sometimes associated with benzodiazepine use.

    Antidepressants

    A growing number of patients with major depression are being managed with medication alone, despite reports that demonstrate the benefits of combining pharmacologic treatment with psychotherapy. Nevertheless, this group of drugs is effective in managing the symptoms associated with depression, improving the rate of recovery, reducing the risk of suicide, and aiding in social and occupational rehabilitation.

    In general, antidepressants can take up to 6 weeks to show significant effect; treatment is generally continued for up to 12 weeks, although long-term management may be needed in select cases. Antidepressants are associated with a 50%–60% response rate among patients with major depression in the primary care setting. These drugs can result in mood elevation, improved appetite, better sleep, and increased mental and physical activity.

    Table 11-3 lists the various classes of antidepressants. The first-generation tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are generally no longer prescribed as first-line treatment due to safety concerns (in particular, overdose) and adverse effects. Second-generation options include SSRIs, SNRIs, atypical antidepressants, and serotonin modulators. Of these, SSRIs are the most widely prescribed; they are very effective and tend to be better tolerated. Occasional adverse effects associated with SSRIs include sexual dysfunction, drowsiness, insomnia, weight gain, dizziness, headache, and blurred vision (likely related to dry eye and, to a lesser extent, mydriasis). Rare cases of angle-closure glaucoma have been reported. SSRIs may also cause inhibition of platelet function, and some studies suggest a possible increase in risk of bleeding, especially involving the upper gastrointestinal system.

    Because major depression is now thought to affect 5% of children and adolescents, the use of SSRIs has steadily increased in this population as well. There have been some reports of antidepressants leading to increased suicidal ideation in a small percentage of children and adolescents. Close monitoring for abnormal behavior, agitation, and suicidal thoughts is advised, especially within the first 4 weeks after the individual begins antidepressant therapy.

    Table 11-3 Antidepressant Medications

    Mood stabilizers

    Mood stabilizers are a heterogeneous group of medications that do not clearly share a common mechanism of action. They are the drugs of choice for the treatment of bipolar disorder. Lithium carbonate was the first drug to be developed in this class and has been the most widely studied. Other mood stabilizers include the antiepileptic agents valproic acid, carbamazepine, and lamotrigine. Potential ocular adverse effects of lithium use include blurred vision, nystagmus (usually downbeat), and exophthalmos associated with lithium-induced changes in thyroid function.

    Ophthalmic considerations Although behavioral disorders do not directly affect the eye, several related issues are important for ophthalmologists to be aware of. Patient education and reassurance may be required because the underlying mental disorder may mean that anticholinergic side effects, such as dry eye and accommodative changes, are more concerning to patients. Poor adherence to treatment is another common problem among patients with mental health issues. Malingering and functional vision loss require a high index of suspicion and special diagnostic skills on the part of the clinician. Some medications used to treat eye disease, including carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, brimonidine, and oral corticosteroids, may induce or exacerbate depression. Although β-blockers were thought to increase the risk of depression, recent studies suggest this correlation is not as strong as was previously believed.

    • Richa S, Yazbek JC. Ocular adverse effects of common psychotropic agents: a review. CNS Drugs. 2010;24(6):501–526.

    Excerpted from BCSC 2020-2021 series: Section 1 - Update on General Medicine. For more information and to purchase the entire series, please visit https://www.aao.org/bcsc.

  • Most Commented
    Loading, please wait...
    There are no comments available.
    Most Viewed
    Loading, please wait...
    Most Viewed content is not available.
  • The Academy Store
    2021 North Carolina Codequest (Recording)
    2021 Tennessee Codequest (Recording)
    2021 Multistate Codequest (Recorded Feb. 5)
    2021 Michigan Codequest (Recording)
    Focal Points 2020 Complete Set
    2021 Coding Coach: Complete Ophthalmic Coding Reference 
    2021 CPT: Complete Pocket Ophthalmic Reference
    2021 Retina Coding: Complete Reference Guide
    2021 Fundamentals of Ophthalmic Coding
    2021 CPT Professional Edition 
    2021 HCPCS Level ll Professional Edition
    2021 Coding Assistant: Cataract and Anterior Segment
    2021 Coding Assistant: Cornea
    2021 Coding Assistant: Glaucoma
    2021 Coding Assistant: Oculofacial
    2021 Coding Assistant: Pediatrics/Strabismus
    2021 Coding Assistant for Subspecialties 
    Recorded Webinar: 2021 Ophthalmology Coding Update
    Webinar: 2021 Ophthalmology Coding Update
    Ophthalmology Journal
    Ophthalmology Retina Journal
    Focal Points Member Benefit
    2021 ICD-10-CM for Ophthalmology: The Complete Reference 
    Conquering New E-M Documentation Guidelines for Ophthalmology
    2020-2021 Basic and Clinical Science Course Complete Set
    2020-2021 Basic and Clinical Science Course Residency Set
    2020-2021 Basic and Clinical Science Course, Section 01: Update on General Medicine
    2020-2021 Basic and Clinical Science Course, Section 02: Fundamentals and Principles of Ophthalmology
    2020-2021 Basic and Clinical Science Course, Section 03: Clinical Optics
    2020-2021 Basic and Clinical Science Course, Section 04: Ophthalmic Pathology and Intraocular Tumors
 
  • Contact Us
  • About the Academy
  • Jobs at the Academy
  • Financial Relationships with Industry
  • Medical Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • Help
  • For Advertisers
  • For Media
  • Ophthalmology Job Center

OUR SITES

  • EyeWiki
  • International Society of Refractive Surgery

FOLLOW THE ACADEMY

Medical Professionals

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube

Public & Patients

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • YouTube

Museum of the Eye

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Trip Advisor
  • Yelp
© American Academy of Ophthalmology 2021