Preexisting Psychiatric Risk Factors and Any and Long-Term Opioid Use in Head and Neck Cancer

Are preexisting psychiatric comorbidities associated with increased risk for any opioid use and long-term opioid therapy in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC)?Using data from the Optum deidentified electronic health record dataset spanning 2010 to 2018, this longitudinal cohort study of 11 335 individuals with HNC found that depression, nicotine dependence, and benzodiazepine comedication were significantly associated with increased odds of receiving an opioid prescription. Nicotine dependence was the only psychiatric risk factor associated with greater odds of long-term opioid therapy.Evaluating psychiatric comorbidities in patients with HNC can guide management of those at higher risk for opioid use and long-term dependence.

Corresponding Author: Nosayaba (Nosa) Osazuwa-Peters, BDS, PhD, MPH, CHES, Department of Head and Neck Surgery nosa.peters@duke.edu).

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