Date

5-20-2026

Department

School of Behavioral Sciences

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD)

Chair

Alyc Rideout

Keywords

chronic polypharmacy, psychological burden, older adults, qualitative research, medication management

Disciplines

Psychology

Abstract

Chronic polypharmacy, defined as the simultaneous use of five or more medications for three or more months, represents an emerging health concern distinct from traditional polypharmacy due to its persistence despite medication reconciliation and deprescribing efforts. This descriptive qualitative study explored the psychological impact of chronic polypharmacy on the daily lives of ten community-dwelling older adults (aged 62-81) with multimorbidity. Semi-structured interviews, adapted from the Living with Medicines Questionnaire, were analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings revealed that chronic polypharmacy imposes a profound multidimensional burden: persistent anxiety regarding medication errors, depressive symptoms from daily regimen management, and voluntary social isolation as a defense mechanism. Participants described cognitive exhaustion from constant medication monitoring, diminished emotional resilience, and quality of life increasingly defined by medication adherence. While patients developed practical rituals and cognitive reframing strategies, they perceived healthcare providers as fragmented prescribers rather than partners, finding unexpected psychological support from pharmacists. Results underscore the need for coordinated holistic care models addressing the psychosocial dimensions of chronic polypharmacy.

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