[Consumption of psychotropic drugs by the aged]

Rev Sanid Hig Publica (Madr). 1994 Mar-Apr;68(2):303-10.
[Article in Spanish]

Abstract

Background: The medical prescription increase for psychotropic drugs, and particularly by elderly, are the facts that have motivated this study: 1) elderly psychotropic consumption assessment, 2) identify risk factors consumption.

Methods: Descriptive and cross-sectional survey from individual questionnaires.

Results: The prevalence for psychotropic drugs was 24% in our sample, (72.1% women). 53.3% prescription were realized by family practitioners. 54.3% patients used them for more than three years. The biggest group consumed are the long term benzodiazepines (62.3%).

Conclusions: The high prevalence, the long time of consumption, the use of long-term benzodiazepines, and the fact of that family practitioners are the main prescribers, must make us think about the pertinence and accuracy of these medical prescriptions.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Aged*
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Benzodiazepines
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Drug Prescriptions
  • Drug Utilization*
  • Family Practice
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Primary Health Care
  • Psychotropic Drugs*
  • Spain
  • Surveys and Questionnaires

Substances

  • Psychotropic Drugs
  • Benzodiazepines