title: Development of long term use of psychotropic drugs by general practice patients.
abstract: From 1984 to 1986 a prospective study was conducted of 104 general practice patients who started treatment with a benzodiazepine or an antidepressant drug. The duration of reported use of the drugs was two months for 45% of patients, four months for 17% of patients, and six months for 15%. Type of drug, age, and level of education were found to be predictive of continuing use. General practitioners have a significant effect on their patients' use of drugs and, with careful selection and review when prescribing, may help to prevent dependence on psychotropic drugs.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001315:Australia; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D011307:Drug Prescriptions; D005194:Family Practice; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs; D001569:Benzodiazepines