Sleep disturbances and agitational states in the elderly. Therapeutic possibilities and limitations in West Germany.
Sleep disturbance is common in the elderly. The causes of sleep disturbance are varied, and no single treatment can be successful in all cases. Psychotropic drugs and hypnotics are the drugs most frequently prescribed to the elderly in West Germany. The indications for using benzodiazepines, chlormethiazole, butyrophenones and chloral hydrate are discussed. However, in all cases the underlying cause of the sleep disturbance should be sought rather than treating the symptoms in isolation.
D000368:Aged; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D002090:Butyrophenones; D002697:Chloral Hydrate / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002719:Chlormethiazole / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D011595:Psychomotor Agitation / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007319:Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*
D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D002090:Butyrophenones; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs; D002719:Chlormethiazole; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D002697:Chloral Hydrate