[Consumption of psychopharmaceuticals in residential facilities for the elderly. Evaluation of the extent, indications and effects].
Previous studies have shown a high level of consumption of psychopharmacological drugs in nursing homes. A questionnaire study in Kronoberg County in the autumn of 1998 investigated treatment with psychopharmacological drugs at ten nursing homes with a total of 405 care recipients. The questionnaire included questions about the extent of treatment, indications, duration of treatment and evaluation routines. Some 59% of the recipients, with a variation of 48-73% in different homes, were in continuous treatment with psychopharmacological drugs. Disturbances of sleep, depression and anxiety accounted for 79% of all indications. For 84%, treatment duration was not time-limited ("until further notice"). Assessments by the care staff were the most common evaluation procedure. In only 43% of cases were patients' self-evaluations heeded. Neuroleptics were probably overused, often with indications other than psychotic symptoms. Repeated treatment evaluations involving different categories of staff are important if excessive medication is to be avoided.
Nilsson
L
L
Vårdcentralen Teleborg, Växjö. lars.nilsson@ltkronoberg.se
Petersson
C
C
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004363:Drug Utilization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006707:Homes for the Aged / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy; D009735:Nursing Homes / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D012893:Sleep Wake Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013548:Sweden
D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs