Mental health for older adults and benzodiazpine use.
Benzodiazepine (BZD) drug use among community-dwelling seniors is a significant health issue. Although long-term use of BZDs by seniors is a recognized problem, little is known about the mental health of the consumers. Better knowledge of their mental health would help nurses in identifying the psychological needs of this population. The goals of this longitudinal study1 (n = 138) were to describe the mental health status of long-term users of BZDs and to compare it with the mental health of seniors who have either begun or stopped consuming BZDs over a 1-year period (from Phase 1 to Phase 2). Results showed that one third of long-term users of BZDs do not present any mental health problem. Furthermore, no differences were observed between the mental health statuses of new users of BZDs, individuals who stopped using BZDs, and long-term users of BZDs. In conclusion, at least one third of long-term users of BZDs should stop using these drugs, and nurses should play a leading role in helping these seniors withdraw from BZD consumption.
Voyer
Philippe
P
Laval University, Québec, Canada. philippe.voyer@fsi.ulaval.ca
Cappeliez
Philippe
P
Pérodeau
Guilhéme
G
Préville
Michel
M
D000368:Aged / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D016903:Drug Monitoring / Q000451:nursing; D004363:Drug Utilization; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006304:Health Status; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D008603:Mental Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D024802:Nurse's Role; D015995:Prevalence; D011792:Quebec / Q000453:epidemiology; D012646:Self Administration / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D001569:Benzodiazepines