title: [Pharmacoepidemiology of psychotropic medication: utilisation and impact in real-life conditions].
abstract: Pharmacoepidemiological studies exploring utilisation of psychotropic medications in real-life conditions are required to identify extension of indications, since the risk of gap between the theoretical target population and the population actually treated is especially marked for this class of drugs. A large proportion of subjects from the general population are exposed to psychotropic medications, so even a small increase in the risk of adverse effect may have major deleterious consequences for the health of the general population. Hence, pharmacoepidemiological studies are also required to explore the risk/benefit ratio of these drugs in real-life conditions. These studies may provide answers to currently unsolved public health questions, such as the long-term cognitive impact of exposure to benzodiazepines, the impact of antidepressant on suicidal behaviour, or the risks associated with enlarged use of antipsychotics. Only findings obtained by such studies may allow risk management and elaboration of guidelines based upon factual data.
authors.affiliation: Université Victor Segalen Bordeaux 2, Bordeaux, France. helene.verdoux@u-bordeaux2.fr
authors.forename: Hélène
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Verdoux
authors.forename: Marie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tournier
authors.forename: Audrey
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Cougnard
authors.forename: Karin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Martin
authors.forename: Bernard
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Bégaud
mesh_terms: D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D004358:Drug Therapy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005602:France; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000009:adverse effects; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012307:Risk Factors; D013405:Suicide
chemical_list: D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs