Factors associated with benzodiazepine dependence among community-dwelling seniors.
BACKGROUND
Benzodiazepine (BZD) dependence among seniors is an understudied problem.


OBJECTIVE
Identify the factors associated with BZD dependence.


METHODS
Face-to-face computer-assisted interviews were conducted in the homes of 2,785 persons aged 65 years or older, randomly selected.


RESULTS
Nine-and-a-half percent of BZD users met DSM-IV-TR criteria for BZD dependence. Factors associated with BZD dependence are being a woman, and having cognitive impairment, panic disorders, suicidal ideations, and a degree of embarrassment in obtaining help for emotional problem.


CONCLUSIONS
Nurses should be better positioned to identify those elderly users of BZDs who are more likely to be dependent and to address the problem through BZD withdrawal program.
Voyer
Philippe
P
Pavillon Ferdinand-Vandry, Local 3445, 1050, Avenue de la Medecine, Laval University, Quebec City, Quebec G1V 0A6, Canada. Philippe.Voyer@fsi.ulaval.ca
Preville
Michel
M
Roussel
Marie-Eve
ME
Berbiche
Djamal
D
Beland
Sarah-Gabrielle
SG
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D011792:Quebec / Q000453:epidemiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D001569:Benzodiazepines