title: There is a trend in the utilization of psychotropics among elderly towards recommended drugs.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To analyse trends in sales of potentially inappropriate psychotropic substances (PIPS) in relation to drugs recommended by Drug and Therapeutics Committees (DTC drugs) among 75-year olds and among individuals born 1925 in Sweden.
  
  
  METHODS
  Trends in sales of PIPS and DTC drugs among 75-year olds and among individuals born 1925 in Sweden during 2000-2008 were analysed with linear regression models. Sales were measured as defined daily doses per 1000 inhabitants and day. PIPS were defined according to a proposal from the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare. The selection of DTC drugs was based on a review of recommendations from local DTCs.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Among 75-year olds, PIPS sales decreased 38% and DTC drugs sales increased 31% from 2000 to 2008. The hypnotic PIPS decreased 45%, while the DTC hypnotics increased 36%. The total sales of PIPS to individuals born in 1925 decreased 12% from 2000 to 2008. The DTC drugs increased 115%. Sales of hypnotic PIPS decreased 12%, and the hypnotic DTC drugs increased 120%.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The findings indicate a trend towards the utilization of DTC drugs rather than PIPS.
authors: Nordic School of Public Health (NHV), Göteborg, Sweden. eva.lesen@nhv.se
authors: Eva
authors: E
authors: Lesén
authors: Anders
authors: A
authors: Carlsten
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004363:Drug Utilization / Q000639:trends*; D006801:Humans; D010606:Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee; D055553:Prescription Drugs / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013548:Sweden
chemical_list: D055553:Prescription Drugs; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs