Drug taking among the elderly.

Psychopharmacology: An essential element in educating clinical psychologists for working with older adults.

“…Specifically, clinicians need to be aware that the majority of geriatric psychotropic drug prescriptions are written by primary care practitioners (Stephens et al, 1982) in the absence of a psychiatric or psychological consultation (Waxman & Carner, 19841, without any attempt at nonpharmacological intervention (Lyndon & Russell, 1990), for difficulties that may be amenable to behavioral intervention (e.g., sleep disorders), and, some of the time, in the absence of a mental health problem (German & Burton, 1989). While the incidence of inappropriate psychotropic drug prescribing (e.g., Desai et al, 1990) should serve as a reminder that caution must be exercised at all stages of geriatric pharmacotherapy, clinicians also need to be aware that safe and effective psychopharmacologic approaches do exist (Lebowitz & Cohen, 1992).…”

“…There are conflicting reports about the presence of gender differences in the use of psychotropic drugs in old age. Most research supports the finding that older women are more likely than their male counterparts to be prescribed psychotropic drugs, particularly benzodiazepines (Catalan et al, 1988;Huffine, Folkman, & Lazarus, 1989;Stephens, Haney, & Underwood, 1982;Whittington, Petersen, Dale, & Dressel, 1981) whereas a smaller body of research finds no such difference (Mant et al, 1988).…”