Psychotropic Drugs in the Ambulatory Care of Elderly Males

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Abstract
Concern has been expressed regarding the extensive use of psychotropic drugs in ambulatory care. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between age and use of these drugs in terms of differences in personal characteristics, medical histories, use of medical services and symptoms. Male veterans (N = 992), randomly selected from ambulatory care, were divided into five age groups (44 years and younger, 45 through 54, 55 through 64, 65 through 74, 75 years and older) as well as according to whether or not they were currently taking psychoactive medication. Psychotropic medications were used most frequently by the two middle-aged groups (45-54 and 55-64) and least frequently by the older age group, with significantly less use by blacks in all age groups. Regardless of age, drug users had more diagnoses, more outpatient visits, and considered their health to be better than did nonusers. Other medications, such as antispasmodics and sleeping, pain and heart medications, were also associated with use of psychotropic drugs. Furthermore, users in all groups had more symptoms of anxiety, depression, interpersonal problems, obsessiveness-compulsiveness and concern with their bodies. These findings allow the physician to recognize the clinical profile of patients who are more likely to rely on psychotropic medications and to treat them accordingly.

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