GERIATRIC THERAPEUTICS Psychotropic Medication Use in Older People

Older people have high rates of mental health disorders such as mood and anxiety disorders, bipolar affective disorder, psychotic disorders, and dementia. All of these disorders are associated with significant morbidity and mortality and have been historically under-recognised and under-treated. Recent advances in psychopharmacology have brought great benefit to many young patients with these conditions where they are supported by a clear evidence base. To date, this evidence base has been incompletely developed for older people leaving the prescriber with many difficult decisions. There is moderate and growing evidence supporting the use of antidepressants in this population. The use of mood stabilisers and antipsychotics for indications other than the behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia currently occurs in the absence of effective evidence. J Pharm Pract Res 2007; 37: 153-6