PSYCHOTROPIC DRUG USE IN THE ELDERLY: PUBLIC IGNORANCE OR INDIFFERENCE?

Figures on prescription volume and cost for pensioners' consumption of psychotropic drugs are given, showing that their consumption is grossly overproportionate to their representation within the population. Pensioners comprise about 9% of the population and are prescribed 45% (range: 32% for minor tranquillizers to 58% for barbiturates) of all psychotropic drugs issued under the National Health Scheme. The data given are seen to be very conservative estimates of total national consumption, as they do not include prescriptions issued to repatriation and private patients, or drugs administered in hospitals. Community stereotypes about drugs and drug use are discussed. The community's knowledge of psychotropic drug use by the elderly is seen to be minimal and its attitude toward it indifferent.