Psychological predictors of benzodiazepine discontinuation among older adults: Results from the PASSE 60.

Background: Long-term benzodiazepine (BZD) use among seniors is mostly inappropriate and associated with adverse health outcomes. To prevent these consequences, withdrawal is crucial, yet knowledge is limited about what predicts BZD discontinuation. Until now, most studies have focused on sociodemographic and BZD intake factors as predictors while neglecting psychological factors.

Systemic model of chronic benzodiazepine use among mature adults.

Objectives: Our goal was to build a systemic model of chronic use among community-dwelling mature benzodiazepine (BZD) users. BZDs are commonly prescribed for symptoms of anxiety and/or insomnia despite their documented side effects over time.

Method: We conducted in-depth interviews with 23 mature (50 years and over) users, 14 women and 9 men, as well as 9 general practitioners and 11 pharmacists.

Chronic psychotropic drug use among frail elderly women receiving home care services.

Over the years, psychotropic drugs have been prescribed for symptoms of anxiety and/or insomnia. Elderly women are especially at risk of chronic use and ensuing side-effects. We examined psychosocial processes associated with long-term psychotropic drug use.

Benzodiazepine use and quality of sleep in the community-dwelling elderly population.

Background: About 50% of the elderly population report being dissatisfied with their sleep. Although benzodiazepines are the most prescribed drugs to treat sleep complaints, the effectiveness of their use on the quality of sleep is not well documented.

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the association between benzodiazepine use and global sleep quality, as well as six components of sleep quality.

[Psychological distress and psychotropic drugs as perceived by elderly women and their aides during loss of autonomy: qualitative and quantitative perspective].

Using qualitative data and quantitative measures of psychological distress, this research examines attitudes towards psychotropic drug use among 14 home care recipients and their caregivers. It relates these attitudes to the type of family support provided and the women's level of mental health (both self-reported and attributed to the aged drug user by the caregiver). Four categorical themes--"it's a habit", "it's useful and under control", "it keeps her under control", and "what drug use?"--describe the types of attitudes of caregivers towards psychotropic drug use by the elderly women they care for.

Mental health for older adults and benzodiazpine use.

Benzodiazepine (BZD) drug use among community-dwelling seniors is a significant health issue. Although long-term use of BZDs by seniors is a recognized problem, little is known about the mental health of the consumers. Better knowledge of their mental health would help nurses in identifying the psychological needs of this population.

[Ambulatory turning point and family home care: a gamble in public health].

Context: Family caregivers are now considered an at-risk population in Canada. As hospital stays have been gradually reduced, family caregivers of the elderly are burdened with complex responsibilities. This change in care delivery was implemented with little consideration for services offered to this specific population.