[Benzodiazepine use in the elderly: state of the knowledge].

This article reviews the literature concerning addiction to benzodiazepine (BZD) in the elderly population of 65 and over. While the negative consequences related to a prolonged use of BZD are well known, much less is known on the phenomenon of dependency to these substances in this population. There is still no consensus on the definition of the problem. The continuous use of BZD may be more problematic in the elderly for whom tolerance to chemical agents diminishes with age. The risk factors involved in the chronic use are an interactive combination between the characteristics of the elderly as well as the physicians who prescribe such medication. Paths of research to support a paradigmatic change are presented in order to improve the research in this field.