INTRODUCTION: The elderly are the biggest consumers of Benzodiazepines (BZD) and/or BZD equivalents. However, the risks of developing addiction in this age group are often underestimated. METHOD: This study describes the nature and extent of addiction in the elderly using DSM IV items. RESULTS: We noted a high prevalence of addiction in our population and identified a two-factor profile in subjects of 65 years of age and older addicted to BZD/equivalents. CONCLUSION: This profile led us to reconsider anew the definition of addiction, the approach to addiction in this age group, and the way to prescribe treatment by BZD/equivalents in this population.
INTRODUCTION: The elderly are the biggest consumers of Benzodiazepines (BZD) and/or BZD equivalents. However, the risks of developing addiction in this age group are often underestimated. METHOD: This study describes the nature and extent of addiction in the elderly using DSM IV items. RESULTS: We noted a high prevalence of addiction in our population and identified a two-factor profile in subjects of 65 years of age and older addicted to BZD/equivalents. CONCLUSION: This profile led us to reconsider anew the definition of addiction, the approach to addiction in this age group, and the way to prescribe treatment by BZD/equivalents in this population.
Authors: Rachel D Maree; Zachary A Marcum; Ester Saghafi; Debra K Weiner; Jordan F Karp Journal: Am J Geriatr Psychiatry Date: 2016-06-07 Impact factor: 4.105
Authors: Morgane Guillou-Landreat; Bertrand Quinio; Jean Yves Le Reste; Delphine Le Goff; Jérôme Fonsecca; Marie Grall-Bronnec; Antoine Dany Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2021-02-21 Impact factor: 3.390