Misuse of prescription drugs.

The elderly person is at risk of drug misuse and related problems because of frequent use of prescription drugs, biologic factors, and social circumstances associated with aging. Confusion, falls, and aggravation of untoward emotional states are examples of the adverse consequences. Diagnosis of drug dependency states is difficult because of the overlap of general medical disorders and mental disorders and a lack of suitable diagnostic criteria for the aged. Two case examples of drug misuse are given, and the management of drug misuse and the treatment of drug dependence on an inpatient and outpatient basis are discussed. Future research directions are suggested.