Epidemiology of psychotherapeutic drug use in older adults

Those over 65 years of age constitute nearly 13% of the United States population. This age group, however, consumes three times their number of prescribed and over-the-counter remedies. In fact, nearly 30% of all prescriptions and 40% of over-the-counter remedies are consumed by older adults. This is also the population most sensitive to the side effects of drugs and, in particular, to the mood-or mind-altering properties of commonly prescribed and over-the-counter remedies. This article discusses medication usage among older adults with a special focus on various classes of psychotherapeutic agents-their uses, potential abuses, and special hazards.