CONSUMPTION OF PSYCHOTROPIC-DRUGS IN NURSING-HOME RESIDENTS - A PROSPECTIVE-STUDY IN PATIENTS PERMANENTLY ADMITTED TO A NURSING-HOME

In a prospective study, the routine handling of psychotropic drugs in five nursing homes in Bergen, Norway, was examined in patients who were admitted to a permanent stay. A follow-up was performed after 3 months. Of the 83 patients who were admitted 64% consumed psychotropic drugs, at follow-up 68%. Both at admittance and after 3 months one-third of the residents were treated with antipsychotics. For antipsychotics alone evident changes were observed during the observation time. The consumers were more liable to be demented, restless and wandering. The study confirms the high number of residents using psychotropic drugs. It is concluded that 'overprescription' seems to be a general way of treating disruptive behaviour and not confined to nursing homes.