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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 01 November 2021
The most common psychiatric illnesses include depressive and anxiety disorders. However, the gap between therapeutic indication and pharmacological consumption is evident, with anxiolytics and antidepressants being some of the most prescribed drugs for the general population and, in particular, for the elderly. However, several of these psychotropic drugs are part of the list of potentially inappropriate medications for the elderly. Thus, the question arises: is the appropriate care being given to older patients, in this domain?
This work aims to reflect on the current structure of the mental health care network for elderly patients, focusing on consumption patterns among thevarious categories of psychotropic drugs and their physiological impact, taking into account the particularities of the target population.
A non-systematic review of the literature is presented. Bibliographic selection was carried out through keyword research in MEDLINE, Google Scholar and also by cross-referencing between articles.
In Portugal it was possible to infer that the consumption of anxiolytics and antidepressants increased ans was in line with the European trend. On the other hand, there has been a downward trend in the consumption of sedatives and hypnotics, opposite to the general trend in Europe. Due to changes related to pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, older patients are more susceptible to the development of adverse reactions, the prevalence of potentially inappropriate medications is high in the context of mental health care. Switching drugs such as benzodiazepines, certain antipsychotics, tricyclic antidepressants and first-generation antihistamines significantly reduced the risk of adverse reactions.
Mental health care policies must be aligned with the conscious use of psychotropic drugs in the elderly population, at risk of the main objective, their well- being and care, being compromised.
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