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Special problems relating to the use of hypnotics in the elderly
Author(s) -
Swift C. G.
Publication year - 1986
Publication title -
acta psychiatrica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.849
H-Index - 146
eISSN - 1600-0447
pISSN - 0001-690X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0447.1986.tb10542.x
Subject(s) - hypnotic , medicine , duration (music) , psychology , psychiatry , intensive care medicine , literature , art
‐ The problems experinced by elderly patints taking hypnotic durgs are reviewed. They include those associated with accumulation, tolerance, drug dependence and the intensity and duration of response. Biological mechanisms associated with ageing enhance some of these effects in the elderly. Care should be taken to define the precise indications for hypnotic use and to choose the correct drug and dose for the patient's condition and age.