Outcome of new benzodiazepine prescriptions to older adults in primary care☆
Received 20 April 2006; accepted 22 May 2006.
Abstract
Objective
The objective of this study was to examine the indications for benzodiazepine use, and the baseline characteristics, duration of use and clinical outcomes of older primary care patients prescribed benzodiazepines.
Methods
Computerized records were used to identify outpatients (n=129) aged ≥60 years who received new benzodiazepine prescriptions from primary care physicians of a group model managed care organization. A baseline telephone survey assessed indications for prescription, sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), depression (Symptom Checklist depression scale and Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV), alcohol use (CAGE) and functional status (SF-36). A 2-month follow-up survey assessed benzodiazepine use, sleep quality and depression.
Results
The most common indications for prescription were insomnia (42%) and anxiety (36%). At baseline, participants reported moderate sleep disturbance (mean Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index=9.3, S.D.=4.0), only 15% met criteria for current depressive episode and only 3% reported at-risk alcohol use. After 2 months, 30% of participants used benzodiazepines at least daily. Both those continuing daily use and those not continuing daily use reported significant improvements in sleep quality and depression, with no difference between groups in rates of improvement.
Conclusions
Initial benzodiazepine prescriptions to older adults are typically intended for the treatment of anxiety or insomnia, with little evidence for occult depression or alcohol abuse. A significant minority develops a pattern of long-term use, raising concerns about tolerance and dependence.
☆ The National Institute of Mental Health had no role in the study design, execution, analysis and interpretation of results, or preparation of this manuscript.
ABSTRACT