[Evaluation of inappropriate benzodiazepine use among the elderly: risk factors and impacts]

Inappropriate benzodiazepine use among the elderly is a common and frequently underestimated problem. The present literature revie explores benzodiazepine abuse in this population from a biological, psychological, and environmental perspective. A further objective is the identification of intervention strategies for addressing this problem. The scientific literature reveals a lack of consensus and validity concerning the description of BZD abuse. The prescription practices and somewhat lax attitudes of doctors working with the elderly contribute substantially to the lack of acknowledgement of the magnitude of this problem. Complications specific to the elderly, such as attitudes toward mental illness and differential manifestation of distress, are discussed. Difficulties related to the evaluation of anxiety and depression in elderly patients, have also been identified to contribute too many cases of BZD abuse. In conclusion, it is proposed that research in this area investigate integrative methods for evaluating BZD abuse in the elderly.