Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Experiment Videos

Tranquilizers and sedative/hypnotics: appropriate use in the elderly.

R M Allen

    Geriatrics
    |May 1, 1986
    PubMed
    Summary

    For elderly patients, benzodiazepines are safe and effective for sleep and anxiety when used correctly. Non-pharmacologic approaches and behavioral techniques offer successful alternatives to potentially harmful medications.

    Related Concept Videos

    You might also read

    Related Articles

    Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

    Sort by
    Same author

    Geodetic Observations of Weak Determinism in Rupture Evolution of Large Earthquakes.

    Journal of geophysical research. Solid earth·2019
    Same author

    Real-world Effectiveness and Safety of Vedolizumab for the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease: The Scottish Vedolizumab Cohort.

    Journal of Crohn's & colitis·2019
    Same author

    Effect of ultraviolet radiation on physical fitness.

    Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation·2010
    Same author

    The test performance of the brain injured.

    Journal of clinical psychology·2010
    Same author

    A study of normal and rachitic bone structure by microphotographic methods.

    The American journal of pathology·2009
    Same author

    A district general hospital's method of post-operative infection surveillance including post-discharge follow-up, developed over a five-year period.

    The Journal of hospital infection·2001

    Area of Science:

    • Geriatric Medicine
    • Pharmacology
    • Psychiatry

    Background:

    • Minimizing pharmacologic agents in elderly patients reduces risks of drug interactions and toxicity.
    • Sedative/hypnotics and anxiolytics, particularly benzodiazepines, can be safe and effective for older adults if indications and dosages are appropriate.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To evaluate the safety and efficacy of pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatments for sleep disturbances and anxiety in the elderly.
    • To compare the utility of benzodiazepines versus non-benzodiazepine alternatives and non-pharmacologic interventions.

    Main Methods:

    • Review of current literature on pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatments for sleep and anxiety in geriatric patients.
    • Analysis of the risks and benefits associated with different classes of sedative/hypnotics and anxiolytics.
    • Consideration of behavioral and psychological approaches.

    Main Results:

    • Benzodiazepines are generally safe and effective for elderly patients when prescribed appropriately.
    • Non-benzodiazepines (e.g., barbiturates) and some alternatives (e.g., chloral hydrate, diphenhydramine, hydroxyzine) pose higher toxic risks, limiting their usefulness.
    • Non-pharmacologic strategies, including behavioral techniques and establishing routines, are often successful.

    Conclusions:

    • Pharmacologic management of sleep and anxiety in the elderly requires careful consideration of drug interactions and toxicity.
    • Benzodiazepines represent a viable option when indicated and dosed correctly.
    • A balanced approach integrating medical, psychological, and behavioral interventions is crucial for optimal outcomes in older adults.

    Related Experiment Videos