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Related Experiment Videos

Benzodiazepines: tolerability in elderly patients

F Lechin1, B van der Dijs, M Benaim

  • 1Section of Psychopharmacology, Central University of Venezuela, Caracas.

Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics
|January 1, 1996
PubMed
Summary

Aging, unresolved stress, and chronic benzodiazepine (BZ) use share similar behavioral, biochemical, and neuroendocrine changes. These conditions increase susceptibility to illness, highlighting the need to avoid long-term BZ use in the elderly and stressed individuals.

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Area of Science:

  • Gerontology
  • Neuroendocrinology
  • Psychopharmacology

Background:

  • Aging shares physiological similarities with unresolved stress and chronic benzodiazepine (BZ) use.
  • Behavioral, biochemical, neuroendocrine, and immunological parallels exist across these conditions.
  • These shared characteristics suggest a common underlying vulnerability.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the shared phenomena between aging, unresolved stress, and chronic BZ consumption.
  • To compare behavioral, neuroendocrine, and immunological markers across these three groups.
  • To assess the clinical implications and health risks associated with these conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Comparative analysis of behavioral symptoms (e.g., fatigue, confusion, cognitive impairment).

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  • Assessment of neuroendocrine markers, including catecholamines (noradrenaline, dopamine, adrenaline) and serotonin.
  • Evaluation of immunological profiles, such as T lymphocyte subsets (CD3, CD4, CD8) and natural killer cell activity.
  • Analysis of biological markers from specific clinical tests (glucose tolerance, clonidine, orthostatic/exercise tests).

    • Main Results:

    • Shared symptoms include drowsiness, cognitive deficits, and mood disturbances.
    • Neuroendocrine changes observed: central depletion of NA, DA, AD, 5-HT; altered NA/AD ratio; increased AD, plasma free 5-HT, cortisol.
    • Immunological alterations: reduced T lymphocytes (CD3, CD4, CD8), CD4/CD8 ratio, CD16, gamma-delta cells; increased CD57 subset and NK cytotoxicity.
    • Increased platelet aggregability noted in all three groups.
    • All groups exhibited increased susceptibility to infectious and malignant diseases.

    Conclusions:

    • Aging, unresolved stress, and chronic benzodiazepine use exhibit significant overlapping physiological and behavioral profiles.
    • These shared characteristics contribute to an increased risk of various acute and chronic diseases.
    • Chronic benzodiazepine consumption should be avoided in elderly individuals and those experiencing unresolved stress.