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Sedative-Hypnotic Use Among Older Adults Participating in Anxiety Research.

Conti EC, Stanley MA, Amspoker AB, Kunik ME. Sedative-Hypnotic Use Among Older Adults Participating in Anxiety Research. International journal of aging & human development. 2017 Jun 1; 85(1):3-17.

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Abstract:

Older adults are prescribed sedative-hypnotic medications at higher rates than younger adults. These are not recommended for older adults due to risk of sedation, cognitive impairment, and falls. Severe generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a possibly appropriate use of these medications in older people, but little is available on use of sedative-hypnotic medications among older adults with GAD. This study examined the frequency and predictors of sedative-hypnotic medication use among older adults screening positive for anxiety. 25.88% ( n? = 125) of participants reported taking sedative-hypnotics over the past 3 months; 16.36% ( n? = 79) reported taking benzodiazepines, and 12.22% ( n? = 59) reported taking hypnotic sleep medications. Depressive symptoms were more strongly associated with sedative-hypnotic use than insomnia or worry. Major depressive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder, but not GAD, predicted sedative-hypnotic use. Other medications and treatments are more appropriate and efficacious for depression, anxiety, and insomnia in this population.




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