J Korean Geriatr Psychiatry.
2003 Jun;7(1):42-46.
Case Management of Common Errors in Drug Treatment for the Elderly Patients by Clinician
- Affiliations
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- 1Department of Psychiatry, Yonsei University, College of Medicine, Severance Mental Health Hospital, Gwang ju, Gyeonggi-do, Korea. drobh@chollian.net
Abstract
- Psychotropic drug use in the aged from 7-92% in institutional settings and up to 30% in medical settings. And older patients received an average of 5-12 medications per day in general hospitals. I reviewed common errors during psychotropic drug treatment and suggest the proper management guideline. In general, physical illness, medical drugs, drug-drug interactions and age-related physiological changes may alter psychotropic drug pharmacokinetics and it induced the severe adverse reactions from psychotropic agents. To proper management for the elderly patients with psychotropic drug treatment, the clinician must have skilled experiences of the effective drug administration and understand the unique characteristics of elderly individuals. And in addition, geriatric psychiatrist must be emphasized the psychosocial problems that may decrease drug compliance.
