Psychotropic medication and quality of life in the elderly

Abstract

A review of the literature concerning psychotropic drug use among the elderly is presented. Drug use, altered pharmacological effects and adverse reactions are discussed. Quality of life (QL) is a complex of several factors involved in human life and achievement, a hierarchial classification of which is included. Physical symptoms such as pain constitute the most crucial element, followed by mobility, emotion and social situation. Changes at a given level are of limited value if any of the lower elements remain unachieved. Psychotropic medication can affect many levels of QL, especially the emotional level.