Benzodiazepines Consumption: Does Dependence Vary with Age?

Abstract

We have compared two groups of chronic benzodiazepines (or zolpidem/zopiclone) users: “Seniors,” aged 65 years or more, and “Adults,” aged less than 65 years. The study took place in the Pays de Loire region. The questionnaire assesses dependence based on items from the DSM-IV. The analysis was based on 176 Senior questionnaires and 212 Adult questionnaires. Whereas Senior patients take benzodiazepines routinely with little negative consequences, Adults suffer from underlying psychological trouble, mention a higher consumption than planned, which causes negative consequences. 35.2% of Seniors are dependent on benzodiazepines versus 49.8% of Adults.

Keywords :

• benzodiazepines
• pharmacodependence
• seniors
• adults
• age

THE AUTHORS

Marie Gérardin, PharmD, works at the Pharmacology Department of the University Hospital of Nantes and is a scientist at the EA 4275 of the University of Nantes. Her areas of interest include psychoactive drugs use, pharmacodependence, and abuse.

Caroline Victorri-Vigneau, PharmD, PhD, works at the Pharmacology Department of the University Hospital of Nantes and is a scientist at the EA 4275 of the University of Nantes.

Marylène Guerlais, PharmD, works at the Pharmacology Department of the University Hospital of Nantes.

Morgane Guillou-Landréat, MD, PhD, works at the Addictology Department of the hospital of Morlaix (France).

Marie Grall-Bronnec, MD, PhD, works at the Addictology Department of the University Hospital of Nantes and is a scientist at the Center for Pathological Gambling (CRJE) of Nantes and at the EA 4275 of the University of Nantes.

Pascale Jolliet, MD, PhD, Director of the Pharmacology Department of the University Hospital of Nantes, is a scientist at the EA 4275 of the University of Nantes.