Geriatrics
Guidelines for prescribing psychoactive drugs in the elderly: Part 1
Abstract
Primary care physicians are usually the first to see elderly patients with emotional problems secondary to dementia and other psychiatric disorders. Because these problems often can be treated effectively, physicians should have a working knowledge of the guidelines for optimal use of psychoactive medications. Part 1 of this two-part article discusses general prescribing guidelines based on the pharmacokinetics of aging and provides specific information about benzodiazepines and antidepressants. Antipsychotics and other psychoactive agents used to treat the elderly are discussed in part 2 (page 52).
Source and rights
Published by Geriatrics, 1991. The guideline itself is at the source linked here.
Prognia summarises this guideline for reference and education. It is not medical advice. Always check the official guideline and current local protocols before acting on it.
At a glance
- Published
- 1991
- Applies to
- 🇪🇺 Europe
- Scope
- Regional
- Journal
- Geriatrics
- PubMed
- 1889756
- Added to Prognia
- 16 July 2026




