Use of psychopharmacologic agents in the elderly

Elderly patients are substantial users of medication of all types, including psychopharmacologic agents. The psychopharmacologic options for treatment of elderly psychiatrically ill patients have expanded considerably in recent years. Several factors unique to elderly patients (such as age-related physiologic changes, high prevalence of medical comorbidity, polypharmacy, cognitive impairment, and psychosocial factors such as poverty and lack of prescription drug coverage) can complicate the pharmacologic management of psychiatric disorders in elderly patients. A thorough knowledge of psychopharmacologic agents and concerns for their safe use specifically in elderly patients greatly enhances the success of psychopharmacologic treatment and reduces iatrogenic morbidity potentially seen with all psychopharmacologic agents.