Zürich, Univ., Diss., 2000.

No description available.

Background: Sedatives and hypnotics are substances to calm or relieve anxiety and to induce sleep. Long term prescription of benzodiazepines/Z-drugs may lead to the development of tolerance and the need to increase the dose. It is important to be aware of the risks of uncontrolled use of these drugs, such as harmful interactions with other substances, side effects and potential for abuse or addiction. Aim: The aim of this research was to describe abuse of sedatives and hypnotics from the user's perspective, to focus on circumstances leading to drug abuse, to describe beginning and course of the use of these drugs and self-awareness of the problem. The aim was also to describe the current state of users and their needs. Sample: The research sample consisted of 6 participants, of which 4 women and 2 men currently or recently using sedatives and hypnotics (specifically benzodiazepines/Z-drugs). Methods: Data were collected through a qualitative approach using a semi-structured interview. Interviews were conducted, rewritten into protocol summary, further analysed using thematic analysis, modified using open and axial coding and categorization methods. Results: Respondents may have misused sedatives and hypnotics to self-medicate symptoms. These drugs were prescribed for the first time with...

Background and Objective: The prevalence of sleep disorders increases with increasing age, where secondary sleep disorders are most common. Various factors such as polypharmacy and comorbidity can cause altered sleep patterns among the elderly which in turn results in secondary sleep disorders. Since the elders (≥65 years) have a high hypnotic prescription, an increased risk of adverse drug effects and appears to be reluctant to discontinuation, there is a high relevance to investigate their experience of hypnotics. The objective of this qualitative study was to explore experience of hypnotics in geriatric patients. Design: The conducted study design was a qualitative interview study with a content analysis based on an inductive approach according to Elo & Kyngäs (2008). With the help of health care staff, nine suitable study participants were enrolled. The participants received an information letter about the aim of the study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, recorded and transcribed. Setting: Two geriatric departments in the County Hospital in Kalmar. Main outcome measures: Experience of hypnotics in elderly. Results: Hypnotics were perceived as a form of reassurance that improved the sleeping patterns, where factors such as environment and life situation could affect the needs. A feeling of abandonment appeared in cases where the drug did not give any effect. Discontinuation of hypnotics appeared to be challenging, resulting with participants often returning back to the medication. A minority of the patients had received information about the potential risks with long term use of hypnotics. Conclusions: Hypnotics appeared to be a sense of security that facilitated the ability to sleep in elders, where various factors could affect the use of the medication. Long term use can result in failed discontinuation. To reduce unnecessary use of sleeping medicine there is a requirement of a plan for taper-discontinuation, that health care staff should inform the patients about potential risks and that a collaboration between the patients and the health care team is needed.