Psychotropic Drug Use by Older Adults

http://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/27/opinion/psychotropic-drug-use-by-older-adults.html

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To the Editor:

Re “Sharp Rise Is Reported in Older Americans’ Use of Multiple Psychotropic Drugs” (news article, Feb. 14):

One possible reason for the increase in psychotropic drug use by older Americans may be that prescribing medications is expeditious. Effective and affordable psychotherapy, as well as alternative forms of treatment, are not always readily available and can sometimes be difficult to find.

While psychotropic medication use clearly presents a serious health concern for older Americans, medication (monitored by a medical professional) may simply be the fastest and most accessible means of treatment available for people who are in immediate need of assistance.

HAROLD LANGUS

Staatsburg, N.Y.