Factors Associated With Benzodiazepine Dependence Among Community-Dwelling Seniors

Background: Benzodiazepine (BZD) dependence among seniors is an understudied problem. Objective: Identify the factors associated with BZD dependence. Method: Face-to-face computer-assisted interviews were conducted in the homes of 2,785 persons aged 65 years or older, randomly selected. Results: Nine-and-a-half percent of BZD users met DSM-IV-TR criteria for BZD dependence. Factors associated with BZD dependence are being a woman, and having cognitive impairment, panic disorders, suicidal ideations, and a degree of embarrassment in obtaining help for emotional problem. Discussion: Nurses should be better positioned to identify those elderly users of BZDs who are more likely to be dependent and to address the problem through BZD withdrawal program.