Trends in psychotropic drug prescribing in Norwegian nursing homes from 1997 to 2009: a comparison of six cohorts

Background Psychotropic drugs are extensively prescribed for the treatment of neuropsychiatric symptoms, despite modest efficacy and severe side effects. Aims We examined trends in psychotropic drug prescribing in Norwegian nursing homes from 1997 to 2009, in order to gain insight in practice development. Methods The study is a secondary data analysis of six cross-sectional nursing home studies conducted between 1997 and 2009. Patients aged >65 years were included. We compared the prevalence of psychotropic drugs (antipsychotics, anxiolytics, hypnotics, and antidepressants). Associations between prescription of psychotropics, and patients' age, gender, type of ward, and year of data collect…