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Benzodiazepine (BZD) drug use among community-dwelling seniors is a significant health issue. Although long-term use of BZDs by seniors is a recognized problem, little is known about the mental health of the consumers. Better knowledge of their mental health would help nurses in identifying the psychological needs of this population. The goals of this longitudinal study1 (n = 138) were to describe the mental health status of long-term users of BZDs and to compare it with the mental health of seniors who have either begun or stopped consuming BZDs over a 1-year period (from Phase 1 to Phase 2). Results showed that one third of long-term users of BZDs do not present any mental health problem. Furthermore, no differences were observed between the mental health statuses of new users of BZDs, individuals who stopped using BZDs, and long-term users of BZDs. In conclusion, at least one third of long-term users of BZDs should stop using these drugs, and nurses should play a leading role in helping these seniors withdraw from BZD consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of the study was to compare caregivers who used psychotropic drugs with caregivers who were non-users in order to pinpoint differences in coping styles between the two groups. We performed a secondary analysis of a study on the stress and psychological well-being of persons caring for relatives with dementia. We compared elderly caregivers, as either psychotropic drug users (n = 61) or non-users (n = 133), over various psychosocial characteristics relating to the care-giving context. Results reveal that users, as compared to non-users were: (a) more disturbed (appraised a greater stress) by the relative's dysfunctional behaviours, after controlling for the frequency of the behaviours; and (b) experienced more conflict during interpersonal interactions, although their appraisal of self-satisfaction with formal and informal support to their care-giving activities did not differ significantly. Strikingly, users combined and called on a greater number of problem-focused and emotion-reducing coping strategies than did non-users. They more frequently used affective regulation and information seeking coping styles. Stress-related measures (especially stress appraisal and conflict) contributed more to the variation in mental distress of users than of non-users. Results provide a theoretical and empirical rationale for therapeutic interventions such as the cognitive behavioural approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]