[Psychopharmaceutical Medication in Brandenburgian Nursing Homes - An Exploratory Study].

Objective Psychopharmaceuticals are often prescribed in nursing homes for elderly. Together with the general polypharmacy, the risk for adverse drug reactions and interactions is increased. Methods Medication data of 398 nursing home residents were analyzed. Guided interviews and focus groups were carried out with nurses, prescribing physicians and relatives. Results About 70% of the residents received psychotropic drugs often with sedative properties. High work load, sociodemographic development and shortage of psychiatrists and neurologists had an influence on the prescription rates. Conclusion Nurses and physicians need to be aware of possible adverse drug effects and interactions of psychotropics. The overall amount of psychopharmaceuticals prescribed in nursing homes should be reduced.