• Hélène Verdoux, Marie Tournier, Audrey Cougnard, Karin Martin, and Bernard Bégaud.
• Université Victor Segalen Bordeaux 2, Bordeaux, France. helene.verdoux@u-bordeaux2.fr
• Therapie. 2006 Jan 1;61(1):17-22.

AbstractPharmacoepidemiological studies exploring utilisation of psychotropic medications in real-life conditions are required to identify extension of indications, since the risk of gap between the theoretical target population and the population actually treated is especially marked for this class of drugs. A large proportion of subjects from the general population are exposed to psychotropic medications, so even a small increase in the risk of adverse effect may have major deleterious consequences for the health of the general population. Hence, pharmacoepidemiological studies are also required to explore the risk/benefit ratio of these drugs in real-life conditions. These studies may provide answers to currently unsolved public health questions, such as the long-term cognitive impact of exposure to benzodiazepines, the impact of antidepressant on suicidal behaviour, or the risks associated with enlarged use of antipsychotics. Only findings obtained by such studies may allow risk management and elaboration of guidelines based upon factual data.

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