Biological psychiatry
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The American Cancer Society's Cancer Prevention Study II was a large survey designed primarily to examine cancer risks such as cigarette smoking. From the same survey and methods, data on usage of "prescription sleeping pills" in 1982 were examined. ⋯ Use of hypnotics was associated with excess mortality. This methodology could not determine if hypnotic compounds caused the risks associated with their use, nor could the risks of individual compounds be determined. Since millions of Americans are currently taking hypnotics, long-term controlled trials are urgently needed to further guide both patients and physicians.