Mental health, psychotropic medications and the subsequent risk of falls in older women and men

Deirdre McLaughlin, Janni Leung, Annette Dobson, Julie Byles

NHMRC/ARC Ageing Well, Ageing Productively Grant

Background

Poor psychological well-being and the use of psychotropic medications have been associated with an increased risk of falling in older adults.

SampleOlder adults aged 82-87 in 2008

Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health (n=2,167)

Health in Men Study (n=974)

Mental health status• Mental health sub-scale of the SF-36• Self-reported doctor diagnosis of depression or

anxiety

Use of psychotropic medications• Anxiolytics, antipsychotics, antidepressants

Predictors at baseline

Falls at follow-up 2008In the LAST 12 MONTHS, have you: 1) Slipped, tripped, or stumbled (not to ground)?2) Had a fall to the ground?3) Been injured as a result of a fall?4) Had any other injury from an accident at your

home?5) Broken or fractured any bone?

Control VariablesSocio-demographic characteristicsDrugs linked with postural hypotension (diuretics, ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, A2 blockers, and cholinesterase inhibitors) Chronic conditions (hypertension, stroke, etc), Sensory deficits (seeing and hearing) BMI

ConclusionsHealthcare providers should be aware that older adults who are on psychotropic medications OR who have poor mental health are at increased risk of falls and subsequent injury.

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