Changes in the prescription patterns of psychotropic drugs for cancer patients during a 10-year period.

The use of psychotropic drugs was studied in 200 cancer patients admitted to a medical oncology unit at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, in December 1987. When compared with a similar survey that studied prescription practices 10 years ago, there was a 30% increase in the use of psychotropic agents. Whereas prescription rates for different drug classes remained relatively stable, psychotropic drugs are now used for a greater range of reasons. The introduction of several new agents, especially short-acting benzodiazepines, has altered the physician's choices. Despite awareness of the different properties of psychotropic medications and their increased use, they are still underused, especially the antidepressants and antipsychotics when prescribed for psychologic distress.