AbstractThe regular use of psychotropic drugs in all patients aged 70 yr and over who were registered at the home nursing centre was studied. 27.4% of the patients used psychotropic drugs, 11.9% used antipsychotics, 14.6% anxiolytics and hypnotics/sedatives and 6% antidepressants. The use of antipsychotics was increased in mentally impaired patients and in wandering, restless aggressive persons, but declined with increasing age. Anxiolytics and hypnotics/sedatives and antidepressants were more frequently used by apathetic/passive/anxious patients. The dosage of antipsychotics declined with age. The doses are usually in line with general suggestions. Drugs in which the efficacy is judged by the patients themselves seem to be taken in higher doses than drugs in which the efficacy is determined by the physician.