AbstractA drug utilization study was carried out in 11 geriatric institutions for independent or dependent people in Padua. Clinical records and treatment charts of the 1533 residents were reviewed and details on sociodemographic characteristics of the population and prescription of psychotropic drugs were recorded. Mean age of the residents was 79 years and mean length of stay five years; women were 78% of residents. Psychotropic drug prescriptions were recorded in 26% of the residents; frequency of prescriptions of benzodiazepines, neuroleptics and antidepressants was respectively 21%, 8% and 4% most of the residents (74%) receiving psychotropic agents were being prescribed only one category of psychotropic drug. Duration of treatment could not be reliably assessed. Psychotropic drug use in geriatric institutions is discussed and studies from different countries are briefly reviewed. Evidence from the literature and the present study suggests that, at least in some institutions, psychotropic drug use is inappropriate.