Preliminary investigation of the association between psychotropic medication use and accidents, minor injuries and cognitive failures

Wadsworth, E. J.K., Moss, S. C., Simpson, S. and Smith, A. P. (2003) Preliminary investigation of the association between psychotropic medication use and accidents, minor injuries and cognitive failures. Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental, 18(7), pp. 535-540. (doi: 10.1002/hup.516)

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Abstract

Rationale: Psychotropic medication may impair psychomotor and cognitive function, and so increase accident susceptibility. However, few studies examine any association in the framework of other demographic, health and occupational factors.<p></p> Objectives: To examine the relationship between sleeping tablets and antidepressants, and accidents, minor injuries and cognitive failures.<p></p> Methods: Postal questionnaire study of 3111 individuals who participated in an earlier phase of the Bristol Stress and Health Study.<p></p> Results: Sleeping tablet use was associated with accidents, minor injuries and cognitive failures both at work and outside work. Antidepressant use was associated with accidents and cognitive failures both at work and outside work. Adjusting for health, demographic and occupational factors explained many of these associations, but sleeping tablet use was independently associated with accidents (both at work and outside work), and antidepressant use with cognitive failures (outside work).<p></p> Conclusions: Antidepressant and sleeping tablet use were apparently associated with accidents, minor injuries and cognitive failures. Although most of the associations could be accounted for by other factors the results suggested links between sleeping tablet use and accidents, and between antidepressant use and cognitive failures.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Simpson, Professor Sharon
Authors: Wadsworth, E. J.K., Moss, S. C., Simpson, S., and Smith, A. P.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > MRC/CSO SPHSU
Journal Name:Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental
Publisher:John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
ISSN:0885-6222
ISSN (Online):1099-1077

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