Psychotropic Prescription Medication in Vietnam
Abstract
Army physicians (primary care physicians and psychiatrists) performing out-patient services for troops on duty in Vietnam were surveyed in mid-1967. Two Navy psychiatrists were also included in the survey. All were asked to report information on the psychotropic drug prescriptions they wrote during the immediately preceeding 30-day period. Less than 50 per cent of the 256 physicians who were sent questionnaires returned them. From the available data an estimate of 12.5 per cent per year was derived for the psychotropic drug prescription rate. The drugs were used to treat a wide range of conditions the most frequent of which were (a) gastroenteritis (by the primary care group) and (b) anxiety (by both physician groups). Depression was infrequently listed as the presenting condition. Primary care physicians differed from psychiatrists on several prescription variables. The drugs were perceived by the prescribers as being quite efficacious for most of the conditions treated.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1978
- Accession Number
- ADA097610
Entities
People
- Arnold W. Johnson Jr.
- William E. Datel
Organizations
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research