Elderly people with mental disorders: experiencing the use of psychotropic medicines.

OBJECTIVE: To interpret the experience of the elderly with mental disorder in the use of psychotropic medicines.

METHOD: Qualitative study in the interpretative modality, supported by the Grounded Theory. It was carried out from interviews with 16 elderly people with mental disorder and six relatives, totaling 22 participants.

RESULTS: In the experience of the use of psychotropic medicines, the elderly with mental disorders become aware of their condition, attribute meaning and establish strategies for the correct use. On the other hand, they express their dissatisfaction with being dependent on psychotropic medicines to live without symptoms, face their side effects and do not always use them correctly.

CONCLUSION: The use of psychotropic medicines is a priority in the life of the elderly and, in view of the fragilities found, it is necessary a continuous monitoring of health professionals.