Too Tranquil: The Epidemiology of An Idea

A review of the literature dealing with the social, professional, economic, legal, and ethical issues associated with use of minor tranquilizers revealed three studies, two literature reviews and one data source which were most frequently cited in some 100 papers which commented on utilization levels. In spite of the findings of the cited sources that such use tended to be comparatively conservative, the context of their citation suggests the reverse. the possibility exists that this and other practices which tend to err toward reducing drug use may result in undertreatment.