While many of the characteristics of psychotropic drug consumers have been established by means of cross-sectional studies, little is known about new consumers and the factors which predispose to long-term treatment. We report on a longitudinal study of 153 general practice patients beginning a new course of psychotropic drug treatment and characterized by extensive physical and psychological morbidity. About 1 in 5 were still receiving psychotropic drugs 6 months later and this prolonged treatment was associated with increased age, previous psychotropic drug-use, higher levels of psychological morbidity at the inception of treatment and, for the women only, social problems as perceived by the general practitioners.

Screening for uncommon disorders gives rise to methodological problems. One of these problems is identified and discussed within the context of the Eating Attitudes Test.