The giving and taking of psychotropic drugs in New Zealand.

The levels of compliance with psychotropic medication in three New Zealand community-based samples are reported. At younger ages psychotropics were not frequently used, only 2 percent of 15 to 34 year olds reporting use during a 24 hour period. Psychotropic drug use was most prevalent among elderly people. However, a substantial proportion, about half, of those prescribed for took lower or less frequent doses than directed.