[The tertiary effect of psychotropic drugs. Results of an anthropologic study conducted in southwestern France among elderly consumers].

This article presents part of the results of a research conducted in the South-west of France on consumption by elderlies of psychotropic drugs. Two institutions have been chosen. The author was seeking to measure the consumption of psychotropic drugs before and after institutionalization, based on a medical questionnaire distributed to doctors working in these institutions. The author then examines the impact of this consumption on social relations, at home and within institutions, from an anthropologic perspective. Elderlies, members of their families, as well as doctors and other parties concerned by this consumption have been questioned during semi-directed interviews. Other than the general consumption of psychotropic drugs in the two institutions which the author attempts to understand the extent, only modifications in family relationships after the taking of drugs at home are exposed in this article.