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Current Concepts Relative to the Appropriate Use of Antipsychotics in the Elderly

  • Geriatric Psychiatry (GT Grossberg, Section Editor)
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Abstract

Antipsychotics are widely prescribed in the elderly population. Despite concern for their use, they remain frequently prescribed for psychotic symptoms and behavioral symptoms of dementia. However, the FDA has not approved any drug for treating the behavioral symptoms of dementia. There is increase in mortality risk in dementia patients with both conventional and atypical antipsychotics. In this article, we review the current evidence relative to appropriate antipsychotic use in elderly for various psychiatric disorders. Given the degree of medical comorbidity in this population, appropriate use with lowest effective dose and ongoing clinical and medical monitoring is essential in this population. If an antipsychotic is felt to be appropriate, its use should be limited to the period when the potential benefits are felt to be greater than the potential risks, and use should be restricted to the shortest time possible.

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Conflict of Interest

Romika Dhar and Lou Ann Eads declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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  1. Department of Psychiatry, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 West Markham Street Slot # 589, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA

    Romika Dhar & Lou Ann Eads

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  1. Romika Dhar
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  2. Lou Ann Eads
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Correspondence to Lou Ann Eads.

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Dhar, R., Eads, L.A. Current Concepts Relative to the Appropriate Use of Antipsychotics in the Elderly. Curr Geri Rep 3, 253–258 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13670-014-0097-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13670-014-0097-2

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