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Psychosis and behavioural symptoms of dementia: defining the role of neuroleptic interventions
Author(s) -
Lawlor Brian,
Ni Bhriain Siobhan
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
international journal of geriatric psychiatry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.28
H-Index - 129
eISSN - 1099-1166
pISSN - 0885-6230
DOI - 10.1002/1099-1166(200112)16:1+<::aid-gps567>3.0.co;2-p
Subject(s) - psychosis , dementia , psychology , aggression , tolerability , psychomotor agitation , psychiatry , context (archaeology) , psychological intervention , psychomotor learning , risperidone , clinical psychology , schizophrenia (object oriented programming) , medicine , cognition , adverse effect , disease , pharmacology , paleontology , biology , pathology
Neuroleptics have a definite role in dementia but the treatment targets need to be more narrowly defined. Symptom clusters that are neuroleptic‐responsive (e.g., aggression, psychomotor agitation and psychosis) appear to be emerging but need clearer definition and measurement. A number of these symptom clusters are relatively persistent over time and associated with increased risk of institutionalization, underscoring the need for treatment. The frequency, severity and persistence of the symptom or behaviour, the context in which it occurs and its impact on the carer must be considered before prescribing a neuroleptic. Given the modest effect size for neuroleptic interventions, the safety and tolerability of the agent is also a key factor in determining drug choice. Novel neuroleptics are safer and better tolerated and therefore should be used in preference to conventional agents when neuroleptic treatment is indicated for behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.