Antipsychotics for dementia

In this article

• Educational programme
• Key concepts
• References

In this article

Bpac is launching an educational programme to promote the safe and rational use of antipsychotic drugs for behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD).

BPSD refers to the often distressing non-cognitive symptoms of dementia and includes agitation and aggressive behaviour.

Recent research has indicated that both typical (e.g. haloperidol) and atypical (e.g. risperidone) antipsychotics are associated with an increased risk of stroke, mortality and morbidity in people with dementia. Antipsychotics can also cause adverse effects such as constipation, hypotension and CNS depression that can increase the likelihood of adverse events, especially in the elderly.

Furthermore, these drugs are not clinically effective for most BPSD and research shows that they tend to be used at excessive doses for prolonged periods, without review.

Two recent international communications, an All Party Parliamentary Report from the UK and a directive from the Food and Drug Administration in the USA, have corroborated the need to review prescribing practices for these drugs. Both reports emphasise the limited value of antipsychotic drugs for BPSD and the requirement for a careful benefit: risk analysis before prescribing.^1,2

The bpac programme consists of a Best Practice Guide to the use of antipsychotics for BPSD, and a prescribing audit for residential care facilities. The audit is intended to analyse the prescribing process rather than audit individual practitioners. Results of this audit will be fed back to general practitioners involved in the care of patients in residential care. This will provide the opportunity for interdisciplinary discussion and education about strategies to optimise patient care.

The resource is based on the clinical recommendations published by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists; “The Use of Antipsychotics in Residential Aged Care” which will be available shortly.

For more details about the programme please visit here

Safe and rational use of antipsychotic drugs for BPSD

Key concepts

• Most BPSD are transient and respond to non-pharmacological treatment which should be trialed before drug treatment is considered.
• Antipsychotics are only indicated as a “last resort” if aggression, agitation or psychotic symptoms cause severe distress or an immediate risk of harm to the patient or others. Even for these indications they are only moderately effective.
• All antipsychotics are associated with increased morbidity and mortality in people with dementia.
• Antipsychotics should only be prescribed for specific problem behaviours and the response to treatment should be closely monitored.
• The risks and benefits of antipsychotic treatment should be assessed on an individual basis. Drug treatment should be reviewed regularly and stopped as soon as symptoms resolve.