Management of aggression, agitation, and psychosis in dementia: focus on atypical antipsychotics.

Abstract

The behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), such as psychosis, agitation, or aggression have a considerable negative impact on the quality of life of both patients and their caregivers. Multiple studies have demonstrated that atypical antipsychotics are efficacious in the treatment of the aggressive and psychotic symptom clusters, and here we review their use in this indication. Because of the safety concerns associated with the use of atypical antipsychotics in this population, these drugs must be used judiciously. For patients with severe BPSD such as psychosis, agitation, or aggression, for whom there are few options, atypical antipsychotics, particularly risperidone and olanzapine, should be considered.

• Authors: Peter Aupperle
• Journal: American journal of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias (Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen) 2006 Mar-Apr Vol. 21 Issue 2 Pg. 101-8 ISSN: 1533-3175 [Print] United States
• PMID: 16634465 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Antipsychotic Agents
• Dibenzothiazepines
• Piperazines
• Quinolones
• Benzodiazepines
• Quetiapine Fumarate
• Aripiprazole
• Haloperidol
• Risperidone
• Olanzapine

Topics

• Aggression (psychology)
• Antipsychotic Agents (therapeutic use)
• Aripiprazole
• Benzodiazepines (therapeutic use)
• Clinical Trials as Topic
• Dementia (drug therapy, psychology)
• Dibenzothiazepines (therapeutic use)
• Haloperidol (therapeutic use)
• Humans
• Olanzapine
• Piperazines (therapeutic use)
• Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
• Psychomotor Agitation (drug therapy, etiology)
• Psychotic Disorders (drug therapy, etiology)
• Quetiapine Fumarate
• Quinolones (therapeutic use)
• Risperidone (therapeutic use)