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Prescribing patterns for psychotic and behavioural symptoms in dementia: a national survey

Neurodegeneration Research Group, St George's Hospital Medical School, Cranmer Terrace, London SW17 0RE

Declaration of interest

This study was entirely funded by the Neurodegeneration Research Group academic research fund and no remuneration or support was received from any drug company contacted in the course of the survey.

AIMS AND METHOD

To compare current prescribing practice for psychotic and behavioural symptoms in dementia with the available research. An anonymous questionnaire was sent to all members of the Faculty of Old Age Psychiatry, enquiring about preferred drug treatments.

RESULTS

Classical antipsychotics were chosen by 50% for psychotic symptoms over atypical antipsychotics (43%) and were preferred for aggression (48%) and sexual disinhibition (55%). Antidepressants were favoured in treating anxiety (41%) and lability (45%).

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Alternatives to classical antipsychotics, especially for behavioural symptoms, have yet to be researched satisfactorily. In view of the continued widespread use of classical antipsychotics and recent concerns about their safety, we call for this to be addressed.

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