Date of Award

5-2015

Document Type

Independent Study

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Abstract

Patients with dementia often exhibit signs of behavioral and psychotic symptoms. Studies have shown that there are some safety concerns with use of anti psychotics in patients with dementia. An extensive review of literature will be used to research the pros and cons of use of antipsychotics in people with a dementia diagnosis. The results for the use of antipsychotics with people diagnosed with dementia will be reported, and the increased risk of other medical conditions and effectiveness of decreasing behavioral or psychotic symptoms will be discussed

There are a large number of patients with dementia admitted to inpatient behavioral health units due to their psychotic and sometimes violent behaviors, but the typical mental health provider does not treat patients with dementia specifically. Behavioral and psychotic symptoms are exhibited in 50% of people with dementia. Anti psychotics are the most common medication used to treat behavioral and psychotic symptoms (Kamble, Sherer, Chen, & Aparasue, 2009). The Food and Drug Administration (2005) reports there is an increased mortality rate in elderly patients with the use of atypical antipsychotics

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