The Appropriate Use of Antipsychotic Medications in Older People

This clinical review seeks to clarify the appropriate use of antipsychotics in the elderly and provide evidence-based good practice prescribing guide for clinicians. By reducing inappropriate prescribing we reduce harm and improving the safety of older people. Also, reducing the number of older people with psychosis and /or dementia who are receiving inappropriate anti-psychotic medication will have economic impact by reducing the risk of side-effects, death and stroke. Finally, we need to improve service provision through better joint-working and communication across health, social care, the third sector and other agencies.

Keywords: Dementia, Psychosis, Older people, appropriate Medications, Prescribing.