Ethical dilemmas: should antipsychotics ever be prescribed for people with dementia?

Treloar, Adrian; Crugel, Monica; Prasanna, Aparna; Solomons, Luke; Fox, Chris; Paton, Carol; Katona, Cornelius · Br J Psychiatry · 2010

editorial · Level V

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Abstract

The use of antipsychotics for the treatment of behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) is controversial. Antipsychotics cause harm and evidence-based guidelines advise against their use. We argue that antipsychotics may be justified using a palliative model: by reducing severe distress in those whose life expectancy is short.

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