Anticonvulsant and other non-neuroleptic treatment of agitation in dementia.

Abstract

Studies have shown that the vast majority of patients with dementia experience some psychopathologic symptoms during the course of their illness. Symptoms of this nature, which can include frightening hallucinations or anxiety of phobic proportions, are subjectively distressing and can lead both to unsafe or violent situations as well as to the preventable use of inappropriate medication, physical restraint, and frequently to institutionalization. These psychopathologic manifestations of dementia often prove to be a burden on family, caregivers, and the health care system as well. This article presents an overview of the assessment and management of agitation as it relates to the severity of dementia symptoms and cognitive deterioration. Specifically, the use of anticonvulsant and other non-neuroleptic therapies is examined.

• Authors: P N Tariot, L S Schneider, I R Katz
• Journal: Journal of geriatric psychiatry and neurology (J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol) Vol. 8 Suppl 1 Pg. S28-39 (Oct 1995) ISSN: 0891-9887 [Print] United States
• PMID: 8561842 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S., Review)

Chemical References

• Adrenergic beta-Antagonists
• Anticonvulsants
• Antipsychotic Agents
• Serotonin Agents
• Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors

Topics

• Adrenergic beta-Antagonists (therapeutic use)
• Anticonvulsants (therapeutic use)
• Antipsychotic Agents (therapeutic use)
• Cognition Disorders (drug therapy, psychology)
• Dementia (drug therapy, psychology)
• Humans
• Psychomotor Agitation (drug therapy, psychology)
• Serotonin Agents (therapeutic use)
• Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (therapeutic use)
• Severity of Illness Index