Antipsychotic drugs in continuing care: A 2‐year follow‐up audit

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Abstract
The use of antipsychotic drugs was examined in a geriatric psychiatry continuing care unit using the same procedures as in 1990 in the same unit. The main change in practice between the 2 years was the increased use of high‐potency preparations in 1992, though in low dosage. The group on regular antipsychotics (RA) were less dependent and more disturbed than the group on no psychotropic medication (NM) but the severity of behaviour problems had fallen considerably in the RA group. Although those on high‐potency (HP) preparations were most disturbed than those on low‐potency (LP) drugs, this was partly a result of the policy of giving HP drugs to those who had responded inadequately to LP preparations. 31.5% of the population studied were on RA (37.5% in 1990) and 53% on NM (46% in 1990). Factors influencing the prescription and withdrawal of antipsychotic drugs in demented patients are discussed, and the need to develop clearer guidelines for the drug treatment of behaviour disturbance associated with dementia is identified.

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