A Roadmap to Key Pharmacologic Principles in Using Antipsychotics in the Treatment of Older Patients

Abstract

Antipsychotics are widely used to treat psychiatric disorders in older patients. While the growing number of second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) has increased options for patients, it has also complicated clinical decision-making. Data from the American Psychiatric Association’s (APA’s ) Practice Research Network indicated disproportionately high use of antipsychotics and benzodiazepine medications among older patients compared with those under age 65.