Antipsychotics Used More Among Elderly, Study Shows

New findings published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry reveal that seniors are more heavily treated with antipsychotic medications.

During this recent study, researchers examined antipsychotic prescriptions filled between 2006 and 2010--many of which contain substantial side-effects, ranging from metabolic issues and weight gain, to increased risk of stroke, kidney injury, fracture and overall increased mortality risk.

Findings revealed that the percentage of participants with an antipsychotic prescription was twice as high among those 80-84 when compared to those aged 65-69. 

While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved antipsyhotics to treat certain mental disorders, including bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, the majority of participants in the study did not have such a diagnosis. In fact, among those 70 and older, only about 20 percent who received an antipsychotic in 2009 had a mental disorder, according to researchers. However, it was oftentimes used in treating dementia--with 25 percent of those 70-74 prescribed an antipsythotic for the neurodegenerative health condition, 37 percent from ages 75-79 and 48 percent of those ages 80-84.

"The results of the study suggest a need to focus on new ways to treat the underlying causes of agitation and confusion in the elderly," concluded lead author Mark Olfson, in a news release. "The public health community needs to give greater attention to targeted environmental and behavioral treatments rather than medications."

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