A case for judicious use of risperidone and olanzapine in behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD)

Abstract

Behavioral and psychological signs and symptoms of dementia (BPSD) include disorders of behavior, mood, thought content and perception (Burns et al., 1990a, b, c, d; Foli and Shah, 2000). BPSD are common (Foli and Shah, 2000) and can cause distress to patients, informal carers and professionals, and lead to institutionalization and over-medication (Shah, 1999). Both non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatment strategies have been utilized to improve BPSD. Despite the recent controversy surrounding the use of olanzapine and risperidone for BPSD, a case for judicious use of these drugs is rehearsed below.