The Assessment and Management of Agitation and Delirium in the General Hospital

Prescription Benzodiazepine Use Among Older Adults: A Critical Review

“…Since BZD are not subject to the black box warnings for increased mortality that apply to antipsychotics, 47 some prescribers may consider using a BZD to be safer than an antipsychotic for treating the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia. However, their use of BZD can still lead to significant harms among these older adults including paradoxical disinhibition, increased confusion, and worsening agitation, 48 while they have less evidence for benefit than antipsychotics.…”

Psychiatric symptoms and synthetic cannabinoid use: Information for clinicians

“…In addition, individual patient variables influencing product selection include the potential of prolongation of the QT interval and lowering the seizure threshold. 18 The need for additional monitoring, and the anticipated duration of therapy will help guide the clinical decision-making process. 18 Individual facilities may develop a treatment algorithm to triage this patient population.…”

“…18 The need for additional monitoring, and the anticipated duration of therapy will help guide the clinical decision-making process. 18 Individual facilities may develop a treatment algorithm to triage this patient population. Consideration should be given to a number of strategies in the establishment of these guidelines.…”

Underrecognition and Undertreatment of Pain and Behavioral Symptoms in End-Stage Dementia

“…Studies have shown that a suboptimal analgesic or opioid regimen is associated with pain and agitation and ultimately a lower quality of life. 14 Research has validated other concepts to improve behavioral symptoms in patients with dementia. This includes ensuring patient safety, assessing for delirium in psychiatric morbidities (ie, depression and hallucinations) that are most amenable to pharmacologic treatment and attempting to identify antecedent behaviors that contribute to patient symptomatology.…”