On May 16, 2014, the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry published an article by Deepa Archarya, PhD, et al. The article is titled Safety and utility of acute electroconvulsive therapy for agitation and aggression in dementia. Here are the authors’ conclusions: “Electroconvulsive therapy may be a safe treatment option to reduce symptoms of agitation and… Continue Reading
Neuroleptics in Nursing Homes
Earlier this year, The American Society of Consultant Pharmacists published a report on the use of neuroleptic drugs in nursing homes. According to this report, 25% of nursing home residents receive neuroleptic drugs. In general, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) consider these prescriptions appropriate only if the recipient is psychotic. (Obviously we… Continue Reading
Now – by Popular Demand – Ritalin for the Elderly!
In the old days, which I well remember, misbehavior in school was considered a disciplinary problem. This included not paying attention, fidgeting, not applying oneself to one’s work, talking, interrupting the teacher, etc., etc., etc… Then the APA decided that these various activities were really symptoms of a mental illness, and thereby created the ever-burgeoning… Continue Reading