Advances in pharmacotherapy of psychotic disorders in the elderly

To evaluate the literature on the pharmacotherapy of psychosis in the elderly.

Searches of MEDLINE (1996-April 2002) and the Cochrane Database using the terms psychosis, elderly, geriatric, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, antipsychotics, atypical antipsychotics, clozapine, risperidone, olanzapine, quetiapine, ziprasidone, and haloperidol were performed. An updated search of psychosis, risperidone, olanzapine, quetiapine, ziprasidone, and aripiprazole occurred in April 2003.

Reviews, case reports, and open-labeled and controlled trials were selected.

Psychotic symptoms in the elderly can occur in the context of psychiatric disorders, medical conditions, or as a medication complication. Behavioral problems (e.g., agitation, aggression) can accompany psychosis and may not respond to nonpharmacological strategies. Pharmacological management of psychosis in the elderly with typical antipsychotics (e.g., haloperidol, chlorpromazine) can result in intolerable adverse effects (e.g., sedation, anticholinergic effects, extrapyramidal symptoms, tardive dyskinesia, and orthostatic hypotension). The atypical antipsychotic agents (e.g., risperidone, olanzapine, quetiapine, ziprasidone) and the dopamine-serotonin system stabilizer aripiprazole offer more tolerable adverse effects profiles. Most information supporting the use of the atypical antipsychotics is derived from open-label trials involving patients with dementia or Parkinson's disease; however, data from large randomized, controlled trials is emerging. In general, psychosis in elderly patients responds to low doses of antipsychotics. Patients must be monitored closely for adverse effects, especially in light of the new information associating cerebrovascular adverse events with risperidone in patients with dementia. Further trials are required to determine if this is a disease- or drug-specific phenomenon.

Psychosis in elderly patients can be managed with antipsychotic agents. The atypical antipsychotics are effective and offer advantages over typical antipsychotics with regard to a reduced rate of adverse effects.