Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 25, 2026

Development of a Virtual Reality Assessment of Everyday Living Skills
Published on: April 23, 2014
Reasons for (not) discontinuing antipsychotics in dementia
Sarah I M Janus1, Jeannette G van Manen1, Sytse U Zuidema2
1Department Health Technology and Services Research, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands.
Background:
The gap between high antipsychotic prescription rates for patients with dementia and the guidelines' advice to prescribe cautiously indicates that barriers to discontinuation exist. This exploratory study used the theory of planned behaviour to give a first overview of the factors that influence physicians to discontinue antipsychotics in nursing home patients with dementia.
Methods:
Forty-one physicians in the Netherlands completed an online survey based on the theory of planned behaviour.
Results:
Half of the respondents agreed that antipsychotics have positive consequences for patients, such as calming effects. Physicians who indicated that they tend not to discontinue antipsychotics believe that antipsychotics are associated with positive consequences for nursing home staff. Physicians who tend to discontinue antipsychotics had a higher perceived behavioural control than those who indicated having a low intention.
Conclusion:
To enhance discontinuation of antipsychotics, interventions should focus on both patient-related factors and staff-related factors. Prescribing decisions are influenced by staff-related factors that need to be addressed as well.
Related Concept Videos
Psychosis: Goals of Pharmacotherapy
Psychosis and Antipsychotic Drugs: Overview
Antipsychotic Drugs: Therapeutic Uses and Side Effects
Despite these side effects, antipsychotics are used therapeutically for various purposes, including managing schizophrenia, preventing nausea and vomiting, curbing...
Drug Therapy
Antianxiety Medications
Drug Dosing: Geriatric Patients
Pharmacodynamics in Geriatric Patients: Effects of Age

