Treatment of the elderly agitated patient

Research studies and general literature support the careful use of neuroleptics for control of agitation-related symptoms in the elderly if the symptoms are severe enough to disrupt normal functioning. No one neuroleptic has been found to be more effective than others; medication choice should therefore be based on differential toxicity rather than differential therapeutic efficacy. The differences in frequency and intensity of neuroleptic side effects are discussed, and the use of nonneuroleptic agents, including beta blockers, in the treatment of agitation is considered.