Behavioral assessment of the effects of psychotropic medications on demented nursing home residents.
The effects of different psychotropic medications were examined for the control of behavior problems associated with dementia in three elderly nursing home residents. A reversal design was used in which the medications were introduced and withdrawn, and their effects were assessed on various resident behaviors using behavioral and motor performance assessments. All medications were effective in decreasing aberrant behaviors, but they also increased sedation in all three subjects. Performance on the motor assessments decreased for all subjects after the introduction of medication and improved after the medication was withdrawn. The results highlight the utility of behavioral assessment strategies for assessing the effects of psychotropic medication on elderly nursing home residents.
Burgio
L D
LD
Section of Geriatric Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, PA 15213.
Hawkins
A M
AM
D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000523:psychology; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003704:Dementia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006707:Homes for the Aged; D006801:Humans; D009735:Nursing Homes; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012919:Social Behavior
D011619:Psychotropic Drugs