title: Update on SSRI Treatment for Neuropsychiatric Symptoms of Dementia.
abstract: Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) of dementia including agitation, depression, and psychosis are common and debilitating facets of the disease process. Despite the significant impact of these symptoms on both individuals with dementia and their caregivers, safe and effective treatment options are lacking. From a pharmacological approach, antipsychotics have historically been the treatment of choice, but these medications are only modestly effective with significant adverse effects. Behavioral and psychosocial interventions have been shown to be effective but are difficult to implement in routine clinical practice. SSRI medications have been investigated as an alternative psychopharmacological approach based on evidence that the serotoninergic system is involved in the etiology of NPS in dementia. The evidence base for using SSRI medications in the treatment of NPS is growing, but the applicability of research findings to the utility of SSRIs in general in routine clinical practice is not entirely clear at this point. Further studies of a variety of SSRI medications in targeting NPS are needed to make a more definitive assessment of the efficacy of these medications in the relief of NPS.
authors.affiliation: Division of Geriatric Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, 115 Mill Street, Belmont, MA, 02478, USA. jwilkins1@partners.org.
authors.forename: James M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Wilkins
authors.affiliation: Division of Geriatric Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, 115 Mill Street, Belmont, MA, 02478, USA. bforester@partners.org.
authors.forename: Brent P
authors.initials: BP
authors.lastname: Forester
mesh_terms: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D017028:Caregivers; D015283:Citalopram / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003704:Dementia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D011595:Psychomotor Agitation / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D015283:Citalopram; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
keywords: Antidepressant; Dementia; Neuropsychiatric symptoms; SSRI