Patterns of neuroleptic use among the institutionalised elderly

Abstract

A survey was conducted for neuoleptic use among the residents of local authority homes for the elderly, and elderly patients in geriatric, psychogeriatric and general hospital wards in one of the London [England, UK] boroughs. Of the residents and patients surveyed, .apprx. 13% had received neuroleptics in the 24 h preceding the survey. Marked variation between homes and between wards and hospitals was observed, although for the sample overall associations were observed betwen disturbed behavior and mood and the likelihood of receiving neuroleptics. Issues regarding the use of neuroleptics in the non-psychotic elderly are discussed.