How to Reduce Unnecessary Use of Antipsychotics in the Elderly

This narrative literature review briefly explores antipsychotic misuse in the elderly in a global context. Eleven articles that present interventions with the potential to reduce antipsychotic misuse are included in the sample. By using conductive analysis this study aims to help in identifying how a successful reduction of antipsychotic medication can take place. The research includes a pharmacological profile of antipsychotic medications, and some common issues when caring for the elderly. Antipsychotics can be used to induce chemical restraint and this study focuses strongly on the misuse of antipsychotics in that context. Inappropriate use of antipsychotics to induce chemical restraint is a human rights issue. The theoretical framework is based on the ethical principles of the rational use of medicines and the swiss cheese model by James Reason to augment contextualization. This study found that the contextualization of antipsychotic misuse is essential for successfully reducing inappropriate prescribing. Successful intervention types include educational interventions and interventions that enhanced reporting