Reasons to Prescribe Antipsychotics for the Behavioral Symptoms of Dementia: A Survey in Dutch Nursing Homes Among Physicians, Nurses, and Family Caregivers

The interviewed nursing home physicians and nurses expect almost half of their patients with dementia and behavioral disturbances to benefit from antipsychotic therapy. Serious side effects were expected to occur only sporadically. These expectations may contribute to the high rate of antipsychotic use among these patients.