Record Status This is a bibliographic record of a published health technology assessment from a member of INAHTA. No evaluation of the quality of this assessment has been made for the HTA database. Citation L'Institut national d'excellence en sante et en services sociaux (INESSS). Étude sur l'usage des antipsychotiques. Volet III : Personnes âgées de 25 ans ou plus, principalement celles de 65 ans ou plus avec un diagnostic de démence. [Study of antipsychotic use. Part 3 : Adults aged 25 or older, primarily those 65 or older diagnosed with dementia] Montreal: L'Institut national d'excellence en sante et en services sociaux (INESSS). Volume 8(11). 2012 Authors' objectives The aims of this study are to determine the prevalence and proportion of use of all types of antipsychotic therapies among adults aged 25 or older and to describe the use of antipsychotics by psychopathology group among those aged 65 or older, with a more detailed analysis of those diagnosed with dementia. Authors' conclusions The prevalence of antipsychotic use grew from 2006 to 2009; it was much higher and grew at a faster rate among adults aged 25 to 64 than among seniors. This increase is associated primarily with the use of long-term antipsychotic monotherapy, while the numbers pertaining to long-term combination therapy remained stable in both age groups. Despite a lack of official indication as to the use of antipsychotics, specifically atypical (second-generation) antipsychotics, in geriatrics, these drugs are being prescribed in Québec to treat several psychopathologies. The prevalence of antipsychotic use among seniors diagnosed with dementia has also increased, despite the advisories issued by Health Canada to health care professionals concerning the increased risk of mortality and cerebrovascular events associated with the use of atypical (second-generation) antipsychotics. The long-term use of high doses and doses associated with a high risk of mortality observed among these patients, without this use being supported by clinical evidence, gives cause for concern and highlights the need to establish guidelines for antipsychotic use among seniors, especially those diagnosed with dementia. Indexing Status Subject indexing assigned by CRD MeSH Adult; Ageds; Antipsychotic Agents; Dementia Country of organisation Canada English summary An English language summary is available. Address for correspondence L'Institut national d'excellence en sante et en services sociaux (INESSS) , 2021, avenue Union, bureau 10.083, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, H3A 2S9;Tel: 1+514-873-2563, Fax: 1+514-873-1369 Email: aetmis@aetmis.gouv.qc.ca AccessionNumber 32012000855 Date abstract record published 19/11/2012 |