Psychotropic medications versus non-pharmacologic approaches for managing behavioural and psychological symptoms in Australian aged care residents with dementia: general practitioners' and physicians' perspectives.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Psychotropic medications are often inappropriately prescribed for behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), posing significant risks such as falls, stroke and death. Although non-pharmacological interventions (NPIs) are the first-line treatment for BPSD, their use in practice remains limited.

Objectives

This study explored general practitioners' (GPs') and physicians' perspectives on using psychotropic medications compared to NPIs for managing BPSD in Australian residential aged care homes (RACHs).

Design

Semi-structured online in-depth interviews were conducted with GPs and physicians managing BPSD in Australian RACHs.

Methods

The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed using inductive thematic analysis, with transc

SUBMITTER: Ayeno HD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12575986 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature