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Article
Buspirone for Stereotypic Movements in Elderly With Cognitive Impairment
Psychiatry
  • Badalin Helvink
  • Suzanne Holroyd, Marshall University
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
4-1-2006
Abstract

Repetitive or stereotypic behaviors are common in demented elderly. These behaviors may include simple motor movements, such as patting, rubbing, scratching, picking, placing nonfood items in the mouth, or verbalizations that can include counting or repetitive sounds. Although these behaviors may seem minor when compared with aggressive or combative behaviors, they may bring harm to the patient by causing skin breakdown and subsequent infection or causing the patient to swallow potentially harmful nonfood items. In addition, these behaviors may irritate or agitate others in a facility setting (e.g., constant patting on a table causing unending noise) or become overwhelming to caregivers.

Comments

Copyright © 2006 American Psychiatric Publishing, Inc.

Citation Information
Helvink B, Holroyd S. Buspirone for stereotypic movements in elderly with cognitive impairment. The Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences. 2006;18(2):242-4.