Which statement describes aripiprazole's role in BPSD?

Which statement describes aripiprazole's role in BPSD?

• A. Aripiprazole produces small reductions in BPSD and has the least adverse effects among atypical antipsychotics
• B. Aripiprazole increases mortality risk
• C. It is rarely used due to EPS
• D. It causes severe anticholinergic effects

Answer: (A)

Aripiprazole in BPSD is used when symptoms like aggression or psychosis persist despite nonpharmacologic approaches, but its benefit is modest. The drug is a partial dopamine D2 receptor agonist, which tends to provide antipsychotic effects with a lower burden of extrapyramidal symptoms and metabolic side effects than many other atypical antipsychotics. Clinical data show only small reductions in behavioral and psychological symptoms in dementia, but its tolerability profile is relatively favorable, making it a reasonable option when an antipsychotic is needed. Keep in mind that all antipsychotics used in dementia carry a warning about increased mortality in this population, so any use should be cautious, at the lowest effective dose, and for the shortest duration possible. This combination of modest efficacy and relatively favorable safety profile is why aripiprazole is described as having small improvements in BPSD with comparatively fewer adverse effects among atypicals.

Aripiprazole in BPSD is used when symptoms like aggression or psychosis persist despite nonpharmacologic approaches, but its benefit is modest. The drug is a partial dopamine D2 receptor agonist, which tends to provide antipsychotic effects with a lower burden of extrapyramidal symptoms and metabolic side effects than many other atypical antipsychotics. Clinical data show only small reductions in behavioral and psychological symptoms in dementia, but its tolerability profile is relatively favorable, making it a reasonable option when an antipsychotic is needed.

Keep in mind that all antipsychotics used in dementia carry a warning about increased mortality in this population, so any use should be cautious, at the lowest effective dose, and for the shortest duration possible. This combination of modest efficacy and relatively favorable safety profile is why aripiprazole is described as having small improvements in BPSD with comparatively fewer adverse effects among atypicals.