35 - Pharmacotherapyof behavioral disturbances

Summary

This chapter presents a discussion of the components and typology of challenging behavior. Challenging behaviors are a ubiquitous component of neuropsychiatric disorders. Cognitive problems play an important role in the development and presentation of challenging behaviors. Many neuropsychiatric disorders are associated with an increased relative risk of psychiatric disorders, including mood, anxiety, and psychotic disorders. Individuals with neuropsychiatric disorders often manifest an increased sensitivity to psychotropic side effects. Psychomotor hyperactivity associated with manic or hypomanic states can be associated with impulsive behavior. Aggressive, agitated, and self-injurious behaviors are common causes for concern among patients and family/caregivers. Antipsychotics and benzodiazepines are the most commonly used medications in the treatment of acute aggressive, agitated, and self-injurious behaviors among persons with neuropsychiatric disorders. Hallucinations and delusions occur among persons with a broad range of neurological disorders and are the defining feature of schizophrenia. Treatments of self-awareness deficits rely on behavioral and psychoeducational interventions.