Concerns regarding the use of antipsychotics in people with dementia have been widely reported. However, there is paucity of studies examining antipsychotics prescribed on discharged from psychogeriatric in-patient units.

To determine the extent and types of antipsychotic medication prescribed for patients with dementia discharged from an in-patient psychogeriatric unit.

This was a retrospective study. Data from all in-patients with dementia discharged from a psychogeriatric unit between July 2009 and June 2010 were analysed. Antipsychotics administered to patients in the unit and antipsychotics prescribed on discharge were recorded.

During the study period, a total of 49 patients with dementia were discharged. Thirty-eight patients (77.6%) received antipsychotic as in-patients; four of these patients (10.5%) had two antipsychotics. Thirty-two patients (65.3%) were discharged on antipsychotic medication with two (6.3%) of the patients on two antipsychotics. Of the antipsychotics prescribed on discharge, 75% were atypical and 25% typical.

Almost two third of patients with dementia were discharged from the in-patient psychogeriatric unit on antipsychotic medication. A drive to reduce antipsychotic medication prior to discharge is needed.