Ottawa hospital tries to cut down on antipsychotic drugs

A hospital in Ottawa is taking part in one of 15 pilot projects across the countryto ease dementia patients off antipsychotic drugs.

Government statistics say 30 per cent of nursing-home patients are on the drugs despite never being diagnosed with psychosis.

Dr. Andrew Wiens, ageriatric psychiatrist at the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, told CBC News the drugs arepopular in nursing homes to treat aggressive dementia patients who scratch, kick and bite staff and family members.

Wiens will work with staff at the Peter D. ClarkLong TermCare Home in Centrepointe to reduce the use of antipsychotics.

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