Antipsychotic Medications
Definition: A class of medications used to treat psychotic disorders but frequently used in nursing homes for behavioral symptoms of dementia. CMS has made reduction of unnecessary antipsychotic use a national priority.
In Practice
Antipsychotic medication use without a valid clinical diagnosis is considered a form of chemical restraint. CMS tracks antipsychotic use rates as a quality measure and reports them publicly. Facilities with high rates receive increased surveyor scrutiny. Valid diagnoses that support antipsychotic use include schizophrenia, Huntington's disease, and Tourette's syndrome.