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The Link Between Psychosis and Aggression in Persons with Dementia: A Systematic Review

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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to systematically review the literature to determine whether aggression is linked to psychosis in persons with dementia. An electronic search using PubMed for articles in English focusing on psychosis and aggression or agitation in adults aged 65+ with dementia. Cross-sectional, longitudinal, and randomized controlled treatment studies examining the outcomes of aggression and psychosis were eligible for inclusion. Eighteen articles were selected for final analysis. Of the seven cross-sectional and two longitudinal studies directly examining the correlation of aggression and psychosis, most showed a positive association. Outcome data from the nine treatment studies was more mixed. Limited data link psychosis with aggression in persons with dementia. Prospectively designed studies looking at the temporal relationship of these variables are needed to make a stronger causal argument.

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Acknowledgments

This material is based upon work supported in part by the Houston Center for Quality of Care & Utilization Studies (Houston VA HSR&D Center of Excellence [HFP90-020]). The views expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Department of Veterans Affairs (Baylor College of Medicine).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Houston Center for Quality of Care & Utilization Studies, Health Services Research and Development Service, Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA

    Denis Shub & Mark E. Kunik

  2. Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA

    Denis Shub & Mark E. Kunik

  3. Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA

    Valdesha Ball, Asghar-Ali Ali Abbas, Aruna Gottumukkala & Mark E. Kunik

  4. Veterans Affairs South Central Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Houston, TX, USA

    Mark E. Kunik

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  1. Denis Shub
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  2. Valdesha Ball
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  3. Asghar-Ali Ali Abbas
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  4. Aruna Gottumukkala
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  5. Mark E. Kunik
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Correspondence to Mark E. Kunik.

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Shub, D., Ball, V., Abbas, AA.A. et al. The Link Between Psychosis and Aggression in Persons with Dementia: A Systematic Review. Psychiatr Q 81, 97–110 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11126-009-9121-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11126-009-9121-7

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