Antipsychotics: dementia-related psychosis: practice question

A Psychiatry question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Psychiatry · Antipsychotics: dementia-related psychosis

Sample item

What is the key safety warning on antipsychotics when used in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Increased risk of death and stroke

Antipsychotics carry a boxed warning for increased mortality (mostly cardiovascular or infective) in elderly dementia patients, and a higher cerebrovascular event risk. They are used only for severe distress or danger, at the lowest dose and for the shortest period.

Option by option

  • A. Risk of lithium toxicity

    Lithium toxicity is unrelated.

  • B. Complete loss of efficacy

    They retain modest efficacy but with risks.

  • C. Increased risk of death and stroke (correct)

    Correct. Mortality and stroke risk is raised.

  • D. Increased risk of agranulocytosis in all

    Agranulocytosis is mostly a clozapine concern.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Psychiatry question

What is the answer to this Psychiatry question?

The best answer is C, Increased risk of death and stroke. Antipsychotics carry a boxed warning for increased mortality (mostly cardiovascular or infective) in elderly dementia patients, and a higher cerebrovascular event risk.

Why is "Risk of lithium toxicity" not the answer?

Lithium toxicity is unrelated.

Why is "Complete loss of efficacy" not the answer?

They retain modest efficacy but with risks.

Why is "Increased risk of agranulocytosis in all" not the answer?

Agranulocytosis is mostly a clozapine concern.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Antipsychotics: dementia-related psychosis in Psychiatry. They are used only for severe distress or danger, at the lowest dose and for the shortest period.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Antipsychotics: dementia-related psychosis?

Learn each diagnosis by its core features and its first-line treatment. Then use the flashcards and the other Psychiatry questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.