Deprescribing antipsychotics in adults with psychotic disorders – a literature review.

Why you should read this article: • To acquire critical perspectives on deprescribing antipsychotics in the context of recovery-oriented practice • To enhance your knowledge of the risks and benefits of reducing or discontinuing antipsychotics • To increase your ability to balance patient autonomy and risk mitigation when managing psychotic disorders Despite evidence of adverse effects, continuous antipsychotic maintenance treatment is still often the preferred intervention for people with a long-term psychotic disorder. Antipsychotic treatment should be discussed with patients and the option of deprescribing should be explored. There is, however, a lack of guidance on antipsychotic deprescribing as well as a conflict in mental health services between recovery-oriented practice, which promotes collaboration and patient choice, and the more traditional approach of promoting adherence to the clinician's recommendation. The author conducted a literature review to gather clinical and academic perspectives on antipsychotic deprescribing in adults with a psychotic disorder in the context of recovery-oriented practice. Findings suggest that the adverse effects of long-term antipsychotic use are such that deprescribing should be considered, the challenge for nurses being to find a balance between patient autonomy and risk mitigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]