Section - Quick Takes

02. Efficacy of Low-Dose Risperidone for Postsurgical Delirium in Elderly Patients

Published on March 1, 2024 Certification expiration date: March 1, 2027

Scott R. Beach, M.D.

Associate Professor of Psychiatry - Harvard Medical School - Massachusetts General Hospital

Key Points

The study explored the use of low-dose risperidone in elderly patients with postoperative delirium following orthopedic surgery, showing resolution in the majority of cases within 2 days.
However, the study's design lacked a control group, and the unusually low delirium rate suggests possible underdiagnosis. It's unclear whether the benefits observed were due to risperidone or the cessation of other deliriogenic drugs.

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Text version

Dr. Scott Beach: Hi everyone, and welcome to Quick Takes for the Psychopharmacology Institute. I’m Scott Beach, and I’m delighted to be joined by a special guest today. Omar, would you like to introduce yourself?

Dr. Omar Baig: Hello, everyone. I’m Omar Baig, a third-year psychiatry resident at Massachusetts General Hospital and McLean Hospital.

Dr. Beach: So, what are we going to talk about today, Omar?

Dr. Baig: Yes, Scott. We’ll be discussing the treatment of postoperative delirium symptoms in elderly patients undergoing orthopedic procedures. Postoperative delirium, particularly common in elderly patients, is a significant complication of orthopedic surgeries like knee and hip replacements, with reported incidences as high as 25% and 30%, respectively. It’s associated with increased mortality and prolonged hospital stays. In outpatient psychiatry, we often see patients for post-op follow-ups, dealing with residual deficits in attention, cognition, and sensorium. Scott, the study we’re looking at today examines

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03. Efficacy of Memantine in Treating Trichotillomania and Skin-Picking Disorder

Learning Objectives:

After completing this activity, the learner will be able to:

Analyze the significance and implications of the study results, particularly in the context of cariprazine's efficacy in treatment-resistant depression.
Evaluate the efficacy and safety of low-dose risperidone in managing postoperative delirium in elderly patients.
Learn about the potential effectiveness of memantine in treating trichotillomania and skin-picking disorder.
Recognize the increased risk of cardiovascular diseases in patients with psychiatric disorders.
Understand the relationship between medication adherence in bipolar disorder and reduced hospitalization rates, focusing on the efficacy of specific medications.

Original Release Date: March 1, 2024

Expiration Date: March 1, 2027

Experts: Scott Beach, M.D., Paul Zarkowski, M.D., Robert Hudak, M.D.

Medical Editor: Melissa Mariano, M.D.

Relevant Financial Disclosures:

None of the faculty, planners, and reviewers for this educational activity have relevant financial relationships to disclose during the last 24 months with ineligible companies whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients.

Contact Information: For questions regarding the content or access to this activity, contact us at support@psychopharmacologyinstitute.com

Instructions for Participation and Credit:

Participants must complete the activity online during the valid credit period that is noted above.

Follow these steps to earn CME credit:

View the required educational content provided on this course page.
Complete the Post Activity Evaluation for providing the necessary feedback for continuing accreditation purposes and for the development of future activities. NOTE: Completing the Post Activity Evaluation after the quiz is required to receive the earned credit.
Download your certificate.

Accreditation Statement

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education through the joint providership of Medical Academy LLC and the Psychopharmacology Institute. Medical Academy is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians

Credit Designation Statement

Medical Academy designates this enduring activity for a maximum of 0.5 AMA PRA Category 1 credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.