Antipsychotic use during the COVID-19 pandemic on a Portuguese dementia’s outpatient clinic

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic and its consequent confinement has caused a major impact in people living with dementia (PLD). We aimed to ascertain the use of antipsychotic medication in this population due to behavioural symptoms during confinement. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study evaluating clinical registrations, namely the use of psychoactive medication, of PLD followed regularly on a Portuguese dementia’s outpatient clinic during two different confinement periods. Results: A total of 101 patients were included. Alzheimer’s disease was the most frequent diagnosis, most of them in moderate/severe stage. Antipsychotics were used in 21.7% of patients. During confinement a residual number of patients needed antipsychotic dose increase. Conclusion: Confinement due to COVID-19 in this population was not associated with a significant increase of antipsychotics use. We hope our work may help clarify issues related with the need for antipsychotic medication in behavioural symptoms during confinement in PLD.