«Off-Label-Use» in der alterspsychiatrischen Demenzbehandlung

Abstract

Summary “Off-label use” for dementia treatment in geriatric psychiatry: What the attending physician should know Prescribing medications for purposes besides those offi cially approved – off-label use – is a common and burdensome challenge for many physicians. They are concerned by the legal aspect of such treatments, as well as fears of the excessive bureaucracy they may entail. Based on the current legal framework and developments over the last few years, this article seeks to cast light on certain facets of this issue and to answer questions that often preoccupy physicians – in this case those working in the fie ld of geriatric psychiatry. Moreover, the article discusses potential solutions in order to break free from this unsatisfactory context for all parties – parti cularly for patients and physicians.