We aimed to construct and assess a new self rating scale to detect the side effects of second generation antipsychotics. This scale was designed to allow a timely, sensitive and reliable method of gathering information on the number and severity of side effects an individual suffers from. The Glasgow Antipscyhotic Side-effect Scale (GASS) was developed after literature review, discussion with m...

This article describes how a tool for auditing the side-effects of atypical antipsychotic medication was developed. This was then used to audit case notes revealing that care practices were towards the worst practice end of the continuum. This article considers the wider implications of this for care and education.

Care map 1.1 Postural hypotension is a fall in blood pressure (BP) on assuming an upright position. Absolute cutoffs for the drop in BP are often difficult to determine because different patients exhibit varying degrees of tolerance to falls in BP. Therefore, strict numerical criteria may lead to underdiagnosis and improper intervention (Frishman et al 2003). However, a drop in systolic BP of 2...

The practice of covertly administering medication is controversial. Although condemned by some as overly paternalistic, others have suggested that it may be acceptable if patients have permanent mental incapacity and refuse needed treatment. Ethical, legal, and clinical considerations become more complex when the mental incapacity is temporary and when the medication actually serves to restore ...

Ganguly R, Kotzan JA, Miller LS, et al. Prevalence, trends, and factors associated with antipsychotic polypharmacy among Medicaideligible schizophrenia patients, 1998–2000. J Clin Psychiatry 2004;65:1377–88. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ....