Antidepressant as good as antipsychotic for aggressive behavior in those with dementia

For Alzheimer's patients:

The researchers were surprised to find that the two drugs had similar efficacy in reducing psychosis (hallucinations, delusions, suspicious thoughts) and agitation. Overall, there was a 32 per cent reduction of symptoms with citalopram [the antidepressant] and a 35 per cent reduction with risperidone.

But citalopram was associated with significantly fewer side effects, such as sedation, tension and apathy. Total side effect burden scores increased 19 per cent for risperidone and decreased by four per cent with citalopram.