Neuropsychiatric symptoms in mayor neurocognitive disorder: A narrative review

Abstract

Introduction: Neuropsychiatric symptoms are behavioral and psychological manifestations present in patients with neurocognitive disorder. They have high prevalence and are associated with negative outcomes such as decreased quality of life for both patients and their caregivers, higher rates of institutionalization, and disease progression, which is their reason for having clinical significance. This narrative review aims to provide an update on neuropsychiatric symptoms in major neurocognitive disorder. Methods: A literature search was conducted in the following databases: MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE, LiLACS, and SciELO. The most relevant information was selected for the construction of this review. Results: The review emphasized the definition, characterization, diagnostic strategies, and treatment approaches for neuropsychiatric symptoms in major neurocognitive disorder, with the goal of providing useful information for the clinical practice of various health professionals. Discussions: The results of this review highlight the importance of early diagnosis of neuropsychiatric symptoms and the personalized approach to each of them through a proposed algorithm that involves general and pharmacological measures Conclusion: Neuropsychiatric symptoms are manifestations of major neurocognitive disorder and can cause a significant burden of illness for individuals and their caregivers. Therefore, it is important to detect and treat them with individualized strategies to improve the quality of life for patients.