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Optimising psychotropic medication use

Rory Sheehan (Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK)

Tizard Learning Disability Review

ISSN: 1359-5474

Article publication date: 2 January 2018

281

Abstract

Purpose

This commentary accompanies Clare et al.’s study investigating psychotropic drug prescribing for adults with intellectual disability who were referred to specialist community learning disability teams in the east of England. The purpose of this paper is to explore some of the background to psychotropic drug prescribing for people with intellectual disability, review important contextual factors that influence prescribing decisions, and consider how we might make the best use of psychotropic drugs in this group.

Design/methodology/approach

Narrative summary and opinion, supported by reference to recent research literature.

Findings

Psychotropic drug use for people with intellectual disability raises complex issues, not least because of the lack of research evidence that exists on the topic. Psychotropic drugs can be an important part of treatment for people with mental illness but further research is needed to support prescribing for challenging behaviour. Medication optimisation is a framework within which individual preferences and values are considered alongside the evidence base and clinical judgement in order to inform safe, effective, and collaborative management decisions.

Practical implications

Prescribing decisions should be individualised and reviewed regularly, incorporating evidence from patients and carers. Improving the use of psychotropic medication requires concerted action, adequate social support, and the provision of alternative, non-pharmacological interventions that are acceptable and effective.

Originality/value

This paper reviews some of the current concerns about the use of psychotropic drugs and opens up new avenues of discussion.

Keywords

Citation

Sheehan, R. (2018), "Optimising psychotropic medication use", Tizard Learning Disability Review, Vol. 23 No. 1, pp. 22-26. https://doi.org/10.1108/TLDR-07-2017-0031

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2018, Emerald Publishing Limited

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