Reducing antipsychotic medication in people with a learning disability.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The use of antipsychotic drugs in people with learning disabilities is currently receiving intensified scrutiny and attempts are being made to reduce it.

AIMS:

A randomised controlled trial was designed to investigate factors influencing antipsychotic drug reduction among people with learning disabilities prescribed such medication for behavioural problems.

METHOD:

Thirty-six participants randomly allocated to the experimental group underwent four, monthly 25% drug reduction stages. There were no planned drug changes for the control group (n = 20).

RESULTS:

Twelve participants (33%) completed full withdrawal; a further seven (19%) achieved and maintained at least a 50% reduction. Drug reduction was associated with increased dyskinesia and higher activity engagement but not increased maladaptive behaviour. Some setting characteristics were associated with drug reinstatement.

CONCLUSIONS:

A substantial proportion of people with learning disability prescribed antipsychotic medications for behavioural purposes rather than for treating psychotic illness can have their drugs reduced or withdrawn.

• Authors: Z Ahmed, W Fraser, M P Kerr, C Kiernan, E Emerson, J Robertson, D Felce, D Allen, H Baxter, J Thomas
• Journal: The British journal of psychiatry : the journal of mental science (Br J Psychiatry) Vol. 176 Pg. 42-6 (Jan 2000) ISSN: 0007-1250 [Print] England
• PMID: 10789325 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Antipsychotic Agents

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Antipsychotic Agents (administration & dosage)
• Behavior
• Female
• Humans
• Learning Disabilities (drug therapy)
• Middle Aged
• Practice Guidelines as Topic
• Prospective Studies