The Use of Medication for Challenging Behaviors in People with Intellectual Disabilities: The Direct Care Providers' Perspective
JOURNAL OF MENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH IN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES(2023)
Abstract
BackgroundOvermedication of people with intellectual disabilities, particularly when psychotropic medications are used for challenging behavior (CB) in the absence of a psychiatric disorder, is a significant public health concern. Support staff play a pivotal role in influencing the prescribing process. Staff views and attitudes toward medication use for CB are therefore of paramount importance.MethodWe have conducted four focus groups involving support staff (n = 8), home managers (n = 5) and trainers (n = 3), two of which primarily explored participants' experiences and views on using medication for CB and medication withdrawal.ResultsSome participants felt medication use was justified, but others saw that as a form of chemical restraint. Most agreed that polypharmacy of psychotropics might lead to side effects. Some acknowledged the lack of shared decision-making involving people with intellectual disabilities and their families. There was universal anxiety about withdrawing the medication.ConclusionsAll agreed on the need for more medication-related information.
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Key words
People with intellectual disabilities,challenging behaviors,the use of psychotropics,support staff's views,service managers' views,trainers' views
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