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Stakeholder experiences of deprescribing psychotropic medicines for challenging behaviour in people with intellectual disabilities

Danielle Adams (CIDD (Centre for Research in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities), University of Warwick, Coventry, UK.)
Richard P. Hastings (CIDD (Centre for Research in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities), University of Warwick, Coventry, UK.)
Ian Maidment (School of Life and Health Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, UK)
Chetan Shah (Pharmacy Department, Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust, Radlett, UK)
Peter E. Langdon (CIDD (Centre for Research in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities), University of Warwick, Coventry, UK)

Tizard Learning Disability Review

ISSN: 1359-5474

Article publication date: 30 January 2024

Issue publication date: 30 July 2024

120

Abstract

Purpose

Evidence of overprescribing of psychotropic medicines to manage challenging behaviour in people with intellectual disabilities has led to national programmes within the UK to promote deprescribing, such as stopping the overprescribing of medication in people (with learning disabilities, autism or both). To successfully implement deprescribing initiatives, we need to understand how to engage stakeholders in the process.

Design/methodology/approach

In a published systematic review, we reported evidence about the process of deprescribing psychotropic medicines for people of all ages with intellectual disabilities and challenging behaviour. As a part of the original review, we searched for evidence about stakeholders’ experiences of the psychotropic deprescribing process, which was synthesised and reported within the current study.

Findings

Six studies were identified. Involving carers and people with intellectual disabilities, providing ongoing support and improving access to non-pharmacological interventions, including positive behaviour support, may contribute to successful outcomes, including reducing or stopping psychotropic medicines and improving quality of life. Implementing psychotropic deprescribing requires a multidisciplinary collaborative care approach and education for stakeholders.

Originality/value

There have been no previous reviews of stakeholder experiences of deprescribing psychotropic medications for people with intellectual disabilities and challenging behaviour. The existing literature is scant, and further research is needed.

Keywords

Citation

Adams, D., Hastings, R.P., Maidment, I., Shah, C. and Langdon, P.E. (2024), "Stakeholder experiences of deprescribing psychotropic medicines for challenging behaviour in people with intellectual disabilities", Tizard Learning Disability Review, Vol. 29 No. 2, pp. 99-106. https://doi.org/10.1108/TLDR-09-2023-0020

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2024, Emerald Publishing Limited

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