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A structured programme to withdraw antipsychotics among adults with intellectual disabilities: The Cornwall experience
Author(s) -
Shankar Rohit,
Wilcock Mike,
Deb Shoumitro,
Goodey Rebecca,
Corson Eve,
Pretorius Charlotte,
Praed Georgina,
Pell Amanda,
Vujkovic Dee,
Wilkinson Ellen,
Laugharne Richard,
Axby Sharon,
Sheehan Rory,
Alexander Regi
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
journal of applied research in intellectual disabilities
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.056
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1468-3148
pISSN - 1360-2322
DOI - 10.1111/jar.12635
Subject(s) - intellectual disability , psychology , learning disability , psychiatry , medicine , developmental psychology
Background Antipsychotic medications are used among 19%–58% of adults with intellectual disabilities to manage challenging behaviour against the NICE guideline recommendations. Studies show that it is possible to completely withdraw antipsychotics in about one third of adults with intellectual disabilities and a dose reduction of 50% or more in another third. Method In Cornwall, over three years the present authors developed a structured pathway to withdraw antipsychotics among adults with intellectual disabilities which involved people with intellectual disabilities and their carers, GPs, community learning disability team members and pharmacists. Results The present authors managed to withdraw antipsychotics totally among 46.5% (33/71) and reduced over 50% of dosage in another 11.3% (8/71) of adults with intellectual disabilities. At three months follow‐up no one required hospital admission or change in placement. Conclusion It is possible to withdraw/reduce antipsychotics in a high proportion of adults with intellectual disabilities if a concerted effort is made involving all stakeholders from the outset.