Movement Disorders in Adults With Intellectual Disability and Behavioral Problems Associated With Use of Antipsychotics.

Background: Antipsychotic drugs are prescribed to approximately 30% to 40% of adults with intellectual disability (ID) and behavioral problems despite lack of evidence of effectiveness and potential adverse effects, including movement disorders.

Aims: The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of movement disorders (dyskinesia, akathisia, dystonia, and parkinsonism) in in-patient adults with mild to borderline ID and behavioral problems associated with use of antipsychotics.

Methods: Prevalence of movement disorders was measured with a standardized protocol.

Adverse events and the relation with quality of life in adults with intellectual disability and challenging behaviour using psychotropic drugs.

Background: Psychotropic drugs are prescribed to approximately 30-40% of adults with intellectual disability (ID) and challenging behaviour, despite the limited evidence of effectiveness and the potential of adverse events.

Aims: To assess the prevalence of adverse events in association with psychotropic drug use in adults with ID and challenging behaviour and to examine the relation of these adverse events with the person's quality of life.

Method: The presence of adverse events was measured with a questionnaire that had to be filled in by the physicians of the participants.

Structured Medication Review to Improve Pharmacotherapy in People with Intellectual Disability and Behavioural Problems.

Background: Polypharmacy and chronic drug use are common in people with intellectual disability and behavioural problems, although evidence of effectiveness and safety in this population is lacking. This study examined the effects of a structured medication review and aimed to improve pharmacotherapy in inpatients with intellectual disability.

Methods: In a treatment facility for people with mild to borderline intellectual disability and severe behavioural problems, a structured medication review was performed.

Prevalence and characteristics of psychotropic drug use in institutionalized children and adolescents with mild intellectual disability.

Psychotropic drugs are a cornerstone in the treatment of psychopathology and/or behavioral problems in children with intellectual disability (ID), despite concerns about efficacy and safety. Studies on the prevalence of psychotropic drug use have mainly been focused on adults with ID or children without ID. Therefore the aim of this cross sectional study was to assess the prevalence and characteristics of psychotropic drug use in children with mild ID who were institutionalized in specialized inpatient treatment facilities in The Netherlands.

Markers for aggression in inpatient treatment facilities for adults with mild to borderline intellectual disability.

In high care settings for persons with intellectual disability (ID) aggressive incidents often occur. Still little is known about factors that are associated with an increased risk for aggressive behavior in clients who are admitted to an inpatient treatment facility. In four inpatient facilities, 108 adults with mild and borderline ID and behavior problems were categorised into three aggressive incidents groups (no, mild, severe) according to their actual aggressive behavior observed for six months.