International guide to prescribing psychotropic medication for the management of problem behaviours in adults with intellectual disabilities

Abstract

Psychotropic medications are used regularly to manage problem behaviours among people with intellectual disabilities. This causes concern because often these medications are used out of their licensed indications in this context. The WPA Section on Psychiatry of Intellectual Disability has recently developed an evidence and consensus-based international guide for practitioners for the use of psychotropic medications for problem behaviours among adults with intellectual disabilities. This guide advises on assessment of behaviours, producing a formulation, initiation of treatment, assessment of outcome and adverse effects, follow-up arrangements, and possibility of discontinuation of treatment.