Factors Associated with the Use of Psychotropic Medication in a Norwegian Community-Based Sample of Adults with Intellectual Disability

Abstract

Background: Concerns arise about overuse of psychotropic medication among people with intellectual disability. This study investigates occurrence of mental health problems, psychotropic medication use, and factors associated with the use of psychotropics in a Norwegian community-based sample. Method: A cross-sectional community-based survey including 197 adults with intellectual disability. The POMONA-15 health indicators, the Aberrant Behavior Checklist-Community and the MPAS-Check were used for the assessment of factors associated with psychotropic medication use. Results: A total of 39% (n = 76) used psychotropic medication, 18% (n = 36) scored above cut-off on mental health screening and 23% (n = 45) reported mental health problems. Use of psychotropic medication was associated with older age, more severe intellectual disability, epilepsy, irritability and reported mental health problems. Conclusion: Psychotropic medication is still widely used, but antipsychotic drugs were used less frequently than previously reported. The use of psychotropics should be carefully evaluated, especially for populations with increased risk of adverse events.