ERIC Number: EJ1392907
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2023
Pages: 22
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1931-5864
EISSN: EISSN-1931-5872
The Use of Medication for Challenging Behaviors in People with Intellectual Disabilities: The Direct Care Providers' Perspective
Deb, Shoumitro; Limbu, Bharati; Unwin, Gemma L.; Weaver, Tim
Journal of Mental Health Research in Intellectual Disabilities, v16 n3 p253-274 2023
Background: Overmedication of people with intellectual disabilities, particularly when psychotropic medications are used for challenging behavior (CB) in the absence of a psychiatric disorder, is a significant public health concern. Support staff play a pivotal role in influencing the prescribing process. Staff views and attitudes toward medication use for CB are therefore of paramount importance. Method: We have conducted four focus groups involving support staff (n = 8), home managers (n = 5) and trainers (n = 3), two of which primarily explored participants' experiences and views on using medication for CB and medication withdrawal. Results: Some participants felt medication use was justified, but others saw that as a form of chemical restraint. Most agreed that polypharmacy of psychotropics might lead to side effects. Some acknowledged the lack of shared decision-making involving people with intellectual disabilities and their families. There was universal anxiety about withdrawing the medication. Conclusions: All agreed on the need for more medication-related information.
Descriptors: Drug Therapy, Intellectual Disability, Behavior Problems, Caregiver Attitudes, Participative Decision Making, Self Determination, Anxiety, Foreign Countries, Knowledge Level, Guidelines, Quality of Life, Employee Attitudes, Symptoms (Individual Disorders), Drug Rehabilitation
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: United Kingdom
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A