Research output: Contribution to Journal/Magazine › Journal article › peer-review
Research output: Contribution to Journal/Magazine › Journal article › peer-review
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TY - JOUR
T1 - Reducing antipsychotic medication in people with a learning disability.
AU - Ahmed, Zahir
AU - Fraser, William I.
AU - Kerr, Michael P.
AU - Kiernan, Chris
AU - Emerson, Eric
AU - Robertson, Janet
AU - Felce, David
AU - Allen, David
AU - Baxter, Helen
AU - Thomas, James
PY - 2000/1
Y1 - 2000/1
N2 - Background The use of antipsychotic drugs in people with learning disabilities is currently receiving intensified scrutiny and attempts are being made to reduce it. Aims A randomised controlled trial was designed to investigate factors influencing antipsychotic drug reduction among people with learning disabilities prescribed such medication for behavioural problems. Method Thirty-six participants randomly allocated to the experimental group under went four, monthly 25% drug reduction stages. There were no planned drug changes for the control group (n=20). Results Twelve participants (33%) completed full withdrawal; a further seven (19%) achieved and maintained at least a 50% reduction. Drug reduction was associated with increased dyskinesia and higher activity engagement but not increased maladaptive behaviour. Some setting characteristics were associated with drug reinstatement. Conclusions A substantial proportion of people with learning disability prescribed antipsychotic medications for behavioural purposes rather than for treating psychotic illness can have their drugs reduced or withdrawn.
AB - Background The use of antipsychotic drugs in people with learning disabilities is currently receiving intensified scrutiny and attempts are being made to reduce it. Aims A randomised controlled trial was designed to investigate factors influencing antipsychotic drug reduction among people with learning disabilities prescribed such medication for behavioural problems. Method Thirty-six participants randomly allocated to the experimental group under went four, monthly 25% drug reduction stages. There were no planned drug changes for the control group (n=20). Results Twelve participants (33%) completed full withdrawal; a further seven (19%) achieved and maintained at least a 50% reduction. Drug reduction was associated with increased dyskinesia and higher activity engagement but not increased maladaptive behaviour. Some setting characteristics were associated with drug reinstatement. Conclusions A substantial proportion of people with learning disability prescribed antipsychotic medications for behavioural purposes rather than for treating psychotic illness can have their drugs reduced or withdrawn.
M3 - Journal article
VL - 176
SP - 42
EP - 46
JO - British Journal of Psychiatry
JF - British Journal of Psychiatry
SN - 1472-1465
IS - 1
ER -