Patterns of Psychotropic Medication Use Among Older Persons with Developmental Disabilities

Abstract

While the prevalence of psychotropic drug use among older persons has been widely investigated, use of these agents in older persons with developmental disabilities has received little attention. We found this latter group to be prescribed more polypharmacy, antipsychotic, and antianxiety agents than were younger peers. Those who lived in more restricted residential settings (e.g., in skilled nursing facihties or in rural areas) had higher prevalence rates of antipsychotic drug use. In light of these findings, implications for policymakers are described. Measures to ensure the appropriateness of the prescription should be established. Better monitoring of polypharmacy and drug side effects should be initiated. Active programming should continue throughout the lifespan and training should be conducted for service providers.