Antiseizure medications prescribing for behavioural and psychiatric concerns in adults with an intellectual disability living in England

Br J Psychiatry. 2023 May;222(5):191-195. doi: 10.1192/bjp.2022.182.

Abstract

Antiseizure medications (ASMs) are the second most widely prescribed psychotropic for people with intellectual disabilities in England. Multiple psychotropic prescribing is prevalent in almost half of people with intellectual disabilities on ASMs. This analysis identifies limited evidence of ASM benefit in challenging behaviour management and suggests improvements needed to inform clinical practice.

Keywords: Epilepsy; challenging behaviour; learning disabilities; neurodevelopmental; psychiatric conditions.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • England / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Intellectual Disability* / drug therapy
  • Intellectual Disability* / epidemiology
  • Psychotropic Drugs / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Psychotropic Drugs