A range of psychotropic medications may be used to control troublesome behaviors in patients with intellectual disability. Adams et al review reports on discontinuation of these drugs.
Patient selection: intellectual disability with challenging or difficult behaviors
Goals of deprescribing:
(1) discontinuation of potentially unnecessary drug or reduction in dose
(2) reduction in bothersome side effects
(3) switch to a better tolerated alternative
Factors associated with successful deprescribing:
(1) less severe behavioral disturbance
(2) less severe intellectual disability
(3) multi-disciplinary approach with experience in process and with adequate planning
(4) recognizing and dealing with discontinuation symptoms
(5) shared decision making with patient and family
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