Psychotropic Medicines Are Often Prescribed

Psychotropic medicines are often prescribed to individuals with developmental disabilities although the reason for this is not clear in many instances. The aim of the study proposed herein this document is to assist the Department on Disability in reviewing and assessing the effects of psychotropic medications on their clients' health status. The objective of the proposed study is the determination of the effects of psychotropic medications on the health status of vulnerable clients considering age and gender, correlation of these medications to diagnoses, the rate of various diagnoses against population and whether medications for diagnoses vary according to the severity of cognitive impairment. The significance of this study is the fact that individuals with developmental disabilities are unable to communicate well information regarding the side effects and problems associated with psychotropic

Disability and Psychotropic Medications

Research Proposal

Introduction

Individuals with developmental disabilities are often prescribed psychotropic medications for behavioral or psychiatric reasons however; it is not always clear whether the reasons for prescribing psychotropic medications are legitimate. Individuals with developmental disabilities may be confused with other psychiatric conditions.

II. Significance of the Study

The significance of this study is the fact that individuals with developmental disabilities are unable to communicate well information regarding the side effects and problems associated with psychotropic medication and are dependent upon others to recognize these side effects.

III. Research Questions

The research questions in the study proposed herein include the questions stated as follows:

(1) What are the side effects of psychotropic drugs?

(2) What symptoms or behavioral characteristics are associated with side effects of psychotropic drugs?

(3) What steps should be taken to identify individuals with developmental disabilities who are experiencing side effects of psychotropic drugs?

(4) What is 'best practice' in the administration of psychotropic drugs to individuals with developmental disabilities?

IV. Focus of Study

The primary focus of this study is women of reproductive age (18-45) covered by the Department of Disability and determining whether any pattern is considered in prescribing psychotropic medications for this group. This study further intends to determine whether the medications have specific health effects on these individuals.

V. Aims & Objectives

The aim of the study proposed herein this document is to assist the Department on Disability in reviewing and assessing the effects of psychotropic medications on their clients' health status. The objective of the proposed study is the determination of the effects of psychotropic medications on the health status of vulnerable clients considering age and gender, correlation of these medications to diagnoses, the rate of various diagnoses against population and whether medications for diagnoses vary according to the severity of cognitive impairment.

VI. Proposed Methodology

The methodology proposed for the study is one in which data will be gathered from the Department of Disability database including information on patient use of psychotropic medication. Statistical analysis will be conducted through use of Microsoft Excel to determine whether any relationship exists between different groups of psychotropic drugs and diagnosis and to determine whether there is a pattern for prescribing these medications for clients and how well medications when prescribed correlate with diagnosis.

VII. Background to the Study

Individuals with developmental disabilities not only have physical deficits but as well they have intellectual deficits and these factors combined often result in the individual developing disorders of a psychiatric nature that require the prescribing of psychotropic medications.

VIII. Preliminary Literature Review

The work of Martin, Scahill, Klin and Volkmar (1999) entitled: "Higher-Functioning Pervasive Developmental Disorders: Rates and Patterns of Psychotropic Drugs Use" reports a study in which the frequency, characteristics and associated target symptoms of psychotropic drug use among individuals with developmental disorders and specifically those with "higher functioning pervasive developmental disorders. (HFPDDs) in a total of 109 children, adolescents and adults results show that 55% of these were taking psychotropic drugs and 29.3% were taking two or more of these medications simultaneously. Conclusions of the study report as follows: "Psychotropic medication use appears to be common among subjects with HFPDDs, yet not generally based on the results of empirical research. Clinical heterogeneity among treated subjects suggests that psychiatric comorbidity may be overlooked in this population." (Martin, Scahill, Klin and Volkmar, 1999) the work of Reynolds and Dombeck (2006) relates that individuals with autism spectrum disorders are often treated with psychotropic medications. These medications are stated to assist in the reduction of aggressive behaviors and repetitive movements and to have been found to lessen withdrawal on the social level in some individuals. It was reported in a study published in the Pediatrics Journal (2006) that a study conducted among 862 participants between the ages of 4 to 18 years of age and including all levels of mental retardation found that antipsychotic drugs are associated with "pervasive developmental disorder, whereas clonidine and stimulants were associated with self-absorbed and disruptive behavior, respectively. Although clonidine and risperidone are not registered for the problems reported and the other nonstimulants were only sometimes used on-label, their use was associated with specific psychiatric or behavioral problems." (De Bildt, et al., 2006) the work of Mikkelsen (nd) entitled: "The Rational Use of Psychotropic Medication for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities" states that psychiatric diagnosis is "a necessary, but not a sufficient basis to justify the use of psychotropic medication in individuals with intellectual disabilities." Psychotropic medications have historically being indiscriminately used for address behavioral problems in individuals with developmental disabilities.