Antidepressant prescribing for adult people with an intellectual disability living in England

Abstract

The prescribing of psychotropic medications for people with an intellectual disability has changed. In many locations across England, antidepressants have become the most widely prescribed psychotropic. In the context of the current NHS England STOMP programme to reduce inappropriate psychotropic prescribing for people with intellectual disability, there is an urgent need to understand whether this change reflects evidence-based use of the medications involved. There has been little analysis into the benefits or problems associated with the change and whether it is of concern. This paper offers a variety of possible explanations and opportunities to improve clinical practice and policy.