Changing Patterns of Psychotropics Use among Older Adults with Intellectual Disability over a Decade, with a Focus on Designated Mental Health Conditions
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| Title: | Changing Patterns of Psychotropics Use among Older Adults with Intellectual Disability over a Decade, with a Focus on Designated Mental Health Conditions |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Ashleigh Gorman (ORCID |
| Source: | Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities. 2026 39(1). |
| Availability: | Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www.wiley.com/en-us |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 11 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Descriptors: | Drug Use, Older Adults, Intellectual Disability, Mental Disorders, Health Behavior, Foreign Countries |
| Geographic Terms: | Ireland |
| DOI: | 10.1111/jar.70182 |
| ISSN: | 1360-2322 1468-3148 |
| Abstract: | Background: Psychotropics (sometimes off-label), mental health diagnoses and behaviours of concern are common in older adults with intellectual disability. Guidelines recommend non-pharmacological interventions and regular medication review. This study examined changes in psychotropics among older adults ([greater than or equal to] 40) with intellectual disability. Methods: Longitudinal data were obtained from the Intellectual Disability Supplement to the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (IDS-TILDA) at two timepoints [Wave 1(2009/10); Wave 4(2019/20)]. Post hoc analysis, Chi-squared tests and univariate binary logistic regression were conducted. Results: Overall, psychotropics decreased (59.2% to 56.5%). Significant decreases in antipsychotics (43.1%-40.1%) and sedatives/hypnotics (13.6%-8.1%) and significant increase in antidepressants (26.2%-31.8%) were found. Nearly half of antidepressant users reported depression at Wave 1, compared with under 30% at Wave 4. Antipsychotics and antidepressants were common (75% and 60%, respectively) among those with behaviours of concern, after excluding clinical indications. Conclusion: Psychotropic prescribing remained consistent, though class-specific patterns shifted, with some decreases or increases observed. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1497676 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Background: Psychotropics (sometimes off-label), mental health diagnoses and behaviours of concern are common in older adults with intellectual disability. Guidelines recommend non-pharmacological interventions and regular medication review. This study examined changes in psychotropics among older adults ([greater than or equal to] 40) with intellectual disability. Methods: Longitudinal data were obtained from the Intellectual Disability Supplement to the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (IDS-TILDA) at two timepoints [Wave 1(2009/10); Wave 4(2019/20)]. Post hoc analysis, Chi-squared tests and univariate binary logistic regression were conducted. Results: Overall, psychotropics decreased (59.2% to 56.5%). Significant decreases in antipsychotics (43.1%-40.1%) and sedatives/hypnotics (13.6%-8.1%) and significant increase in antidepressants (26.2%-31.8%) were found. Nearly half of antidepressant users reported depression at Wave 1, compared with under 30% at Wave 4. Antipsychotics and antidepressants were common (75% and 60%, respectively) among those with behaviours of concern, after excluding clinical indications. Conclusion: Psychotropic prescribing remained consistent, though class-specific patterns shifted, with some decreases or increases observed. |
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| ISSN: | 1360-2322 1468-3148 |
| DOI: | 10.1111/jar.70182 |
