Factors Associated with the Use of Psychotropic Medication in a Norwegian Community-Based Sample of Adults with Intellectual Disability

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Factors Associated with the Use of Psychotropic Medication in a Norwegian Community-Based Sample of Adults with Intellectual Disability
Language: English
Authors: Erlend Refseth Pedersen, Audny Anke, Silje Marie Tessem, Monica Isabel Olsen, Erik Søndenaa
Source: Journal of Mental Health Research in Intellectual Disabilities. 2025 18(2):181-203.
Availability: Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 23
Publication Date: 2025
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Descriptors: Drug Therapy, Adults, Intellectual Disability, Behavior Problems, Check Lists, Foreign Countries, Individual Characteristics, Symptoms (Individual Disorders), Age Differences, Severity (of Disability), Epilepsy, Comorbidity
Geographic Terms: Norway
Assessment and Survey Identifiers: Aberrant Behavior Checklist
DOI: 10.1080/19315864.2024.2447232
ISSN: 1931-5864
1931-5872
Abstract: Background: Concerns arise about overuse of psychotropic medication among people with intellectual disability. This study investigates occurrence of mental health problems, psychotropic medication use, and factors associated with the use of psychotropics in a Norwegian community-based sample. Method: A cross-sectional community-based survey including 197 adults with intellectual disability. The POMONA-15 health indicators, the Aberrant Behavior Checklist-Community and the MPAS-Check were used for the assessment of factors associated with psychotropic medication use. Results: A total of 39% (n = 76) used psychotropic medication, 18% (n = 36) scored above cut-off on mental health screening and 23% (n = 45) reported mental health problems. Use of psychotropic medication was associated with older age, more severe intellectual disability, epilepsy, irritability and reported mental health problems. Conclusion: Psychotropic medication is still widely used, but antipsychotic drugs were used less frequently than previously reported. The use of psychotropics should be carefully evaluated, especially for populations with increased risk of adverse events.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1498339
Database: ERIC
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Abstract:Background: Concerns arise about overuse of psychotropic medication among people with intellectual disability. This study investigates occurrence of mental health problems, psychotropic medication use, and factors associated with the use of psychotropics in a Norwegian community-based sample. Method: A cross-sectional community-based survey including 197 adults with intellectual disability. The POMONA-15 health indicators, the Aberrant Behavior Checklist-Community and the MPAS-Check were used for the assessment of factors associated with psychotropic medication use. Results: A total of 39% (n = 76) used psychotropic medication, 18% (n = 36) scored above cut-off on mental health screening and 23% (n = 45) reported mental health problems. Use of psychotropic medication was associated with older age, more severe intellectual disability, epilepsy, irritability and reported mental health problems. Conclusion: Psychotropic medication is still widely used, but antipsychotic drugs were used less frequently than previously reported. The use of psychotropics should be carefully evaluated, especially for populations with increased risk of adverse events.
ISSN:1931-5864
1931-5872
DOI:10.1080/19315864.2024.2447232