Pills arranged in a maze, representing the complex decisions around medication use for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Unpacking Antipsychotic Use in Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Rhea Morgan in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"A closer look at prescribing trends, potential risks, and the crucial need for tailored care in vulnerable populations."

Antipsychotic medications play a complex role in managing the health of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). While these drugs can be essential for treating certain psychiatric conditions, their use is often debated, especially when there's no clear psychiatric diagnosis. Concerns arise due to potential side effects and limited proof of their effectiveness in these situations. This article dives into a study that examines how antipsychotics are being used among adults with IDD in Ontario, Canada, shedding light on the characteristics of those who receive these medications, with or without a formal psychiatric diagnosis.

The original research, published in The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, used a comprehensive population-based approach to understand antipsychotic prescribing patterns. Researchers analyzed data from over 50,000 adults with IDD, tracking their medication use and comparing the profiles of individuals with and without documented psychiatric conditions.

This article translates the key findings of this study into an accessible format, highlighting the prevalence of antipsychotic use, the factors associated with its use, and the implications for ensuring appropriate care for this vulnerable population.

What's Driving Antipsychotic Prescriptions for Adults with IDD?

Pills arranged in a maze, representing the complex decisions around medication use for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The study found that a significant portion of adults with IDD – 39.2% overall – were prescribed antipsychotic medications. This rate jumped to 56.4% for those living in group homes. Even more striking, almost 29% of those receiving antipsychotics didn't have a documented psychiatric diagnosis. This raises critical questions about why these medications are being used in the absence of a clear psychiatric need.

To better understand the landscape, the researchers compared the characteristics of those with and without a psychiatric diagnosis who were prescribed antipsychotics. Here's what they discovered:

Age: Those without a psychiatric diagnosis tended to be older.
Prior Medication Use: They were less likely to have used antidepressants or benzodiazepines in the previous year.
Healthcare Utilization: They had lower rates of ambulatory and acute care visits.

These differences suggest that antipsychotics might be used differently in individuals with IDD depending on their specific needs and circumstances. It underscores the importance of comprehensive assessments and individualized treatment plans.

Moving Forward: Ensuring Appropriate Prescribing Practices

This study serves as a call to action. It highlights the urgent need for careful attention to how antipsychotics are prescribed and monitored in adults with IDD. By promoting evidence-based practices, comprehensive assessments, and individualized treatment plans, healthcare professionals can help ensure that these medications are used appropriately and safely, improving the quality of life for individuals with IDD.

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Everything You Need To Know

What are antipsychotic medications and why is their use a complex issue for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD)?

Antipsychotic medications are a class of drugs that can be used to manage certain psychiatric conditions in adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Their use is considered complex because of potential side effects and limited evidence of effectiveness, especially when a clear psychiatric diagnosis is absent. The significance lies in ensuring these medications are used appropriately and safely within this vulnerable population.

What were the key findings of the study regarding the rate of antipsychotic prescriptions for adults with IDD?

The study found that a notable percentage, 39.2% of adults with IDD, were prescribed antipsychotic medications. This figure increased to 56.4% for those residing in group homes. Alarmingly, almost 29% of those receiving antipsychotics did not have a documented psychiatric diagnosis. This is significant as it calls into question the reasons behind prescribing these medications when there isn't a diagnosed psychiatric need.

What did the study reveal about the differences between adults with IDD who receive antipsychotics with and without a psychiatric diagnosis?

The study revealed differences between adults with IDD who received antipsychotics with and without a psychiatric diagnosis. Those without a diagnosis tended to be older, were less likely to have used antidepressants or benzodiazepines previously, and had lower rates of ambulatory and acute care visits. These differences highlight that antipsychotic use may vary based on individual needs and circumstances, emphasizing the necessity of individualized treatment plans.

Why are comprehensive assessments and individualized treatment plans so important for adults with IDD?

This study emphasizes the importance of comprehensive assessments and individualized treatment plans for adults with IDD. The absence of these can lead to inappropriate antipsychotic prescriptions. By promoting evidence-based practices and careful monitoring, healthcare professionals can ensure these medications are used appropriately and safely. Additional approaches to care for adults with IDD might include behavioral therapies, occupational therapy, and speech therapy.

What is the overall significance and implications of the study's findings regarding antipsychotic use in adults with IDD?

The study serves as a call to action, highlighting the urgent need for careful attention to how antipsychotics are prescribed and monitored in adults with IDD. Implications involve the development and implementation of evidence-based prescribing practices, comprehensive assessments, and individualized treatment plans to improve the quality of life for individuals with IDD. Future considerations include a need to address the absence of documented psychiatric diagnosis in a significant percentage of those receiving prescriptions.