Young learning-disabled adults suffer from over-medication with potentially harmful drugs, according to new research.
Dr Laura Ward, whose research suggests over-medication remains a problem in learning disabilities
The study found that doctors are three times more likely to prescribe young learning-disabled adults with a mix of drugs linked to long-term health problems.
Dr Laura Ward, of the Scottish Learning Disabilities Observatory, led the research.
‘Strong risk’
It looked at 4,305 adults on NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde’s learning disabilities register to assess medication use.
The records showed that doctors were three times more likely to prescribe drugs with “very strong anticholinergic risk” compared to the general population.
In addition, they prescribed adults with learning disabilities more than twice the dose of the drugs.
Side-effects
Drugs with very strong anticholinergic risk include the majority of psychotropic medications. Among these are antidepressants, antipsychotics, anti-anxiety medications, mood stabilizers and stimulants.
Drugs with anticholinergic risks can have side-effects such as memory problems and confusion.
Nearly one in two (49%) adults with learning disabilities had a “very high burden” of anticholinergic risk, or were on multiple medications.
And 17- to 24-year-olds were at greatest risk.
Over-medication a ‘major health inequality’
In an email, Ward wrote that multiple medications can lead to a vicious circle of side-effects. In turn, the side-effects are treated with still more drugs.
Over-medication is a “major health inequality for those with learning disabilities,” says Ward.
In 2016, NHS England (NHSE) launched an action plan for Stopping The Over Medication of People (STOMP) with a learning disability, autism or both.
And in December 2018, NHSE launched Supporting Treatment and Appropriate Medication in Paediatrics (STAMP).
Alternatives ‘may not be considered’
Ward says initiatives such as these have helped cut medication use. However, she says “there is still a gap and issue with inappropriate prescribing in learning disabilities”.
Alternatives such as dietary, social or behavioural changes and therapies “may not be considered” — particularly for women and young adults.
All involved need to appreciate the risks, added Ward.
Autism Eye asked NHSE to comment, but it did not respond.
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Published: 4 July 2021
