Effects of Data-Based Interdisciplinary Medication Reviews on the Prevalence and pattern of Neuroleptic Drug Use with Institutionalized Mentally Retarded Persons

The effects of a data-based interdisciplinary approach to medication reviews were examined. The subjects were 250 institutionalized mentally retarded adolescents and adults. Dependent measures were (a) number of individuals receiving neuroleptic drugs, (b) mean daily drug dose, (c) number of individuals receiving dosage increases or decreases, and (d) number of individuals able to be maintained on lowered dosages or no drug at all. The study used an ABAB design and covered a consecutive 25-month period. The findings were that data-based reviews resulted in decreased numbers of individuals receiving neuroleptic drugs, lower mean daily dosages, and less frequent dosage increases. Ninety-seven percent of the individuals receiving drug discontinuation or dosage decreases were not placed back on a drug or did not receive dosage increases. Additional advantages of the review process are discussed.