Changing Patterns of Psychotropics Use Among Older Adults With Intellectual Disability Over a Decade, With a Focus on Designated Mental Health Conditions

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 (≥ 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.