ORCID
- Rohit Shankar: 0000-0002-1183-6933
Abstract
ABSTRACTBackground: Psychotropics (sometimes off-label), mental health diagnoses and behaviours of concern are common in olderadults 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 onAgeing (IDS-TILDA) at two timepoints [Wave 1(2009/10); Wave 4(2019/20)]. Post hoc analysis, Chi-squared tests and univariatebinary 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 usersreported depression at Wave 1, compared with under 30% at Wave 4. Antipsychotics and antidepressants were common (75% and60%, 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.
DOI Link
Publication Date
2026-01-29
Publication Title
Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities
Volume
39
Issue
1
ISSN
1360-2322
Acceptance Date
2025-12-17
Deposit Date
2026-01-31
Funding
R.S. has received institutional and research support from LivaNova, UCB, Eisai, Veriton Pharma, Bial, Angelini, UnEEG and Jazz/GW pharma outside the submitted work. He holds grants from NIHR AI, SBRI and other funding bodies, all outside this work. No other authors have conflicts of interest. This EQUIP study is funded by the Health Research Board (HRB) Secondary Data Analysis Award (SDAP‐2021‐016). IDS‐TILDA is funded by the Health Research Board and the Department of Health (IDS‐TILDA‐2018‐1).
Keywords
antidepressants, antipsychotics, intellectual disability, mental health conditions, psychotropic medicines
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Shankar, R. (2026) 'Changing Patterns of Psychotropics Use Among Older Adults With Intellectual Disability Over a Decade, With a Focus on Designated Mental Health Conditions', Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 39(1). Available at: 10.1111/jar.70182
