Perceptions of Registered Nurses on the Use of Psychotropic Medication for People with Learning Disabilities

Abstract

The research literature showed an absence of data on the perceptions of professionals about the use of psychotropic medication for people with learning disabilities within the UK. Registered Learning Disability Nurses in a single hospital (n = 106) and six community support teams (n = 36) were asked their views on psychotropic medication for people with learning disabilities using a questionnaire derived from Singh and colleagues in 1996. The 112 (78.8%) respondents indicated that doctors had the greatest influence on initiating or discontinuing medication. Marked differences were evident between hospital and community nurses about the type of behaviour most likely to lead to drug treatment. Behaviour modification was viewed as an alternative treatment for acting out¹, self-injury and aggression and behavioural assessment was seen to be the most influential assessment technique. More interprofessional education and training about the use of psychotropic medication were recommended.

¹Acting out meaning irritability, shouting, temper tantrums.