Psychotropic and anticonvulsant drug use by mentally retarded adults across community residential and vocational placements.

The prevalence of psychotropic and anticonvulsant drug use across a comprehensive continuum of community programs for mentally retarded adults was examined. Psychotropic and/or anticonvulsant drugs were administered to 48% of the sample. The hypnotic, antidepressant, antimanic, and anxiolytic medications were used by 6%-12%, the anticonvulsants by 48%, and the neuroleptics by 66% of those who were prescribed psychotropic drugs. Mildly mentally retarded persons used more neuroleptic, manic, and antidepressant medication. Severely and profoundly mentally retarded individuals used more anxiolytics and hypnotic drugs. Psychotropic and anticonvulsant drug intake varied little by sex. However, an institutional history was associated with higher levels of drug use. Seventy percent of those with an institutional history were prescribed drugs; in comparison, only 27% of those without such a history used medication. The percentage of individuals who used psychotropic and anticonvulsant drugs increased dramatically as both the vocational and residential placements became more restrictive. Possible toxic behavioral effects of psychotropic and anticonvulsant medication upon habilitative efforts were discussed. Future research issues were suggested.