Exploring Connections Between Living Situations and Antipsychotic Prescribing Practices for People With Intellectual Disabilities.

OBJECTIVE

Antipsychotic prescribing practices in people with intellectual disabilities (ID) have sparked growing concerns about appropriateness and potential risks. The connection between living situations and antipsychotic prescribing practices in this population is a crucial but underexplored area. This study aims to investigate the association between living situation and antipsychotic prescriptions among people with ID.

METHODS

This retrospective chart review included 112 adults with ID who received care from 2019 to 2021. The investigation examined participants' living situations and assessed antipsychotic prescription rates, antipsychotic class, the presence of a corresponding mental health diagnoses, and polypharmacy. Statistical analyses included univariate and multivariate tests to assess the relationship between living situations and antipsychotic prescriptions, controlling for relevant covariates.

RESULTS

Univariate analysis revealed a significant association between living situation and antipsychotic prescriptions ( < 0.05), with patients in non-familial support homes and group homes more likely to receive antipsychotics. However, multivariate analysis did not confirm this association after adjusting for other variables. Male gender (OR = 4.207, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.721-10.286) and total medication count (OR = 1.101, 95% CI 1.038-1.169) emerged as significant predictors of antipsychotic prescriptions.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings highlight the complexity of antipsychotic prescribing practices among people with ID. While living situation initially appeared to influence prescription patterns, multivariate analysis suggests the importance of considering other factors. Gender and medication count emerge as significant predictors, underscoring the need for tailored interventions and closer monitoring in this population.