Changing patterns of psychoactive drug use with the mentally retarded.

A three-year follow-up survey of psychoactive medication use at an institution for the mentally retarded is reported. A significant reduction in the use of psychotropic drugs alone and combinations of psychotropic and anticonvulsant drugs occurred. There was an increase in anticonvulsant monotherapy and a small reduction in overall medication use. In general patients received fewer drugs at any one time. Factors possibly associated with the changed pattern of medication use are discussed.