Overmedication of Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities is a major public health issue. Specifically, the off label use of psychotropic medications for the use of challenging behaviors (CB) in the absence of a psychiatric disorder.

Overmedication of Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Individuals with an intellectual and developmental disability may be taking multiple medications at the same time and may have other underlying risk factors or medical conditions that can influence the effectiveness of their medications. Some drug-related side effects these individuals can develop include immature regulation of autonomic reactions, low nutritional status, low liver and kidney functioning.

Pharmacotherapy and IDD

Cedarville University

Health of Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disorders

Medications & Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

- Decreased mobility
 - Immobility
- Spasticity
- Sustained muscle contractions
- Dyskinesia
- Skeletal atypicalities
  - scoliosis, osteopenia 
  - pathological fractures
  - Hip subluxation

Intellectual Disability and Co-occurring Physical Disabilities


The steps in the health care decision-making process include: assembling information relevant to the patient's health situation, formulating a diagnosis and prognosis, verifying the diagnosis and prognosis, and deliberating on possible medical interventions that align with the patient's goals or values.

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