Occurs when the side effects of a medication are misdiagnosed as another problem, leading to the prescription of more medication.  

People with ID may be at a higher risk because they may be unable to communicate the side effects that they are experiencing. 

Cedarville University

Occurs in older adults when medicines that are prescribed without an evidence based indication. They also carry a high risk of adverse side effects that are significantly greater than when used in younger individuals. They are also not cost effective.

This includes Overprescription, underprescription, and misprescription of medications

Potentially Inappropriate Prescribing (PIP)

Issues Associated with Medicine use in People with ID



O'Dwyer, M., McCallion, P., McCarron, M., & Henman, M. (2018). Medication use and potentially inappropriate prescribing in older adults with intellectual disabilities: a neglected area of research. Therapeutic advances in drug safety, 9(9), 535–557. https://doi.org/10.1177/2042098618782785

Medication use and potentially inappropriate prescribing in older adults with intellectual disabilities: a neglected area of research

In general population:
- Falls
- Increased risk of mortality
- Impaired physical functioning
- Impaired Cognitive Functioning

Risks of Potentially Inappropriate Prescribing (PIP)



Increase in number of drugs prescribed:
- More prescribing errors
- Higher prevalence of adverse drug reactions (ADR)

Risks of Increasing the Number of Prescribed Drugs 

Prescribing Cascade 

- The majority of studies analyzing the use of psychotropic medications in children with IDD only analyze their impact over a short time period. 

- These studies are not reflective of most cases as children with IDD stay on these medications for several years.

- Researchers are unsure of the longterm efficacy of these medications
  -  how long term usage of these medications impacts the developing brain of child
    - Especially their cognitive functioning, endocrine system, growth, and behavior.

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