A Comparison of Psychotropic Drug Side Effect Profiles in Adults Diagnosed With Intellectual Disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorders

Abstract

Forty-eight adults diagnosed with intellectual disabilities and Autistic Disorder or Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified were examined with regard to psychotropic medication side effects. Participants were divided into 4 groups: no psychotropic medication group (n = 9); atypical antipsychotic medication group (n = 13); atypical antipsychotic and antiepileptic drug group (AEDs/mood stabilizers; n = 13); and a group of individuals receiving atypical antipsychotic medication, AEDs/mood stabilizers, and anxiolytics (n = 13). Those participants not currently prescribed any psychotropic medications evinced the fewest side effects. Participants prescribed psychotropic medication across multiple classes evinced more side effects. Thus, persons receiving atypical antipsychotic medication, AEDs/mood stabilizers, and anxiolytics had the greatest number of side effects. More specifically, the greatest number of side effects pertained to the CNS-Parkinsonism/Dyskinesia subscale.

KEYWORDS:

• Matson Evaluation of Drug Side Effects (MEDS)
• drug side effects
• psychotropic medication
• autism spectrum disorders
• intellectual disability

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