Psychopharmacologic Interventions

Psychopharmacologic interventions are commonly used in children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD). Studies suggest that upward of 25% of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are prescribed psychotropic medications, and rates are higher (50–70%) in adolescents, adults, and those with comorbid psychiatric conditions. Other research studies suggest that at least 20% of adolescents with intellectual disability (ID) receive psychopharmacologic interventions. Psychotropic medications are often prescribed by physicians in medical specialties, including psychiatry, pediatrics, family medicine, and neurology, as well as by physician assistants and nurse practitioners. In certain states, psychologists may also prescribe psychotropic medications after fulfilling specific training requirements. Medications should be used to treat an underlying psychiatric disorder or in short-term cases to target specific challenging behaviors or symptoms that ...