Transitional challenges: Psychotropic medication and residential setting among young adults with intellectual disabilities

Abstract

As youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are transitioning from the school systems and special education supports, many of them are moving into the adult service system (e.g., Vocational Rehabilitation, Home and Community-Based Services). Thus, in addition to adolescence being a source of many psychological and behavioral needs, the change in service systems often leads to uncertainty and anxiety. Psychotropic medications tend to be used to treat challenging behavior and psychological conditions (e.g., depression, anxiety, psychosis). This study used National Core Indicators-In-Person Survey 2020–2021 data to explore the prevalence of psychotropic medication use among two groups of people with IDD: disability service users of transition age (18–25 years) and disability service users of adult age (26–45 years) and the role of residential settings (where one lives) as related to psychotropic medication use. The results indicated that adults (aged 26–45 years) are more likely to be prescribed psychotropic medications. This appears to be driven by the larger number of transition-aged adults who still live with family, where prescription rates are much lower. Psychotropic drug use is an important issue due to its potential to lead to unintended negative consequences that affect health, social inclusion, and self-determination if not carefully and effectively administered.