Drug therapy in mental handicap

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Developmental Disabilities
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Definitions of mental handicap are imprecise, leading to a broad range of patients under this classification.
• Institutional environments and regimes significantly contribute to the challenges faced by individuals with mental handicaps.
• Current practices often involve medication as a default solution ('faute de mieux') instead of environmental adjustments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically evaluate the current treatment approaches for individuals with mental handicaps.
• To highlight the over-reliance on pharmacological interventions.
• To emphasize the need for improved management strategies and environmental considerations.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature and clinical practices concerning the treatment of mental handicap.
• Analysis of drug prescribing patterns and their appropriateness.
• Identification of environmental and occupational factors influencing behavior.

Main Results:

• Specific treatments for 'mental handicap' as a condition are not feasible due to imprecise definitions.
• Many behavioral disturbances stem from institutional settings and lack of meaningful occupation.
• Over-prescribing of drugs, particularly sedatives and tranquilizers, is prevalent, with illogical drug choices and inadequate dose monitoring.

Conclusions:

• Medication use in the mentally handicapped should be a temporary measure, a 'holding device,' to facilitate alternative management systems or disrupt problematic behaviors.
• Environmental manipulation and provision of suitable occupation are more appropriate and effective strategies than routine drug use.
• A shift towards non-pharmacological interventions and improved institutional practices is crucial for better patient care.