Factors associated with reduction in antipsychotic medication dosage in adults with mental retardation

Although antipsychotic medications have been successfully decreased or eliminated for many individuals with mental retardation, a minority suffer significant deterioration when dosages are decreased. Records of individuals residing on a 75-bed unit over a 5-year period were reviewed to determine differences in antipsychotic dosages over time. Presence of a psychotic diagnosis was a significant variable in increased antipsychotic dosage. Use of alternative medication (carbamazepine, buspirone, lithium, and propranolol) was related to decreased antipsychotic dosage. Findings suggest that individuals with mental retardation who do not have psychoses are a suitable group for reduction and that use of alternative medications facilitate this process for individuals with or without psychoses.