PROFESSIONALS PERCEPTIONS OF PSYCHOTROPIC MEDICATION IN RESIDENTIAL FACILITIES FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH MENTAL-RETARDATION

Professional staff in four state facilities for individuals with menta l retardation were surveyed to determine their perceptions, knowledge and opinions regarding the use of psychotropic medication. A large maj ority of the 377 respondents indicated that the physicians in their fa cilities were primarily responsible for medication-related decisions. Under ideal conditions, however, all professional staff and parents we re seen as having a greater influence in the decision-making process. Aggression, delusions and hallucinations, self-injury, other psychiatr ic disorders, and anxiety were rated as disorders most likely to resul t in medication therapy. Behaviour modification was viewed as a suitab le alternative to drug treatment for acting out and aggression. The pr ofessionals indicated that behavioural observation was the most influe ntial assessment technique in current usage, followed by global impres sions and informal diaries. Over 80% of the respondents perceived thei r preservice and inservice training on issues related to the use of ps ychotropic medication to treat behaviour problems as inadequate, with 96% of them desiring continuing education. These findings were compare d to data from similar studies of populations with other disabilities, and suggestions for modifications in the current decision-making proc esses related to the use of psychotropic medication in institutionaliz ed individuals with mental retardation are discussed.