Stopping overmedication to manage challenging behaviour in LD ‐ STOMP disability – STOMP (pilot study)

Abstract

STOMP (stopping overmedication of people with a learning disability (LD), autism or both with psychotropic medicines) aims to review psychotropic medicines regularly, inform everyone about non‐pharmacological therapies and, most importantly, to involve patients, support staff and their families in decisions about medications. This exploratory study by Dr Javaid and team examines whether the NICE guidelines are implemented in line with STOMP when managing patients with challenging behaviours.

Pregabalin in treating challenging behaviour in patients with ID

“…1,2 Challenging behaviour is common in people with intellectual disability because they have less resilience and poorer coping strategies compared with the general population when they face adversity. 3 Management of challenging behaviour involves a detailed functional behaviour analysis and modification of environmental factors that may be the precipitating factor for these challenging behaviours. 4 A comprehensive positive behavioural support plan should also be put in place.…”

Non‐pharmacological interventions in ID patients with challenging behaviours

“…This evaluation builds on two previous service evaluations/quality improvement projects at Townend Court in 2018 1 and 2019. 2 These looked at adherence to NICE guidelines and the STOMP initiative regarding over-medicating patients with intellectual disability and related to cases referred to the psychiatry clinic regarding challenging behaviour. These included evaluation of the timescales of medication reviews, investigation of physical causes and referrals to non-pharmacological colleagues.…”

“…The inpatient unit consists of 10 beds for assessment and treatment in relation to mental health and behavioural presentations. This evaluation builds on two previous service evaluations/quality improvement projects at Townend Court in 2018 1 and 2019 2 . These looked at adherence to NICE guidelines and the STOMP initiative regarding over‐medicating patients with intellectual disability and related to cases referred to the psychiatry clinic regarding challenging behaviour.…”