Trine Lise Bakken, Jane Margrete Askeland Hellerud, Svein Eirik Skaale, Monica Augustin and Arne-Henrik Elvehaug
The UKU Side Effect Rating Scale for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities (UKU-SERS-ID) was developed to detect side effects in patients with intellectual disabilities who…
Abstract
Purpose
The UKU Side Effect Rating Scale for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities (UKU-SERS-ID) was developed to detect side effects in patients with intellectual disabilities who receive psychotropic medication. The aim of the present study was to examine the frequency and distribution of the side effects of psychotropic medication in persons with intellectual disabilities.
Design/methodology/approach
In all, 100 patients receiving in- and outpatient treatment participated in this study. The UKU-SERS-ID, encompassing 34 items, was scored for all participants at two time points. T1 was the baseline rating, and T2 was scored around two to four weeks after starting on new medication.
Findings
Mean scores on the psychological side effects scale were found to be substantially higher than on any other scale, especially the items tension/inner unrest and depressed mood. The patients most frequently received antipsychotic medication, as well as a combination of antipsychotic and antidepressants or antianxiety medication. The study sample was highly heterogeneous, and missing baseline information prevented assumptions being made about causality. The analyses revealed no increase or decrease from T1 to T2 for the side effects measured in the study group.
Research limitations/implications
Further research is necessary on the association between the side effects and specific groups of psychotropic medication.
Practical implications
The UKU-SERS-ID may be a feasible tool in clinical practice on an individual level.
Social implications
Monitoring of side effects for patients using psychotropic medication.
Originality/value
Studies of side effects from the use of psychotropic medication in people with ID is still sparse. This study may hopefully contribute to an increased interest in this topic.
Details
Keywords
Ann Magritt Solheim Inderberg, Kristin Horndalsveen, Arne-Henrik Elvehaug, Yugbadal Mehmi, Ingvild Jørstad and Trine Lise Bakken
People with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have been associated with criminal acts and affiliation with groups and organisations with violent ideology and practice. The purpose…
Abstract
Purpose
People with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have been associated with criminal acts and affiliation with groups and organisations with violent ideology and practice. The purpose of this paper is to present patients in mental health services with both ASD and psychosis, who are affiliated with such groups.
Design/methodology/approach
Three vignettes are used as examples. Some of the information is combined for the three participants for presentation. They were scored for mental health symptoms and behaviour problems on admission and discharge from inpatient care.
Findings
The combination of ASD and psychosis aggravates the problems of both conditions, which may elicit a collapse of both cognitive functioning and especially impulse control, and of the ability to judge whether situations are dangerous or offensive or not.
Originality/value
The present paper may contribute to a better understanding of the combination of ASD, psychosis and affiliation with groups and organisations as described, especially regarding the importance of identifying psychosis.