RT Book, Section A1 Erickson, Steven R. A2 DiPiro, Joseph T. A2 Yee, Gary C. A2 Haines, Stuart T. A2 Nolin, Thomas D. A2 Ellingrod, Vicki L. A2 Posey, L. Michael SR Print(0) ID 1197554212 T1 Developmental Disabilities T2 DiPiro’s Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic Approach, 12th Edition YR 2023 FD 2023 PB McGraw Hill PP New York, NY SN 9781264264544 LK accesspharmacy.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1197554212 RD 2024/03/29 AB KEY CONCEPTSPeople with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) have higher incidence of mental illness and challenging behaviors, with dual diagnoses being common.Persons diagnosed with Down syndrome (DS) can be at increased risk for medical and psychiatric comorbidities.People with IDD experience high rates of polypharmacy and polypsychotropic medication use. Assessment should include physical disorders, as well as social and environmental factors complicating their care.People with DS have higher rates of Alzheimer-type dementia. A thorough evaluation is needed to differentiate between depression and Alzheimer disease (AD).Treatment plans for persons with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) focus on increasing social interactions, improving verbal and nonverbal communication, and minimizing the occurrence or impact of ritualistic, repetitive behaviors and other related mood and behavioral challenges (eg, over activity, irritability, and self-injury).Many purported pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatments for ASD lack objective evidence-based support.A structured teaching approach focusing on increasing social communication and integration with peers is needed when providing services to persons with ASD.Nonpharmacologic interventions for sleep disturbances in individuals diagnosed with ASD should be implemented prior to pharmacotherapy considerations.Psychopharmacologic treatment planning should include monitoring of objective, measurable medication-responsive target behaviors and assessment of potential adverse effects, which are of critical importance when treating the behavioral challenges of ASD. Furthermore, the response of individuals to pharmacotherapy is highly variable.The use of FDA-approved medication for off-label indications is an acceptable clinical practice if founded on evidence-based research and includes informed consent.