Overall use of drugs was high, with the largest percentage of clients taking major tranquilizers (21.2 percent), followed closely by those taking anticonvulsants (20.4 percent). The data suggest a decrease over the years in the use of major tranquilizers in residential institutions for the retarded. (Author/DLS)

This commentary on a 1994 article by Wolfensberger on the current mental retardation scene, in which he describes prescription psychoactive drugs as health destroying and life destroying, criticizes Wolfensberger's comments on "psychoactive medications," noting "elementary errors,""apparently concocted figures," and…

This synopsis of a reply by Wolf Wolfensberger to a critique by Levitas et al. (EC 609 743) notes extensive documentation supporting Wolfensberger's assertion that prescription psychoactive drugs are health destroying and life destroying. Issues of truth and of epistemology are identified as they apply to the treatment of these socially devalued…

This commentary on a study comparing use of the brand-name drug Depakene with generic valproic acid to control seizures in people with mental retardation notes the importance of distinguishing between Depakene and Depakote, which is an enteric-coated formulation for which there is no generic form currently available. (DB)

This study evaluated effects on 77 institutionalized patients with mental retardation of changing from anticonvulsant Depakote to the similar drug, Depakene. Results showed no changes in seizure control, less lethargy on Depakene, but some increase in diarrhea and some changes in psychiatric symptoms. Substantial cost savings were achieved by the…

This update on the costs of two anticonvulsant drugs points out that a substantial price increase for Depakene makes it nearly twice as expensive as Depakote and, thus, now makes Depakote the preferred drug over Depakene. Implications of price increases for treatment of individuals with mental retardation who exhibit behavior or mental disorders…

This very brief comment on Herzog and Money (1993) concerning Klinefelter syndrome claims that the use of an antiandrogen with an individual whose endocrine status is already compromised by low levels of testosterone is inappropriate. (DB)

Comparison of brand-name Depakene with generic valproic acid medication to control seizures in 64 subjects with mental retardation living in an intermediate care facility found no statistically significant differences in seizures or blood levels. Results suggest use of the generic medication can result in substantial cost savings. (Author/DB)

Behavioral psychology measurement methods helped assess antiepileptic drug behavioral side effects in five individuals with mental retardation who could not verbally communicate presence of side effects. When the suspected antiepileptic drug was altered, an 81% reduction of maladaptive behaviors occurred. The measurement methods enabled systematic…

A six-point program of diagnostic inquiry and treatment strategy for individuals with behavior disorders in addition to severe or profound mental retardation is presented, which allows alternate etiological hypotheses to be tested in a clinical setting. This format is intended to unify psychopharmacy practice in mental retardation and in general…

This response supports previous findings by describing the experiences of the Wentham Developmental Center. This center found switching from Depakene to generic valproic acid was not associated with any change in the number of epileptic seizures. The occurrence of adverse gastrointestinal effects of valproic acid is addressed. (CR)

A medication efficacy graph was developed, revised, and applied in a case study to effectively monitor progress of a client with profound mental retardation and maladaptive behaviors. The graph enables clinicians to measure and display not just incidents of maladaptive behaviors but weighted maladaptive behaviors, adaptive behaviors, potency of…

Individuals with developmental disability (n=400) were assessed with the "Dyskinesia Identification System: Condensed User Scale" (DISCUS), a 15-item tardive dyskinesia rating scale shortened from the "Dyskinesia Identification System-Coldwater." Based on interrater reliability, 2-week stability, and other analyses, DISCUS is…