Section B Medication Facts and National Guidance

Who is at risk of being inappropriately medicated?

Of the 100 family carers who took part in the CBF’s consultation about medication use, it was most common for their relative to:

• be male
• have a severe learning disability
• have autism
• display behaviours described as challenging
• have had medication introduced once they were older than 11, peaking between 16 – 25 years old.

Over 90% of families said that challenging behaviour was one of the main reasons that medication was prescribed for their relative. However, less than half had a Positive Behaviour Support Plan and families reported that little attention was given to why their relative was displaying behaviour described as challenging.