Integrated mental health treatment guidelines for prescribers in intellectual and developmental disabilities

Abstract

Few healthcare providers receive guidance on the unique needs of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities and mental healthcare needs. Our aim was to develop a tool for health care providers to use as a guide to address the complex needs of this patient population. The development of the Integrated Mental Health Treatment Guidelines for Prescribers in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities consisted of five steps: focus groups, draft of the guidelines, evaluation of the guidelines, finalization, and dissemination of the guidelines. The focus groups revealed themes in five domains: (1) relationships, communication, and openness; (2) understanding the person, their environment, and culture; (3) importance of an integrated care and wellness approach; (4) consideration of treatment modifications; (5) recommendations from focus group participants regarding the guidelines. These focus groups informed the development of the guidelines. Forty-three prescribers evaluated the guidelines noting multiple strengths and some recommendations. Based on this feedback the guidelines were modified as needed, finalized, and disseminated. This paper describes the development of the Integrated Mental Health Treatment Guidelines for Prescribers in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. An evidence-informed, easy-to-use, web-based guide with links to best practice resources. These guidelines incorporate integrated health, other mental health approaches, and the input of patients.