Frith Prescribing Guidelines in Adults with Learning Disability

Learning disabilities (LD) represent a variety of life-long conditions associated with intellectual impairment and maladaptive behaviour problems, making it difficult to lead an independent normal life. Although there are guidelines to assist practitioners in prescribing drugs for mental health problems in the wider population, these are the first to address the specific issues relating to the pharmacological treatment of mental health problems in adults with LD. These guidelines were conceived by the Leicestershire Learning Disabilities (LD) Register, a joint venture between the University of Leicester and Leicestershire and Rutland Health Care NHS Trust, with support from Social Services. The Register was established in 1987 to provide an evidence base for improving the health and quality of life of all people with LD and their carers. This practical handbook includes numerous tables and treatment algorithms, and will be an invaluable resource for psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses, and general practitioners who treat patients with learning disabilities.