Management overview
The level of evidence for management of psychiatric disorders in people with developmental disability is not as robust as for the general population; however, the biopsychosocial approach for the general population can still be used. Additional considerations for each psychiatric disorder are highlighted in these guidelines.
Before initiating any intervention, a medical practitioner has a responsibility to obtain consent. If the person with developmental disability is unable or loses capacity to provide informed consent, then supported or substituted consent principles need to be followed; see Consent, capacity and decision making in people with developmental disability.
Multidisciplinary team input into managing psychiatric disorders is vital; for information, see Allied health interventions, Psychological therapies and Facilitating a multidisciplinary approach to care. Funding for services may be available through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) or Medicare (eg Mental Health Treatment Plan, Team Care Arrangements).
Specialist mental health and disability expertise is recommended for complex situations (eg acute psychotic episodes, suicidal or high-risk behaviour, co-occurrence of challenging behaviour, inadequate oral intake, severe personality disorder). See also Setting for acute treatment of psychiatric disorders in people with developmental disability.
Prescription of medication should only follow after taking a full history and with the clinical indication recorded in the person’s medical record; see Pharmacological therapy for a psychiatric disorder in a person with developmental disability.
For additional management considerations for psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents with developmental disability, see here.
For the management of specific psychiatric disorders in people with developmental disability, see: