Medication

• Except in the case of certain physical or psychiatric disorders, medical treatment cannot improve cognitive function.
• Careful treatment of psychiatric problems can substantially improve functioning, by promoting improved concentration and learning. It is helpful to review social networks and social support in addition to other treatment. 
• Learning disability can occur with other disorders that require medical treatment (eg seizures, cerebral palsy and psychiatric illness such as depression).
• A good rule regarding psychiatric medication is to ‘start low’ (dose) and ‘go slow’ (increasing dose) to avoid polypharmacy.
• Unnecessary medication should be avoided, and medication reviewed regularly, because side-effects and idiosyncratic reactions are common. People with learning disability underreport side-effects; therefore consideration should be given to proactive checks (eg blood levels of anticonvulsants).
  

Last edited: 11/9/2003

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