Samenvatting

Abstract
Background: Although there is little evidence on their efficacy regarding challenging
behaviour, antipsychotics are the most used psychotropic drugs in residential intellectually
disabled people. Discontinuation is possible for some residential clients with
intellectual disabilities. This study aimed to gain insight into support staff's perceptions
of discontinuing antipsychotics in residential clients with intellectual
disabilities.
Method: Four focus groups were conducted in this mixed‐methods study, followed
by a survey.
Results: A large majority of support staff perceive antipsychotics to be effective in
controlling challenging behaviour. Support staff regarded themselves as willing to
contribute to the discontinuation of antipsychotics, but were more confident about
achieving reductions.
Conclusions: The attitude of the majority of support staff towards discontinuation
provides a good basis for regularly reviewing antipsychotics use. A reduction plan
should include preliminary steps, methods of monitoring and evaluating the process,
and establishing measures for dealing with possible crises.