Integrated Psychopharmacological Management

The assessment and treatment of behavioral and psychiatric disorders in children and adults with Intellectual and developmental disorders is a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary process. A major part of the process involves collecting past medical, family and developmental history; integrating behavioral data with psychiatric ratings scales, direct observation and mental status examination, and formulating differential diagnosis. The next steps involve making a diagnosis that matches available treatments. The treatment process requires careful monitoring and tracking of many parameters. Treatment nonresponse can relate to both pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic factors that are in part related to genetic factors. There are many biological and psychosocial factors that will help predict treatment response. It is important to recognize that in many clinical situations, that both children and adults with IDD are quite vulnerable to psychosocial discord and ecological disruptions. The chapter is an effort to synthesize a model that addresses the many issues needed for effective treatment.