Psychoactive drugs used with adults and elderly adults who have mental retardation.

During 12 months, the charts of 369 subjects were reviewed. A significantly increased prevalence of use of psychoactives occurred in those subjects 55 years and older compared to those 20- to 39-years of age. The 40- to 54-year group also had increased prevalence rates compared to the younger group, suggesting a trend for increasing psychoactive use by middle age adults. The increased psychoactive use by the elderly adults was associated with independent living and psychiatric diagnosis. Neuroleptics were also significantly increased for elderly individuals living under family supervision. Antiparkinsonian drugs had significantly greater prevalence in elderly adults than in the 20- to 39-year group and was associated with psychiatric diagnosis. Limitations of the study were discussed.