Pregabalin use in adults with intellectual disabilities

Abstract

Introduction

Pregabalin is a well-established anti-epileptic drug in the treatment of epilepsy. It is also indicated for the treatment of generalised anxiety disorder and neuropathic pain. In addition, it has mood modulating properties. In people with intellectual disabilities it is used to treat epilepsy. There is little evidence of the use of pregabalin in managing mental health difficulties in people with intellectual disabilities.

Objectives

To describe the use of pregabalin in adults with intellectual disabilities.

Method

A descriptive case series of adults with intellectual disabilities living in the community, under the care of a community psychiatrist, who are prescribed Pregabalin. Outcomes of treatment were measured using the health of the nation outcome scale for people with intellectual disabilities (HoNOS-LD).

Results

Fourteen cases were identified in the community service of adults with Intellectual Disabilities. Twelve were men and two were women. The average age of the sample was 29 years. The range in duration of using pregabalin was from 3 to 72 months. Thirteen adults had a diagnosis of Autism of which three also had ADHD. The indications for using pregabalin and numbers were : anxiety (12); liability of mood (2); generalised anxiety disorder (1); epilepsy (1). The daily dose range was from 150 mg to 300 mg The mean change in HoNOS-LD scores was 32%.

Conclusions

Pregabalin is a useful treatment in people with intellectual disabilities who experience anxiety. It is especially effective among adults with ID and autism to modulate mood and anxiety symptoms.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.