NHS England has stated that it will take swift action to resolve the issue of people with learning disabilities and autism being given unnecessary medication, with an official summit on the issue to be held on 17th July.
According to a recent report by Public Health England, approximately 35,000 adults with a learning disability are being prescribed antipsychotics or antidepressants, or both, without there being a valid medical reason.
The NHS has reportedly ensured that letters will be distributed to both patients and medical professionals, as a matter of high importance.
Anyone who believes that they might be affected by the issue, and has concerns about their prescription, is being advised to seek advice from their doctor.
However, while the NHS is treating the matter as urgent, people are being asked to continue with their prescribed medication unless they have been advised to do so by a medical professional.
The issue of ‘over-medication’ was first highlighted after a review into the abuse scandal at Winterbourne View was published.
While antipsychotics and antidepressants can be useful at managing learning disabilities if they are prescribed carefully, sometimes patients are given amounts and combinations that act as a ‘chemical restraint’.
In these instances, strong doses of medication are being used instead of more suitable treatments, even though clinical guidelines advise doctors against doing this.
It is expected that the summit to be held this Friday (17th July) will discuss the most appropriate courses of action for the NHS to take, in order to help patients and their families.