NCMD Seminar Presents ‘The impact of psychiatrists’ views on the pharmacological management of Aggression, Violence, Agitation and irritability when prescribing for children and young people, with or without an intellectual disability’

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This week’s seminar invited speaker Dr Jermain Thompson to deliver a presentation on ‘The impact of psychiatrists’ views on the pharmacological management of Aggression, Violence, Agitation and irritability when prescribing for children and young people, with or without an intellectual disability’.

Dr Thompson, an ST8 Dual Higher Trainee in Psychiatry of Intellectual Disabilities, initially provided us with background information on AVAI including prevalence and definitions. He then delved into further detail regarding the background research and current evidence base on AVAI and treatment, which led him onto developing the research project discussed.

Dr Thompson went on to explain how the study explored the prescribing characteristics, beliefs and attitudes of psychiatrists who work with young people presenting with AVAI. He also explained how the study was conducted using semi-structured interviews and outlined the framework underpinning the analysis. The qualitative analysis led to an initial 1,178 primary codes being grouped into 6 themes, at this point Dr Thompson included quotes from participants to illustrate consultant experiences.

Findings suggested that psychiatrist’s decisions on prescribing for AVAI depended on these 6 themes: the purpose of AVAI, the nature of the prescription request, the impact of the medication, the clinical factors, the knowledge base and the baseline threshold for prescribing.

Discussion points from the project, made by Dr Thompson, suggested that AVAI is poorly defined in literature. The study also indicated that there are many barriers and complex thought processes behind prescribing. It was also suggested that consultants may have differing opinions on prescribing for AVAI depending on whether it is considered a behaviour or a symptom. Dr Thompson then highlighted limitations of this study which included how there was a small sample size which consisted of only consultants being interviewed.

The presentation was then concluded with Dr Thompson illustrating how he wishes to take this work further in the future. He hopes to publish this study and later in his career repeat the project interviewing different groups of individuals such as MDTs, parents and young people.

Thank you very much to Dr Thompson for delivering an excellent presentation this week.


For further information regarding the NCMD seminar series, or if you would like to be added to the mailing list please contact samantha.jewell-mills@newcastle.ac.uk.