Individual research recommendation details

Recommendation ID

NG54/4

Question

Pharmacological interventions for anxiety disorders in people with learning disabilities who have autism:- What is the clinical and cost effectiveness and safety of pharmacological interventions for anxiety disorders in people with learning disabilities who have autism?

Any explanatory notes
(if applicable)

Why this is important:- Anxiety disorders are common in people with learning disabilities who have autism. However, there is no high-quality evidence on pharmacological interventions for anxiety disorders in people with learning disabilities who have autism. They may be more susceptible to adverse events, and have particular difficulty communicating side effects. There may also be differences in effectiveness compared with the general population. These uncertainties about side effects and effectiveness may contribute to the under-treatment of mental health problems in people with learning disabilities who have autism. Research is therefore needed to determine the safety and effectiveness of pharmacological interventions and make it clear what reatments are effective for anxiety in people learning disabilities who have autism. Clarity over this issue could have a substantial impact upon quality of life for people with learning disabilities who have autism and their carers, as well as reducing costs to the NHS.
Randomised controlled trials should be carried out to compare the clinical and cost effectiveness of pharmacological interventions for anxiety disorders in this population. Several services may need to collaborate in order to ensure sufficient sample size. Researchers would need to take into account factors such as genotype and pharmacological treatment for other conditions when designing these trials. Important outcomes could include:
- effect on the mental health problem
- side effects
- cost effectiveness

- health-related quality of life.

Source guidance details

Comes from guidance

Mental health problems in people with learning disabilities: prevention, assessment and management

Number

NG54

Date issued

September 2016

Other details