You are currently browsing the daily archive for June 18th, 2008.
Recent research shows that antipsychotic medication is no more effective than placebo in reducing aggression in individuals with an intellectual disability. This type of medication is often prescribed for individuals with mental retardation, but the data now show that this type of intervention is no more effective than placebo. It should be noted that all interventions reduced symptoms, but placebo was the most effective. People should be amazed at the power of their own minds and expectations in producing changes even with intellectually disabled individuals. Intellectually disabled individuals seem to show some of the most impressive treatment gains in psychotherapy (this based on my experience). It seems likely that they are more accustomed to following directives than individuals without an intellectual disability, and are thus, less defensive. One of the most wise individuals I have ever worked with had an IQ of 66 (mild mental retardation). IQ does not mean that an individual possesses wisdom no matter what the IQ level is.

Recent Comments