Stopping over medication of people with a learning disability, autism or both (STOMP)
STOMP stands for stopping over medication of people with a learning disability, autism or both with psychotropic medicines. It is a national project involving many different organisations which are helping to stop the over use of these medicines. STOMP is about helping people to stay well and have a good quality of life.
Psychotropic medicines affect how the brain works and include medicines for psychosis, depression, anxiety, sleep problems and epilepsy. Sometimes they are also given to people because their behaviour is seen as challenging. People with a learning disability, autism or both are more likely to be given these medicines than other people.
These medicines are right for some people, and they can help people stay safe and well, however Public Health England says that every day about 30,000 to 35,000 adults with a learning disability are taking psychotropic medicines, when they do not have the health conditions the medicines are for. This campaign aims to raise awareness and reduce inappropriate use of these medications.
- The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and the ACPPLD are supporters of this campaign and you can find out more about this in an article featured in Frontline here.
- You will find more information on NHS England website here.
- You can view the VoiceAbility website here to access and download the STOMP pdf as well as the STOMP Top Tips leaflet and STOMP and STAMP advocacy and the law.