ABSTRACT
The total effect of any drug on an individual depends on the pharmacological properties of that drug, the dose and the method of administration, the biological and psychological characteristics of the individual, and social and cultural factors. Chapter 1 describes how physical stature, physiology and brain damage in people with learning disability may affect the pharmacokinetics and efficacy of psychotropic drugs. This chapter focuses on how biological and cultural factors in different ethnic groups may lead to variations in the response to psychotropic medication.
