Mental Health Challenges in Children With Intellectual Disabilities

Abstract

There is limited evidence base regarding mental health issues in people with intellectual disability (ID), and hence, findings from the general population are often applied to ID groups. Available evidence suggests that individuals with ID experience higher rates of mental health disorders than the general population, although findings are mixed with regard to the determinants of this increased prevalence. Further, the consequences of this comorbidity for individuals, families, and the wider community are often overlooked including the multiple challenges in identifying and managing these concerns. Accurate diagnosis and effective intervention are currently hindered by factors including the applicability of standardized psychiatric classification systems, gaps in service delivery models and access to such services, as well as unmet training needs. It is critical that further research is carried out to examine the specific challenges facing individuals with ID along with facilitating appropriate mental health services to individuals with ID.