ERIC Number: EJ1461030
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025-Jan
Pages: 14
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1360-2322
EISSN: EISSN-1468-3148
Available Date: 2024-10-24
Mental Health Services for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities: A Qualitative Study of Patient Characteristics, Associated Factors and Consequent Needs for Adaptation in Assessment and Treatment
Kjersti Karlsen1; Ellen Kathrine Munkhaugen1; Hanne Kari Fossum1; Trine Lise Bakken1; Arvid Nikolai Kildahl1,2
Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, v38 n1 e13315 2025
Background: Individuals with intellectual disabilities are at increased risk of mental health disorders, but may struggle to access appropriate services. While assessment/treatment may need to be adapted, knowledge is limited about what such adaptations may entail. Method: During a service development project, the participants (33 professionals, 13 family members) were asked to identify the characteristics/associated factors of individuals with intellectual disabilities and co-occurring mental health disorders. Using thematic analysis, 1103 participant responses were analyzed to identify the needs for adaptation in assessment/treatment. Results: Three core themes were identified: (1) A broader assessment: Gaining an accurate and comprehensive understanding of the individual's history, abilities and difficulties, (2) Adjusting/modifying existing treatment strategies, (3) Ensuring that the individual's day-to-day needs are met. Conclusions: According to the participants, assessment/treatment of mental health disorder in this population requires more time and broader assessments are necessary. Family/caregiver involvement and cross-service organisation/collaboration represent other important adaptations.
Descriptors: Intellectual Disability, Mental Health, Comorbidity, Adults, Mental Health Workers, Caregivers, Family Attitudes, Health Services, Health Personnel, Medical Care Evaluation, Program Development, Participant Characteristics, Adaptive Testing, Outcomes of Treatment, Multi Tiered Systems of Support
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: 1Norwegian Advisory Unit on Mental Health in Intellectual Disabilities, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; 2NevSom – Norwegian Centre of Expertise for Neurodevelopmental Disorders and Hypersomnias, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway