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A "co-occurring" disorder can refer to any two or more conditions that occur together within one person. Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities are at high risk for co-occurring behavioral health conditions. Research indicates that approximately 30-35 percent of all people with intellectual or developmental disabilities have a psychiatric disorder. (The Diagnostic Manual – Intellectual Disability: A Textbook of Diagnosis of Mental Disorders in Persons with Intellectual Disability, Second Addition DM-ID-2)
People with intellectual and developmental disabilities experience the same types of behavioral health disorders as people without disabilities. Common co-occurring psychiatric disorders include major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, impulse control disorders, personality disorders, major neurocognitive disorders and stereotypic movement disorders, among others.
People with intellectual and developmental disabilities experience trauma, including abuse and neglect, at higher rates than the general population. In addition to the increased likelihood of experiencing trauma, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are at increased risk of developing more severe post-traumatic stress symptoms than people without intellectual and developmental disabilities when exposed to the same traumatic event. (The Diagnostic Manual – Intellectual Disability: A Textbook of Diagnosis of Mental Disorders in Persons with Intellectual Disability, Second Addition DM-ID-2)
The behavioral health needs of people with intellectual or developmental disabilities often go unrecognized. People with intellectual and developmental disabilities are often defined by their behavior. Recognizing that behavior is a form of communication and not a symptom of a person's disability is crucial to understanding what a person's needs are and supporting them to meet those needs. The co-existence of a psychiatric disorder can have serious effects on a person's daily functioning and can greatly reduce their quality of life. If a person's behavior is attributed to their disability, behavioral health conditions may go undiagnosed and individuals may not receive necessary treatment and support.
Wellness and Recovery
Recognition of the behavioral health needs of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities is fundamental in supporting mental wellness. Understanding trauma and using a trauma-informed care approach will support resiliency and recovery in people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who have experienced trauma.
Resources
- Mental Health Wellness for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (MHW-IDD) is a free training course for people who support someone with intellectual and developmental disabilities and behavioral health needs. MHW-IDD Training modules on Trauma-informed Care are available for direct service workers and health care professionals.
- The National Association for the Dually Diagnosed, An Association for Persons with Developmental Disabilities and Mental Health Needs has information and offers continuing education opportunities regarding mental health needs of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- The National Association for State Developmental Disability Directors Services has resources on mental health treatment modalities effective for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- The Road to Recovery: Supporting Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Who Have Experienced Trauma, available through the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN), is a training that gives providers an overview on working with children and families living with intellectual and developmental disabilities who have experienced trauma. This curriculum is also available in Spanish. See also NCTSN website webpage and learning center for more information and resources.
- A Trauma-Informed Toolkit for Providers in the Field of Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities offers information about trauma, trauma-informed planning and interventions, and wellness and resiliency for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- Crisis services are available 24 hours/7 days a week and include prompt face-to-face crisis assessment, crisis intervention services, crisis follow-up and relapse prevention services. The HHSC Crisis Services Guide (PDF) has information on various state-funded crisis services and organizations that can help connect people to resources.
General Mental Health Resources
- Diagnostic Manual – Intellectual Disability: A Textbook of Diagnosis of Mental Disorders in Persons with Intellectual Disability, Second Edition (DM-ID-2)
- Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Version 5
References
- Diagnostic Manual – Intellectual Disability: A Textbook of Diagnosis of Mental Disorders in Persons with Intellectual Disability, Second Edition (DM-ID-2)
- Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Version 5