Related Experiment Videos
Eating disorders in adults with intellectual disability
1Oxleas NHS Trust/GKT Medical Schools, University of London, London, UK.
Journal of Intellectual Disability Research : JIDR
|December 15, 2000
Summary
People with intellectual disability (ID) experience a range of eating disorders (EDs), impacting their physical and mental health. Further research is needed to understand the causes, diagnosis, and effective treatments for these conditions in the ID population.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Public Health
- Developmental Disabilities
Background:
- Growing attention to nutrition in intellectual disability (ID) contrasts with limited focus on eating disorders (EDs) in this population.
- Existing research indicates a significant prevalence of diagnosable EDs among institutionalized and community-dwelling adults with ID.
- Weight surveys reveal high rates of obesity and underweight in adults with ID, with the specific contribution of EDs yet to be fully determined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the under-researched area of eating disorders (EDs) in individuals with intellectual disability (ID).
- To review the prevalence, bio-psycho-social impact, and associated comorbidities of EDs in adults with ID.
- To identify emerging clinical and service-related issues for the diagnosis and treatment of EDs in this population.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing psychopathology and eating disorder (ED) research studies.
- Analysis of weight surveys concerning adults with intellectual disability (ID).
- Synthesis of data from case reports and review papers on specific EDs (e.g., pica, rumination).
Main Results:
- Prevalence rates of diagnosable EDs range from 3-42% in institutionalized adults with ID and 1-19% in community-based adults with ID.
- Significant proportions of adults with ID are obese (2-35%) or underweight (5-43%), with EDs potentially contributing to these weight issues.
- EDs in adults with ID are associated with substantial physical, behavioral, psychiatric, and social comorbidities.
Conclusions:
- Eating disorders (EDs) represent a significant and under-addressed health concern for individuals with intellectual disability (ID).
- There is a need for the development of appropriate diagnostic criteria, multimodal assessment strategies, and effective treatment approaches for EDs in adults with ID.
- Key service improvements include staff training, addressing comorbidity and access to care, and sustained support for individuals with ID and EDs, and their caregivers.