Mental Health Care Needs and Access to Care for Adults With Intellectual Disabilities

Adults with intellectual disabilities (IDs) are at greater risk for psychiatric disorders than the general population. Yet, they have limited access to mental health services.

To examine the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in adults with ID. To describe evidence-based interventions for this population, their access to mental health care, and outline opportunities for improved access.

This manuscript summarizes literature regarding psychiatric disorders in adults with ID and their access to behavioral health care. We considered articles referencing mental health care for adults with ID. PubMed and a variety of search terms were used. Studies published in English from 2010 to the date of the searches were included. Quantitative and qualitative study designs, review articles, program descriptions, and opinion papers were considered for inclusion. Additional references from the selected articles were also considered.

We identified 2864 records. One hundred two records were included, consisting of work commenting on mental health and ID and access to care in the United States. The articles describe increased psychiatric comorbidities in adults with ID. They highlight the few evidence-based interventions for psychiatric comorbidities and the limited access to care.

Our mental health care providers generally have minimal training and experience with people with ID, limiting access to appropriate care for these individuals. Improved access could be created by increasing education and experiences with these populations for mental health providers. Aligning policies, financing, and adequate insurance reimbursement to develop a continuum of care will be critical for these individuals.