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The association between psychiatric diagnoses and severe behavior problems in mental retardation
J Rojahn1, S A Borthwick-Duffy, J W Jacobson
1Nisonger Center, Ohio State University, Columbus 43210-1296.
Summary
This study found no strong link between psychiatric diagnoses and severe behavior problems in individuals with mental retardation. Aggression, self-injury, or stereotypies did not predict psychiatric diagnoses in large databases.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Developmental Disabilities
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Mental retardation is often associated with psychiatric disorders and severe behavior problems.
- Understanding the relationship between these conditions is crucial for effective treatment and support.
- Previous research has yielded mixed results regarding the comorbidity of psychiatric disorders and behavioral issues in this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between psychiatric disorders and severe behavior problems in individuals with mental retardation.
- To analyze large-scale, statewide client databases to identify potential correlations.
- To examine specific psychiatric diagnoses and severe behavioral issues such as aggression, property destruction, self-injurious behavior, and stereotyped behavior.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of statewide client databases from developmental disabilities services in California (N = 89,419) and New York (N = 45,683).
- Focus on nine major DSM-III-R psychiatric categories and severe forms of aggressive, destructive, self-injurious, and stereotyped behaviors.
- Inclusion of individuals aged 45 years and younger with mental retardation of all severity levels.
Main Results:
- Prevalence of psychiatric diagnoses varied between California (3.9%) and New York (5.4%), suggesting diagnostic practice variations.
- Rates of severe behavior problems differed significantly: 22.1% in California vs. 41.4% in New York, potentially due to recording criteria.
- No compelling correlations were found between specific psychiatric diagnoses and the presence of aggression, self-injury, destruction, or stereotypies across both databases.
Conclusions:
- The presence of severe behavior problems does not reliably predict whether an individual with mental retardation receives a psychiatric diagnosis.
- Findings suggest that psychiatric diagnoses in individuals with mental retardation are not solely determined by the manifestation of severe behavioral issues.
- Further research is needed to explore the complex interplay between psychiatric disorders and behavior in this population, considering factors beyond observable behaviors.