A comparison of anxiety treatments with adults who have moderate and severe mental retardation.

Sanders et al. (1989) compared two ways to calm adults with moderate or severe intellectual disability.

One group learned Behavioural Relaxation Training. The other got Abbreviated Progressive Relaxation. Staff watched and rated anxiety. Heart rate was also checked.

Staff saw less anxiety after Behavioural Relaxation Training. The other method did not score as well. Heart rate dropped the same for both groups.

Calamari et al. (1987) tried a bigger package—muscle relaxation plus biofeedback—and also saw lower tension. Their study came first and used more parts.

Petry et al. (2007) looked at pills for adults with ID. Only half improved, and the best odds came when anxiety was present. The pill review shows drugs are hit-or-miss, so a solid behavioural option like BRT is welcome.

Tassé et al. (2013) studied kids with ID and autism. They found heart rate and small body cues tracked anxiety. The 1989 study used heart rate too, but it did not pick up the difference the staff saw.

You now have a clear rank order: teach Behavioural Relaxation Training first. Skip the shorter progressive method for adults with ID. Heart rate alone can miss change, so keep a simple staff checklist. Add this tool to your behaviour plan when anxiety fuels problem behaviour.