Prevalence of psychopathology among mentally retarded adults.
One in three adults with ID has a diagnosable mental-health disorder, so routine screening is essential.
01Research in Context
What this study did
The team gave the PIMRA checklist to adults with intellectual disability.
They wanted to know how many had mental-health disorders and if age, sex, or home setting changed the numbers.
What they found
About 36 out of every 100 adults met criteria for at least one major disorder.
Level of disability mattered; living place, age, and sex did not.
How this fits with other research
Alsop et al. (1995) later showed the PIMRA schizophrenia and depression subscales really work, so the 36% figure is likely solid.
Eisenhower et al. (2006) found a similar 40% rate in adults with tuberous sclerosis, hinting the risk holds across different ID causes.
Vereenooghe et al. (2013) pooled therapy trials and proved counseling helps once you spot the problems, closing the loop from screening to treatment.
Why it matters
More than one in three adults you serve could have an undiagnosed mental-health condition. Add PIMRA or another screener to your intake packet. A quick checklist can guide referrals and speed access to therapy that works.
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02At a glance
03Original abstract
The prevalence of psychopathological disorders was determined in a random, stratified sample of 165 adults, 110 males and 55 females, with mental retardation using the Psychopathology Instrument for Mentally Retarded Adults. Stratified variables included mental retardation level and living environment (institutional, family, independent). Results showed that 35.9% of the sample had at least one significant psychopathological disorder. Presence of pathology was related to level of retardation, but not to living environment, sex, or age. Difficulties associated with assessing pathology in persons with mental retardation are described.
Research in developmental disabilities, 1989 · doi:10.1016/0891-4222(89)90030-9