Behavior Problems and Psychopathology

Abstract

It was once believed that individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) were not capable of developing the same emotional disorders as the normal population. The term 'dual diagnosis' is a relatively new term in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities. Today we are well aware that those with ID can suffer from both psychiatric and behavioral disorders and that these individuals can suffer from the full range of current psychiatric disorders. However, the prevalence rate of these disorders is not well understood and is clouded by differences and problems in sampling, assessment, and methodology. Regardless, studies have shown that those with ID suffer from a wide range of challenging behaviors including aggression, property destruction, and self injurious behavior. The presence of comorbid psychiatric disorders has also been found to occur at a higher rate in individuals with ID as well as those with challenging behaviors. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)