Phobias and Anxiety-Related Problems in Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities

Abstract

(from the chapter) Young people with intellectual disabilities are at increased risk for anxiety disorders; for example, Dekker and Koot (2003) reported that 22% of a Dutch community sample of 474 7-20 year old young people with intellectual disabilities met DSM-IV criteria for some form of anxiety disorder. This chapter will focus on the literature specific to children and young people with intellectual disabilities, but will make reference to the wider literature where there is good reason to suggest that the general principles identified will apply to this population (e.g. Dagnan & Jahoda, 2006). The chapter will first consider diagnostic issues and epidemiological studies reporting levels of mental ill-health and anxiety in young people with intellectual disabilities. It will then consider clinical assessment issues and treatments described for young people with intellectual disabilities, with particular emphasis on psychosocial interventions. Whilst there is a growing epidemiological literature in this area, there are relatively few papers discussing assessment and intervention, it will conclude with recommendations for future developments in research and clinical work. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2014 APA, all rights reserved).