Prevalence of co-occurring disorders in a sample of adults with mild and moderate intellectual disabilities who reside in a residential treatment setting

The presence of an intellectual disability (ID) is associated with a myriad of co-occurring conditions, including psychiatric and genetic disorders, behavior problems, physical disabilities, and seizure disorders. Often the most severely affected individuals reside in residential treatment facilities, where they may obtain specialized treatment and management of their challenging behavior. The present study examines the prevalence of psychiatric disorders, seizures, and ID within the context of demographic categories in a sample of 101 individuals with mild to moderate ID living in a long-term residential treatment facility. Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) were more prevalent among individuals with moderate ID, whereas personality disorders were more likely to be diagnosed in individuals with mild ID. Impulse disorders were more frequently observed in females. Further research is needed in order to determine appropriate treatment for such individuals, which should include therapies that are targeted to the specific problems of this population.