Psychiatric ills neglected in mentally impaired

Four out of 10 children with mental retardation also have severe emotional and behavioural problems, which often persist into adulthood. However, few of these children with psychological problems receive any mental health therapy. The psychopathology that often affects people with intellectual disability limits their ability to live in the community, participate in social activities or gain employment. Even so, little research, particularly long-term studies, has been devoted to children with both intellectual and psychiatric disorders. The researchers conducted “The Australian Child to Adult Development Study”, which included 507 children between 5 and 20 years when they were evaluated at study entry - wave 1 (1991-1992). The subjects were re-examined at 1995-1996(wave 2), 1999 (wave 3) and 2002-2003 (wave 4). The participants were assessed with the Developmental Behaviour Checklist, a 96-item questionnaire with a total possible score of 190. A score of 46 or higher is indicative of a definite psychiatric disorder. The results showed that 41 percent of subjects at wave 1 met criteria for major psychopathology; the prevalence decreased to 31 percent by wave 4. However, scores of 12 percent of the subjects worsened over time. The overall severity of psychopathology was similar among children with mild-to-severe intellectual disabilities. Nevertheless, distinct differences were seen on the subscales of the behaviour checklist. Subjects with mild intellectual disability scored significantly higher for disruptive behaviour and communication disturbance, while those with severe or profound intellectual disability had highest scores for self-absorbed behaviour and social maladjustment. Despite the high prevalence of severe psychological and behavioural disorders, the results showed that only about 10 percent of those with severe psychopathology received any mental health attention by a specialist. These findings reflect the need for effective mental health interventions, which should include support, education, and skills training for their parents.