Mental Health
About 30-40% of people with IDD meet criteria for a psychiatric disorder or have severe challenging behaviors such as self-injury or aggression.
They are often treated with psychiatric medications at high rates and with off-label indications. Matson and Neal, 2009, Psychotropic medication use for challenging behaviors in persons with intellectual disabilities: an overview. Research in Developmental Disabilities 30, 572-86.
According to a 2012 study of 983 adults with IDD, they experience high rates of chronic health conditions. (Hsieh K, Rimmer J, Heller T. Prevalence of falls and risk factors in adults with intellectual disability. American Journal of Intellectual Development Disability)
