The Mental Health of People with Intellectual Disabilities who Offend

Abstract

There are a growing number of studies concerning people with intellectually disabilities (ID) who offend, however few studies systematically record prevalence of mental health problems. This article will attempt to determine the prevalence mental health problems in people with ID who offend. Search terms were entered into the CINAHL, EM-BASE, Ovid MEDLINE(R) and PsycINFO databases. Studies were also selected through discussion with clinicians and references from relevant papers. Fourteen relevant articles were found that indicated the prevalence of mental health problems in people with an ID who offend. Mental health problems may be more prevalent in individuals with an ID who offend than those with an ID who do not offend with schizophrenia/psychotic difficulties occurring more frequently. The possible increased prevalence should be considered within treatment regimes in order to effectively rehabilitate individuals.

Co-occurring mental disorder and intellectual disability in a large sample of Australian prisoners

“…These findings are generally consistent with those of previous studies. The positive association between intellectual disability and lifetime psychiatric diagnosis is consistent with previous studies that report elevated rates of mental illness among both offenders and non-offending populations with intellectual disability (Lund, 1985;Iverson and Fox, 1989;Reiss, 1990;Reid, 1994;Cooper, 1997;Hobson and Rose, 2008). However, in contrast to Hassiotis et al (2011), we did not find that self-evaluated health status mediated the association between intellectual Values are unweighted frequencies and weighted percentages or odds ratio (95% confidence intervals.…”

“…The positive association between intellectual disability and lifetime psychiatric diagnosis is consistent with previous studies that report elevated rates of mental illness among both offenders and non-offending populations with intellectual disability (Lund, 1985;Iverson and Fox, 1989;Reiss, 1990;Reid, 1994;Cooper, 1997;Hobson and Rose, 2008). Prisoners with intellectual disability reported more severe social disadvantage, higher levels of psychological distress, a greater burden of mental illness, and greater use of psychotropic medication, compared with their non-disabled peers.…”

Aboriginal prisoners and cognitive impairment: the impact of dual disadvantage on Social and Emotional Wellbeing

“…; see Riches et al ; Shepherd et al ). In addition, outcomes are decidedly worse for offenders with comorbid diagnoses, or complex needs (Klimecki et al ; Hobson & Rose ; Baldry et al ; Dias et al ).…”

“…Offenders with a cognitive disability experience greater numbers of prior custodial episodes, are more likely to be charged, are less likely to receive parole, are more likely to be classified as a high security risk and are younger at first contact with the justice system ( Riches et al 2006;Shepherd et al 2016). In addition, outcomes are decidedly worse for offenders with comorbid diagnoses, or complex needs (Klimecki et al 1994;Hobson & Rose 2008;Baldry et al 2012;Dias et al 2013).…”

Am I there yet? The views of people with learning disability on forensic community rehabilitation

“…Empirically, typical individuals with LD and forensic needs will present with significant mental health issues, insecure attachment patterns, communication difficulties, high acquiescence, and low assertiveness (Lindsay, 2002;Myers, 2004;Hobson and Rose, 2008). Significant levels of support and treatment are needed in order to help them begin learning self-management skills.…”