Evaluating patients with intellectual disabilities and comorbid mental health problems

Community psychiatrists can respond effectively to the mental health needs of patients with intellectual disabilities. Standard psychiatric approaches may require modification for this population, and the assessment process may take longer and involve collecting information from additional sources. There is a need to enlist the cooperation of not only the patient but also his or her caregivers and other service providers. The process is both challenging and rewarding, and ultimately may result in a significantly improved quality of life for the members of this underserved population.