Beyond the disability: recognizing mental health issues among persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities

Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) have at least the same prevalence of mental health disorders as the general population and may have increased susceptibility to some types of mental health disorders. Nevertheless, individuals with I/DD are often underserved. An understanding of the basic issues in the mental health care of individuals with I/DD is important in providing quality nursing care. Awareness of barriers to good mental health care and the prevailing paradigms in diagnoses and treatment are important for nurses in delivering care. Good physical and mental health assessments are important for nurses in delivering care as is an awareness of some of the particular risk factors for individuals with I/DD. Part of quality mental health care for individuals with I/DD includes development of interdisciplinary community, and family based plans and evaluations. Nurses, who are in the front lines of health care, are in key positions to positively affect the mental health care of individuals with I/DD.