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Prevalence and associations of anxiety disorders in adults with intellectual disabilities
- Authors:
- REID K. A., SMILEY E., COOPER S.-A.
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 55(2), February 2011, pp.172-181.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Estimates of the prevalence of anxiety disorders in adults with intellectual disabilities (IDs) vary widely; general anxiety disorder ranging from less than 2% to 17.4% compared to 4.4% in the general public. Little is known about associated factors in this population. Information was collected regarding 1023 adults with IDs who participated in a large-scale, population-based study in Scotland. All had a comprehensive physical and mental health assessment. The point prevalence of anxiety disorders according to different diagnostic criteria was determined, as were independently associated factors. At the time of the assessment 3.8%, of the cohort had an anxiety disorder. Generalised anxiety disorder was the most common (1.7%), then agoraphobia (0.7%). Results are reported for eight types of anxiety disorder. Factors independently associated with having an anxiety disorder were not having any daytime employment, and having a recent history of life events. Having previously been a long-term hospital resident was independently associated with not having an anxiety disorder. The authors conclude that anxiety disorders are in fact common in the ID population. They suggest that it might be sensible for carers to be vigilant and to consider proactively providing additional support at times of significant life events.
Neighbourhood deprivation, health inequalities and service access by adults with intellectual disabilities: a cross-sectional study
- Authors:
- COOPER S.-A., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 55(3), March 2011, pp.313-323.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
The relationship between intellect, education, deprivation and health is said to be complex but adults with intellectual disabilities (IDs) experience more health inequalities and are more likely to live in deprived areas. This study set out to determine whether the extent of deprivation in the area where a person lives affects their access to services and thus contributes to health inequalities. Interviews were conducted with 1023 adults with IDs within a defined location in Greater Glasgow and their medical records were reviewed. The extent of area deprivation was defined by postcode. Area deprivation did not influence access to social supports, daytime primary health-care services or hospital admissions, but people in more deprived areas made less use of secondary outpatient health care and more use of accident and emergency care. Women in more deprived areas were more likely to have had a cervical smear but there was little association with other health promotion uptake. Area deprivation was not associated with access to paid employment, daytime occupation, or respite care. The results were largely unchanged after adjusting for type of accommodation and level of ability. It is concluded that deprivation may not contribute to health inequality in those with IDs in the same way as in the general population.