Behavioural treatment of anxiety and related disorders in adults with mental handicaps: A REVIEW

Abstract

This paper comprehensively reviews studies relating to the prevalence, assessment, and behavioural treatment of anxiety and related disorders in adults with mental handicaps. It is considered that the paucity of research in this area, relative to work with adults who are not mentally handicapped, is an example of neglect by mainstream psychology rather than a belief that people with mental handicaps do not often experience such disorders. The lack of assessment measures is noted and discussed in the context of studies of treatment outcome. Such studies are sparse and generally poorly designed, although most indicate the potential benefit of behavioural interventions. Future areas of research are discussed and their necessity is outlined in the context of the principles of normalisation.