Childhood Risk Factors and Adult Outcomes in People with Intellectual Disabilities
Author Information
Author(s): Perera B., Mufti S., Norris C., Baksh A., Totsika V., Hassiotis A., Hurks P., van Amelsvoort T.
Primary Institution: Division of Psychiatry, University College London, UK
Hypothesis
What childhood risk factors are associated with adverse mental health outcomes in adulthood for individuals with intellectual disabilities?
Conclusion
Challenging behavior in childhood is a key factor influencing adverse mental health outcomes in young adults with intellectual disabilities.
Supporting Evidence
- Challenging behavior was the best predictor for psychotropic medication prescribing in adulthood.
- Severity of intellectual disability was associated with higher cost care packages.
- Ethnicity (Black and mixed) predicted higher cost of care.
Takeaway
Kids who act out can have a harder time when they grow up, especially if they have conditions like autism or ADHD.
Methodology
Data were collected from electronic records of adults with intellectual disabilities aged 18-24, focusing on childhood risk factors and their association with adult outcomes using regression models.
Potential Biases
Potential underdiagnosis of ADHD and reliance on retrospective data may introduce bias.
Limitations
The study relied on accurate documentation of childhood risk factors, which may be incomplete or biased, and the sample was drawn from a single service, limiting generalizability.
Participant Demographics
Participants were aged 18-24, with a diverse ethnic background, including 45.3% Black and 27.7% White individuals.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.028
Confidence Interval
1.85–235.95
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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