Challenging behaviour and psychiatric disorder in intellectual disability

Purpose of review To critically review recent publications on the relationship between challenging behaviour and psychiatric disorder in people with intellectual disabilities. Recent findings Although a number of recent studies have highlighted possible similarities in the aetiology of challenging behaviour and psychiatric disorder, these findings need to be viewed with caution as they do not constitute evidence that the two phenomena are equivalent. While research into findings, there are a number of theoretical perspectives that have been tested to some degree by empirical studies. Intervention studies that attempt to explore these perspectives are rare, however, and there is some evidence that people with complex mental health and behavioural needs are receiving far from optimal treatment. Summary The relationship between challenging behaviour and psychiatric disorder has yet to be adequately explored in the research literature. While both undoubtedly coexist in some people with intellectual disability, available research suggests that it is unlikely that disturbances in psychiatric functioning will underpin the majority of challenging behaviours. Evidence to link specific patterns of behaviour with particular disorders also remains elusive. Recommendations for future research are discussed.