Prevalence of axis I psychopathology in an intellectually disabled population: Type of pathology and residential supports

The prevalence of mental illness among the mentally retarded is higher than that observed in the nondisabled in the majority of studies on the subject. With the trend towards closing large state-run care facilities for this population, functioning of mentally retarded individuals in community homes has been of interest to the scientific and human services community. While there is an extensive body of literature on the prevalence of mental illness in various inpatient settings, relatively little attention has been given to prevalence of mental illness in community settings that provide varying levels of support. Given the movement of many mentally retarded individuals from large intensive care homes to community supports, more information is needed on the numbers of those diagnosed with mental illness who are receiving support from various providers. This study examined prevalence of mental illness among 179 clients served in several community settings in Marion County Oregon. Diagnoses were determined using retrospective case file review. A relatively high rate of Axis I psychopathology (31%) was found. Rates for specific types of disability, and Axis I pathology by level of disability and residential setting are reported. Implications for these findings are presented and recommendations for state and local care organizations are offered.