"Mental Health in Adults with Intellectual Disabilities. Protective and Risk Factors for Depression and Anxiety" - a Cross-sectional Study

Background There are not many studies investigating mental health of individuals with intellectual disability. The aim of this study is to provide data on depression and anxiety in individuals with intellectual disability. Method In a cross-sectional study, we assessed women and men with intellectual disability (18-65 years) with a standardized instrument with 2 divisions (division 1: variables "residence", "self-determination capabilities", "violence experiences", division 2: variables "depression" and "anxiety" with the Patient Health Questionaire-4). Univariate and bivariate analysis of the data was performed. Result Out of a total of 59 % men and 41 % women, 44 participated in the study (response rate = 45 %). Overall, 20 % (n = 9) of the participants had an increased PHQ-2 score. This can be used as an indicator for depression. 18 % (n = 8) of the subject group indicated an increased GAD2 score. This can be used as an indicator of anxiety. Risk factors for depressive disorders were "an increased level of disability" (RR = 11,8), "living with parents" (RR = 6, 7), "limited self-determination capabilities"(RR = 6,2) and "fear of new situations" (RR = 5: 0). Violence experiences were a risk factor (RR = 13,3) for anxiety. Conclusion In view of the special methodological challenges of this study, the target group is very small. Nevertheless, this is one of the first studies in Germany that reveals factors with an impact on the mental health of individuals with intellectual disabilities. The association of experience of violence with anxiety in individuals with intellectual disability represents an important challenge for public health.