Measurement tools for mental health problems and mental well-being in people with severe or profound intellectual disabilities: A systematic review

Clin Psychol Rev. 2017 Nov:57:32-44. doi: 10.1016/j.cpr.2017.08.006. Epub 2017 Aug 11.

Abstract

Mental health problems affect people with intellectual disabilities (ID) at rates similar to or in excess of the non-ID population. People with severe ID are likely to have persistent mental health problems. In this systematic review (PROSPERO 2015:CRD42015024469), we identify and evaluate the methodological quality of available measures of mental health problems or well-being in individuals with severe or profound ID. Electronic searches of ten databases identified relevant publications. Two reviewers independently reviewed titles and abstracts of retrieved records (n=41,232) and full-text articles (n=573). Data were extracted and the quality of included papers was appraised. Thirty-two papers reporting on 12 measures were included. Nine measures addressed a broad spectrum of mental health problems, and were largely observational. One physiological measure of well-being was included. The Aberrant Behavior Checklist, Diagnostic Assessment for the Severely Handicapped Scale-II and Mood, Interest and Pleasure Questionnaire are reliable measures in this population. However, the psychometric properties of six other measures were only considered within a single study - indicating a lack of research replication. Few mental health measures are available for people with severe or profound ID, particularly lacking are tools measuring well-being. Assessment methods that do not rely on proxy reports should be explored further.

Keywords: Intellectual disabilities; Measurement; Mental health; Mental illness; Mental well-being; Psychiatric disorder.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Intellectual Disability / psychology*
  • Mental Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Personal Satisfaction*
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales*