Treatments for the challenging behaviours of adults with intellectual disabilities.
OBJECTIVE
To provide an overview and critical assessment of common problems and best evidence practice in treatments for the challenging behaviours (CBs) of adults with intellectual disabilities (IDs).


METHODS
Commonly observed problems that present obstacles to successful treatment plans are discussed, followed by an analysis of available research on the efficacy of behavioural and pharmacological therapies.


RESULTS
Behavioural and pharmacological interventions are most commonly used when addressing CBs in people with IDs. However, within each of these techniques, there are methods that have support in the literature for efficacy and those that do not. As clinicians, it is important to follow research so that we are engaging in best practices when developing treatment plans for CBs.


CONCLUSIONS
One of the most consuming issues for psychiatrists and other mental health professionals who work with people who evince developmental disabilities, such as IDs, are CBs. These problems are very dangerous and are a major impediment to independent, less restrictive living. However, there is a major gap between what researchers show is effective and much of what occurs in real-world settings.
Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA.
Johnny L
JL
Matson
Daniene
D
Neal
Alison M
AM
Kozlowski
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D035841:Behavioral Research; D001526:Behavioral Symptoms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D003617:Dangerous Behavior; D003951:Diagnostic Errors / Q000517:prevention & control; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D016903:Drug Monitoring; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care / Q000379:methods; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D011619:Psychotropic Drugs