A systematic review of the effectiveness of psychological approaches in the treatment of sex offenders with intellectual disabilities.
BACKGROUND
Despite considerable advance and growth in the evidence base for psychological interventions as treatment for sex offenders with intellectual disabilities (ID), there remains limited evidence to support their effectiveness. This systematic review seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of psychological interventions on reducing reoffending rates for sex offenders with ID.


METHODS
A search of ten electronic databases, grey literature and reference lists was conducted using PRISMA methodology.


RESULTS
A number of studies appeared to establish positive treatment outcomes, demonstrated by improvements in attitudinal change, victim empathy and sexual knowledge. However, reductions in sexual reoffending during the follow-up period were not consistent across the studies. No studies with an adequate control comparison were identified during the search.


CONCLUSIONS
The current review provides limited evidence on the effectiveness of psychological interventions for sex offenders with ID, while also highlighting the need for further research.
Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neurosciences, Kings College London, London, UK.
Emma
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-7697-2274
E
Jones
Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neurosciences, Kings College London, London, UK.
Eddie
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-2865-1070
E
Chaplin
D057237:Criminals; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability; D019989:Persons with Intellectual Disabilities; D011613:Psychotherapy; D012742:Sex Offenses / Q000517:prevention & control; D016896:Treatment Outcome
intellectual disabilities; psychological treatment; re-offending rates; sex offender treatment; sexual offending; systematic review