Mental ill‐health in mothers of people with intellectual disabilities compared with mothers of typically developing people: a systematic review and meta‐analysis

Abstract

Background Mothers of people with intellectual disabilities (IDs) face exceptional challenges and may be more prone to experiencing mental ill‐health compared with mothers of typically developing people. These mental ill‐health problems may differ at different stages of the caregiving trajectory. However, there is no evidence synthesis on this topic. We aimed to systematically review evidence in this area and identify gaps in the existing literature. Method Prospero registration: CRD42018088197. Medline, Embase, CINAHL and PsycINFO databases were searched. No time limits were applied. Studies were limited to English language. Inclusion criteria were studies of mothers of people with IDs that also included a comparison group of mothers of typically developing/developed children. Data were extracted from selected studies using a structured database. Study selection and quality appraisal were double rated. Where possible, meta‐analyses were performed. Results Of the retrieved articles, 32/3089 were included, of which 10 reported on anxiety, 21 on depression and 23 on other indicators of mental ill‐health. Overall, previous studies reported that mothers of people with IDs experienced poorer mental health as compared with mothers of typically developing people. Meta‐analyses revealed significant findings for anxiety, depression, parenting stress, emotional burden and common mental disorders, but not for somatic symptoms. However, there was a considerable heterogeneity; hence, interpretation of results should be cautious. Identified gaps included scarce research on mental ill‐health of mothers of adults with IDs at different stages of the caregiving trajectory. Conclusions There is evidence of poorer mental ill‐health in mothers of people with IDs compared with mothers of typically developing people, but lack of focus on different stages of the caregiving trajectory, methodological inconsistencies between studies and lack of robust studies pose limitations. This highlights the need both for improved support for mothers of people with IDs and for further methodologically robust research.

Family‐systems interventions for families of people with an intellectual disability or who are autistic: a systematic review

“…Whilst family members of people with an intellectual disability (ID) or who are autistic report positive experiences, such as personal growth and viewing their family member as a source of happiness and fulfilment (Hastings 2016;Beighton & Wills 2019), many also experience psychological and family difficulties. For example, compared with typically developing children and their parents, children with an ID or who are autistic and their parents report more symptoms of mental health problems (Buckley et al 2020;Bougeard et al 2021;Rydzewska et al 2021) and poorer family functioning (Jackson et al 2022;Desquenne Godfrey et al 2023).…”

“…2021; Rydzewska et al . 2021) and poorer family functioning (Jackson et al . 2022; Desquenne Godfrey et al .…”

‘Different things at different times’: Wellbeing strategies and processes identified by parents of children who have an intellectual disability or who are autistic, or both

“…Research commonly suggests that relative to other parents, parent carers of children with an intellectual disability, who are autistic, or both, are at increased risk of mental health difficulties (Hayes & Watson, 2013; Rydzewska et al, 2021). Despite these risks, and the challenges and stressors experienced by parent carers, many also identify positive aspects (e.g., personal growth, putting things into perspective) of parenting a child with additional developmental needs (Hastings, 2016; Jess et al, 2017).…”

Mental health and COVID‐19: The impact of a virtual course for family caregivers of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities

“…Caregivers are often responsible for providing the majority of home-based care and support to their loved ones, yet, there remain few community services and programs to support them. Pre-pandemic, many caregivers reported high levels of stress, depression, anxiety and poorer mental health (Rydzewska et al 2021;Scherer et al 2019), and since the start of the pandemic, with continued closures and restrictions, caregiver fatigue has evolved into exhaustion and distress for many (Bailey et al 2021;Gadermann et al 2021;Gillespie-Smith et al 2021;Lee et al 2020;Majnemer et al 2021;Patel et al 2021;Redquest et al 2021;Willner et al 2020).…”

“…Pre‐pandemic, many caregivers reported high levels of stress, depression, anxiety and poorer mental health (Rydzewska et al . 2021 ; Scherer et al . 2019 ), and since the start of the pandemic, with continued closures and restrictions, caregiver fatigue has evolved into exhaustion and distress for many (Bailey et al .…”