Persons With Developmental Disabilities Exposed to Interpersonal Violence and Crime: Strategies and Guidance for Assessment

Abstract

Persons with developmental disabilities may benefit from a variety of interventions in the treatment of intrapsychic trauma after exposure to interpersonal violence and crime.

PTSD and its treatment in people with intellectual disabilities

“…Clinical evidence suggests that this patient category responds well to a broad range of therapeutic modalities, and that there are no reasons for not using psychotherapeutic methods that have been established for other disorders (Ryan, 2000;McCarthy, 2001;FochtNew et al, 2008). The same holds true for methods that have proved to be successful in the psychotherapeutic treatment of PTSD in the general population (Ryan, 2000;McCarthy, 2001;Focht-New et al, 2008). Five articles were found on psychotherapeutic treatment of PTSD in people with ID (see Table 4).…”

“…Three articles were found recommending an interdisciplinary treatment approach for PTSD in people with ID (Ryan, 2000;McCarthy, 2001;Focht-New et al, 2008;see Table 3). From the biological point of view pharmacological interventions are described targeting the deregulation that occurs in various neurotransmitter systems (Ryan, 2000;McCarthy, 2001;Focht-New et al, 2008).…”

“…From the biological point of view pharmacological interventions are described targeting the deregulation that occurs in various neurotransmitter systems (Ryan, 2000;McCarthy, 2001;Focht-New et al, 2008). Comprehensive medical evaluation is recommended because of the frequency of existing other medical conditions in this population that possibly influence the individual's mental health.…”

“…Training and support of caregivers are recommended to increase understanding of the symptoms and teach appropriate responses (Ryan, 2000). A series of practical guidelines for carers is offered to help the traumatized person with ID (Ryan, 2000;Focht-New et al, 2008). One article has been found recommending similar guidelines with special attention to the lives of institutionalized clients (Pitonyak, 2005; see Table 3).…”

“…Individuals with ID have been found to be more likely to experience traumatic events, especially sexual and physical abuse (Rayn 1994, Mansell, Sobsey, & Moskal 2003, Focht-New, Clements, Barol, Faulkner, & Pekala, 2008. Children with ID also report more negative life events (e.g.…”