Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to explore the current evidence base in understanding the relationship between mental health and challenging behaviour in people with intellectual disabilities.

Design/methodology/approach – The article discusses how challenging behaviour is associated with psychiatric disorders. Common aetiological factors between challenging behaviour and psychiatric disorders and diagnostic issues are considered. The article ends with a review of the assessment and management of challenging behaviour within the context of mental health.

Findings – Several studies have highlighted common aetiological factors that are responsible for challenging behaviour and psychiatric disorders in people with intellectual disabilities, and although there is an overlap in the symptoms, both are thought to be different phenomena. Treatment of the psychiatric disorder should ameliorate the challenging behaviour, although a functional analysis of the behaviour may still be required in order to understand the purpose of the behaviour. There is evidence for a range of different treatment approaches.

Originality/value – The article will assist professionals working with people with intellectual disabilities to understand the complex relationship between mental health and challenging behaviour. It also gives guidance on principles of management of people with complex mental health and behavioural needs.