Supporting People With an Intellectual Disability and Mental Health Problems: A Scoping Review of What They Say About Service Provision

Abstract

This article reports on the findings of a scoping review of peer-reviewed research that investigates the formal support experiences of adults with an intellectual disability and mental health problems. Seven databases and 21 sources of grey literature were searched and 17 articles were retained for review, demonstrating the dearth of literature in this area. Key findings were organized in terms of service types studied and social justice issues. Findings indicate that people with an intellectual disability and mental health problems often experience distress and alienation in both mainstream and specialist psychiatric inpatient units, and in emergency departments. Since respect for personhood is central to positive experiences of formal support the significance of service users’ appeals to be treated with dignity and respect should not be underestimated. A new “integrated” model of inpatient care offers the potential of redressing some of the shortcomings of conventional care, but further research is needed. Despite well-documented challenges in conducting research with people with an intellectual disability, the authors conclude that the use of inclusive research designs must be expanded in order to enhance the formal support experiences of people with an intellectual disability and mental health problems.

KEYWORDS:

• intellectual disability
• mental health
• service users
• services
• support