CBT for People with Intellectual Disabilities: Emerging Evidence, Cognitive Ability and IQ Effects
Abstract
Historically people with intellectual disabilities have not been offered or received cognitive behavioural interventions that have been shown to be effective for mental health and emotional problems experienced by those without such disabilities. This is despite many people with intellectual disabilities having life experiences that potentially result in them having an increased risk to such problems. This paper discusses whether such therapeutic disdain is justified based on the evidence that is available and emerging concerning the application of cognitive behavioural interventions for this population. Issues concerning access to services, the ability of people with intellectual disabilities to engage in and benefit from the cognitive components of CBT, and the effect of cognitive abilities and IQ level on treatment effectiveness are explored in relation to this question.
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Other research has demonstrated that a modified CBT approach can yield positive outcomes for people with learning disabilities who experience anger problems and depression.
“Other research has demonstrated that a modified CBT approach can yield positive outcomes for people with learning disabilities who experience anger problems and depression.”
From Implementation of a CBT-based dental anxiety management pathway for patients with learning disabilities (2024) · cites this paper as [17]
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- Authors
- Taylor, J. L., Lindsay, W. R., & Willner, P.
- Affiliations
- Cumbria Northumberland Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust (GB)
- NHS Tayside (GB)
- Swansea University (GB)
- Corresponding author
- Taylor, John L.
- Venue
- Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy
- Publisher
- Cambridge University Press (CUP)
- Published
- 2008-11
- Volume
- 36
- Issue
- 6
- Pages
- 723-733
- ISSN
- 1352-4658 (ISSN-L)
- 1469-1833
- OpenAlex
- W2104998307
- Cited by
- 160
- References
- 65
- Citations by year
- 2026: 5 · 2025: 7 · 2024: 6 · 2023: 5 · 2022: 4 · 2021: 5 · 2020: 18 · 2019: 7 · 2018: 8 · 2017: 11 · 2016: 8 · 2015: 16 · 2014: 10 · 2013: 16 · 2012: 15
- FWCI
- 6.29
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy (publishedVersion)
- Northumbria Research Link (Northumbria University) (acceptedVersion)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Down syndrome and intellectual disability research
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Developmental and Educational Psychology › Behavioral and Psychological Studies
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Psychological Treatments and Assessments
- Keywords
- cognitive behavioral therapy, intellectual disability, mental health, emotional problems, cognitive ability, treatment effectiveness, access to mental health care
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