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BACKGROUND: The point prevalence of mental ill-health among adults with intellectual disabilities is 40.9%, but its incidence is unknown. AIMS: To determine the incidence and possible predictors of mental ill-health. METHOD: Prospective cohort study to measure mental ill-health in adults with mild to profound intellectual disabilities. RESULTS: Cohort retention was 70% (n=651). The 2-year incidence of mental ill-health was 16.3% (12.6% excluding problem behaviours, and 4.6% for problem behaviours) and the standardised incidence ratio was 1.87 (95% CI1.51-2.28). Factors related to incident mental ill-health have some similarities with those in the general population, but also important differences. Type of accommodation and support, previous mental ill-health, urinary incontinence, not having impaired mobility, more severe intellectual disabilities, adult abuse, parental divorce in childhood and preceding life events predicted incident ill-health; however, deprivation, other childhood abuse or adversity, daytime occupation, and marital and smoking status did not. CONCLUSIONS: This is a first step towards intervention trials, and identifying subpopulations for more proactive measures. Public health strategy and policy that is appropriate for this population should be developed.
Smiley et al. (Mon,) studied this question.