Critical literature review: effectiveness of individual psychodynamic psychotherapy for adults with intellectual disabilities
| Date | 04 July 2016 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/AMHID-09-2015-0040 |
| Published date | 04 July 2016 |
| Pages | 233-247 |
| Author | Erica E. McInnis |
| Subject Matter | Health & social care,Learning & intellectual disabilities |
Critical literature review: effectiveness of
individual psychodynamic psychotherapy
for adults with intellectual disabilities
Erica E. McInnis
Erica E. McInnis is a Chartered
Clinical Psychologist at Nubia
Clinical Psychology, Training
and Consultancy Services,
Stockport, UK.
Abstract
Purpose –The purpose of this paper is to report the evidence base for the practice of individual
psychodynamic psychotherapy with adults with intellectual disabilities (IDs).
Design/methodology/approach –Literature review.
Findings –In total, 14 papers were reviewed. From these, one existing review and seven individual
papers provided enough evidence to support effectiveness of individual psychodynamic psychotherapy for
people with IDs.
Research limitations/implications –This research indicates individual psychodynamic psychotherapy to
be of benefit. Indeed, all studies reviewed supported individual psychodynamic psychotherapy, but
methodological shortcomings weakened the confidence placed in findings for some studies. Limitations of
this review include methodological shortcomings of studies reviewed, a small number of existing studies and
reliance on case studies.
Practical implications –Therapists and commissioners of services should routinely make individual
psychodynamic psychotherapy available as part of a spectrum of therapies available to people with
IDs who experience emotional and behavioural problems. This is because it is needed for some clients and
they benefit.
Social implications –Individual psychodynamic psychotherapy for people with IDs adds to the range of
therapies available to alleviate emotional distress and enhance well-being. These are necessary to provide a
foundation for meaningful contribution to society, particularly for those who have experienced psychological
trauma (Frankish, 2016).
Originality/value –This review includes more relevant studies than previous reviews and adds to a limited
number of reviews in this area.
Keywords Psychotherapy, Disability, Psychodynamic, Intellectual, Learning, Effectiveness
Paper type Literature review
Introduction
It is estimatedthat there are 900,900 adultswith intellectual disability(ID) in England althoughthis is
thought an under estimate, as many remain invisiblefrom data collection strategies (Hattonet al.,
2014). This can lead to a sudden growth in demand, as this “hidden majority”expect unplanned
services in timesof crisis both in England and other partsof Europe (Woittiez et al., 2014). This is
compounded by the fact people with IDs are at higher risk of emotional, behavioural and mental
health problemsthan the general population.This is partly due to higher exposure to factors which
increase the risk of such problems such as: stressful life events, social stigma and psychological
trauma. This is when many individuals with IDshave fewer psychological and cognitiveresources
to enable them to cope with suchoccurrences (Taylor and Knapp, 2013). Thereis neglect of the
Received 1 September 2015
Revised 11 June 2016
Accepted 28 July 2016
DOI 10.1108/AMHID-09-2015-0040 VOL. 10 NO. 4 2016, pp.233-247, © Emerald Group Publishing Limited, ISSN 2044-1282
j
ADVANCESIN MENTAL HEALTH AND INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES
j
PAGE233
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