[Emotional developmental disorders in individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID): a case-control-study].

OBJECTIVE

To specify frequently observed challenging behavior in adults with ID.

METHODS

In a sample of individuals with ID and severe behavioral problems (n = 9), we assessed their emotional developmental level using Dosen's scheme for appraisal of emotional development. The clinical characteristics following the arrest of emotional development at various levels were evaluated by standardized behavioral assessments. The results were compared to a control group matched for sex, age, level of ID, and presence of autism spectrum disorder.

RESULTS

We observed 3 categories of emotional developmental disorder: (1) Contact disorder (arrest in adaptation phase, 0-6 months, showing self injury, social withdrawal, stereotyped behaviors); (2) disintegrated disorder (arrest in socialization phase, 6-18 months, showing high irritability and aggression), and (3) disorganized disorder (arrest in individuation phase, 18-36 months, showing hyperactivity and attention seeking behavior). The individuals with emotional developmental disorders showed a significant increase in challenging behavior when compared to the control group, especially in terms of hyperactivity, irritability, and overall aggression, and were more often unemployed.

CONCLUSIONS

Emotional developmental disorders may lead to severe behavioral problems.