Associated Risk Factors for Depression and Anxiety in Adults With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: Five-Year Follow Up.
Kelly Hsieh, Haleigh M Scott, Sumithra Murthy
PMID 31877262WHAT IT FOUND
During follow-up, depression and anxiety rose in adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
More chronic conditions, autism, hearing impairment, older age, female sex, and smoking were linked with higher risk.
Key findings
01Across the four time points, depression was reported in 10.8% in year 1 and 12.1% in year 5, and anxiety was reported in 12.3% in year 1 and 15.0% in year 5.
02Three or more chronic health conditions were associated with both depression and anxiety in the adjusted models.
03Female sex and smoking were associated with depression, and autism, older age, and hearing impairment were associated with anxiety in the adjusted models.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for OTs
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What it does not show
Only 758 of the 1,618 participants followed for years 1 to 3 and year 5 completed all four time points used in the analysis. The sample was recruited through Special Olympics events, managed care organizations, and community service agencies, so people not connected to developmental disability services may be missing. Depression and anxiety were based on informant report of a doctor’s diagnosis plus medication, not independent confirmation. Because cases required medication, adults with undiagnosed or untreated depression or anxiety may not have been counted. The study looked at associations over time and did not test whether changing any factor reduces depression or anxiety.
Declared interests
The supplied text does not include a funding statement or author conflict-of-interest declaration. The publication types list U.S. Government and P.H.S. research support.
The easy way to misread this
Do not read these associations as proof that chronic conditions, autism, hearing impairment, older age, female sex, or smoking cause depression or anxiety. The study used proxy-reported diagnosis and medication, selected participants connected to services, and did not test treatment.