Behavior problems exhibited in institutionalized persons with intellectual disabilities and schizophrenia spectrum disorders

Abstract

Although our understanding of dual diagnosis has improved in recent years, a deficit exists in our knowledge of how schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) manifest themselves in individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID). We also know very little about the behavioral problems present with the ID population based on the existence of psychopathology. The present research attempted to extend the literature by comparing behavior problems of individuals with intellectual disability with SSD, any form of psychopathology, and no psychopathology. Utilizing the Behavior Problems Inventory (BPI), three areas of problem behaviors were examined (self-injurious behavior, stereotypic behavior, and aggressive/destructive behavior) and a total behavior problem score was also assessed. Correlations between diagnostic criteria from the Diagnostic Assessment for the Severely Handicapped-II (DASH-II) and problem behaviors were also assessed to examine convergence between the diagnostic instrument and the behavior problems related to associated disorders. Results indicated that the SSD group was unique when compared to the control group for frequency and severity of stereotyped behaviors as well as their overall behavior problem scores. Despite these findings, behavior problems assessed were not unique to the SSD population; as the data suggests these behavioral differences were due to any form of psychopathology. These results warrant further exploration