Clinical Psychopathology, Untoward Incidents and the Use of Restrictive Procedures in Adults with Intellectual Disability

Abstract

Background Previous evidence has suggested that clinical characteristics may predict use of restraint in adults with intellectual disability. However, the relationship between specific types of untoward incidents, corresponding interventions (restrictive procedures) and clinical psychopathology remains unclear.Method We examined all untoward incidents (n = 397) that were recorded for a group of service users (n = 65) referred to a specialist unit for adults with intellectual disability over a 6‐year period. Associations between different restrictive procedures and clinical psychopathology were investigated.Results Physical assault was the most common incident associated with physical restraint, male gender and presence of autism. De‐escalation was the most frequently employed intervention associated with less serious incidents such as verbal abuse and theft.Conclusions Specific interventions seem to be associated with different types of incidents and presence of autism. The results are discussed in terms of clinical practice and possible future directions.