Mental health services for adolescents and adults with intellectual disabilities in Norway: a descriptive study

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present and discuss mental health services for people with intellectual disability (ID) in Norway.Design/methodology/approachA literature review and a survey were conducted to map services for people with ID and mental health problems in Norway.FindingsThe results were sparse and confirmed what is already known among clinicians working with these patients. The Norwegian services are fragmented and there are geographical differences.Research limitations/implicationsThere are no special services for children with ID developing mental illness. For offenders with ID, a national unit assesses and follows up, also when the person is sentenced to compulsory care and services are provided in their home municipality.Practical implicationsMore data about both the patients and the services are needed in order to improve mental health services for people with ID in Norway.Originality/valueThis paper describes mental health services for people with ID in Norway.