Outpatient Psychotherapy for Children and Adolescents with Intellectual Disability

Abstract

Outpatient Psychotherapy for Children and Adolescents with Intellectual Disability The psychiatric morbidity risk for people with intellectual disability is considerably increased. Psychotherapy is considered as one possible treatment. Among experts the caresituation is described as substantial insufficient. This study investigated the perspective of psychotherapists for children and adolescents in the German state North Rhine-Westphalia regarding the care situation of outpatient psychotherapy for children and adolescents with intellectual disability. The participants received a questionnaire (a) about the care situation, (b) how they consider their training to treat these patients and (c) the possibility for free answers. In this cross-section study 185 licensed psychotherapists for children and adolescents filled out a semi-standardized online-questionnaire. The data were analyzed descriptively; free answers were categorized according to Mayring. Additionally, group differences were tested. (a) The psychotherapeutic supply situation for children and adolescents with intellectual disability was rated as insufficient. Clients with learning disability or minor intellectual disability are mainly treated. This group of people benefits from psychotherapy. (b) The training for treating these clients was rated as inadequate. (c) Qualitative analysis refers that request for psychotherapy is seen as difficult; cognitive orientated treatments need modification. The psychotherapeutic care situation for children and adolescents with intellectual disability appears insufficient. This topic should be part of the training curriculum for psychotherapists.