Cognitive Behavioral Group Therapy for Mood Management in Individuals With Intellectual Disabilities: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) often display mental health symptoms that may benefit from psychotherapy. In this pilot study, a newly designed cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) group treatment targeting mood difficulties was provided to 8 adults with mild-borderline ID. Assessment occurred at pretreatment, posttreatment, and 4 month follow-up using the Symptom Checklist 90-Revised. The findings suggest a significant within-group effect between the therapeutic intervention and 6 symptom dimensions from pretreatment to posttreatment; however, no significant effects were maintained at follow-up. Findings suggest individuals with mild-moderate ID may benefit from CBT for mood management. Implications for future research are discussed.