A new study published in JAMA Network Open highlights that adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism and Down syndrome, experience much higher rates of anxiety and depression compared to the general adult population. The research analyzed data from 44,000 adults collected between 2021 and 2023 through the National Health Interview Survey conducted by the U.S. National Center for Health Statistics. Among these, 796 adults identified as having likely intellectual and developmental disabilities, representing about 2.9 million Americans.
The study examined mental health symptom prevalence, frequency and severity of symptoms, medication use, therapy participation, and barriers related to healthcare costs. These factors were compared to responses from more than 43,000 other adults without such disabilities.
Researchers found that even with health insurance coverage, people with intellectual disabilities face substantial out-of-pocket expenses and challenges finding providers who accept their insurance or have the necessary expertise. "Having insurance doesn't automatically translate to having access," Christakis said. "Our data suggest that, even with coverage, people with intellectual disabilities face significant out-of-pocket costs and difficulty finding providers who accept their insurance and have appropriate expertise in treating their symptoms."
The findings point to national shortcomings in how healthcare systems serve adults with these disabilities. According to Christakis, "Collectively, the findings reveal national gaps in the ability of healthcare systems to effectively serve adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, whose lifespans already are 10 to 20 years shorter, on average, than their general-population peers."
Christakis also emphasized the broader context: "Most of us are keenly aware of the mental health crisis confronting U.S. teenagers today. There is also one affecting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities."
Anthony Osuna—clinical psychologist and acting assistant professor of pediatrics at UW School of Medicine—is lead author on this paper.
Funding for this study came from Special Olympics grants awarded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as well as other organizations; Christakis’ work at University of Washington is partially supported by Special Olympics.
