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Psychosocial experiences of chronic illness in individuals with an intellectual disability: A systematic review of the literature
Flynn, Samantha Hulbert-Williams, Nicholas J. Hulbert-Williams, Lee Bramwell, Ros
Flynn, Samantha
Hulbert-Williams, Nicholas J.
Hulbert-Williams, Lee
Bramwell, Ros
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Other Contributors
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EPub Date
Publication Date
2015
Submitted Date
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Abstract
Background: Increased life expectancy has led to an increase in diagnoses of chronic illness in people with an intellectual disability; despite this increase, research about the psychological impact is rare. This review explored the psychosocial experiences of chronic illness in adults with an intellectual disability, revealing potential predictors and moderators of these experiences. Methods: Online databases were systematically searched to identify relevant literature, using predefined inclusion criteria. Of the 25,058 titles initially identified, 4 were included, that is, those collecting data on people with an intellectual disability and diagnosed with cancer (n = 2), chronic pain (n = 1) and diabetes (n = 1). Results: Narrative synthesis of the data identified six themes, namely, delayed diagnosis, information, communication and understanding, negative psychological consequences, negative physical consequences, social perception and social support. Conclusions: There are unmet needs within this population, including a lack of assistance in understanding their illness. A substantial gap in the literature should be addressed through further empirical work.
Citation
Journal of Intellectual Disabilities, 2015, 19(2), pp. 178-194
Publisher
SAGE Publications
Journal
Journal of Intellectual Disabilities
Research Unit
DOI
10.1177/1744629514565680
PubMed ID
PubMed Central ID
Type
Article
Language
en
Description
This is an author-produced version of an article accepted for publication in the Journal of Intellectual Disabilities and appeared online on 7/1/2015© 2015
Series/Report no.
ISSN
1744-6295
EISSN
1744-6309