Bereaved adults with intellectual disabilities: a combined randomized controlled trial and qualitative study of two community-based interventions

Abstract

Background: Bereaved adults with intellectual disabilities are known to experience prolonged and atypical grief which is often unrecognized. The aim of this project was to find an effective way to improve mental health and behavioural outcomes.

Methods: Subjects were randomized to two different therapeutic interventions: traditional counselling by volunteer bereavement counsellors, and an integrated intervention delivered by carers which offered bereavement specific support. Qualitative and quantitative methods were used to determine their effectiveness and efficacy.

Results: The counselling intervention resulted in measurable gains both clinically and in terms of quality of life; the second intervention proved impracticable in most settings and no improvement in mental health or behaviour resulted.

Conclusions: Despite small numbers, the quantitative findings were highly significant, were supported by the qualitative data, and were of practical relevance to primary care practitioners and specialist mental health and intellectual disability staff.