Epidemiology of self-injurious behaviour in adults with learning disabilities

Abstract

Background: There have been few epidemiological studies of the disabling and poorly understood disorder self-injurious behaviour among adults with learning disabilities.

Method: Interviews were undertaken with the carers of adults known to the Leicestershire Learning Disabilities Register (n = 2277). The Disability Assessment Schedule was used and information was also collected on demographic characteristics, developmental and physical status.

Results: Self-injurious behaviour was present in 17.4% of the population. In 1.7% self-injurious behaviour occurred frequently and was severe. There was no gender difference between those with and without self-injurious behaviour. Both the chronological age and developmental quotient of individuals with self-injurious behaviour were lower than those of individuals without self-injurious behaviour. Autistic symptoms were more common among those with self-injurious behaviour. The association of self-injurious behaviour with a wide range of other maladaptive behaviours was highly significant. Logistic regression analysis retained age, developmental quotient, hearing status, immobility and number of autistic symptoms as explanatory variables for self-injurious behaviour.

Conclusions: Self-injurious behaviour is a prevalent and disabling disorder among adults with learning disabilities.