What You'll Learn

About 30% of American adults experience depression at some time in their lives. Among individuals with I/DD, this number is even higher, with some estimates approaching 45%.

In reality, those estimates may be too low ̶ while depression has been identified as a significant problem for this population, it can be difficult to diagnose. Compounding this problem is that the few studies conducted on depression among individuals with I/DD have produced different, and sometimes contradictory, results.

Because symptoms like social withdrawal, low mood, and anxiety can have a detrimental effect on an individual’s quality of life, it’s important to recognize patterns of behavior that could indicate depression. This guide will explore the common symptoms of depression, the challenges in diagnosing it in those with I/DD, and how to best support individuals and help them manage their symptoms.