Mental Health, the FCIDD, and Research
- May 7, 2025
- 1 min read
Caring for people with co-occurring mental health disorders and intellectual and developmental disabilities
People with intellectual and developmental disabilities, or IDD, are at higher risk of experiencing behavioral health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. In fact, research has shown that between 39 and 52% of people with IDD — one to two million people nationwide — have a co-occurring psychiatric condition.
But because of stigma, a lack of training among health care professionals, and inadequate, disconnected community supports, people with IDD and co-occurring mental health challenges face obstacles that make it difficult to access the behavioral health care they need.
FCIDD Funding Research at the UAB Civitan International Research Center
Recently, the Board of Directors at FCIDD learned more about a sleep study being conducted at UAB Civitan International Research Center by our multi-disciplinary FCIDD McNulty Scientists. Drs. Caroline Richter, S. Justin Thomas, Sylvie Mrug, and a team of researchers brought a multi-disciplinary approach to this study designed to address sleep issues to improve quality of life for people with Down Syndrome.
The team has a sleep study in process for individuals ages 12-30 that addresses sleep, mindfulness and how those things work together to positively (or negatively) affect lives.
See below for more information!
