Management of anxiety and associated disorders

The evidence for the management of anxiety disorders in people with developmental disability is limited; however, the general principles for managing anxiety and associated disorders are the same as those for the general population, including psychological therapies and pharmacological management as required—see Overview of anxiety and associated disorders. Additional considerations specific to people with developmental disability follow.

Reassurance, support and information in an appropriate format may be sufficient to alleviate mild anxiety. See Principles of management of psychiatric disorders in people with developmental disability, and advice on reasonable adjustments to alleviate distress in people with developmental disability during a consultation. For additional management considerations in children and adolescents, see here.

Most mild anxiety disorders in people with mild to moderate intellectual disability can be managed with psychological treatments alone (eg psychoeducation, relaxation techniques, exposure and desensitisation, modified cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), environmental and social modifications, training and support for carers).

For moderate to severe anxiety disorders in people with moderate to severe intellectual disability, medications in combination with behavioural and environmental interventions are indicated.

For general precautions when prescribing psychotropic drugs for people with developmental disability, see Precautions in prescribing psychotropic drugs.