Which comorbid condition is commonly associated with intellectual disabilities?

Which comorbid condition is commonly associated with intellectual disabilities?

• A. PDD
• B. Schizophrenia
• C. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
• D. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Answer: (A)

The association of pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) with intellectual disabilities is well-documented in the literature. PDD encompasses a range of conditions characterized by developmental delays in socialization and communication, which often co-occur with various levels of intellectual disability. This relationship arises because both conditions can be influenced by similar environmental, genetic, and neurobiological factors. For instance, individuals with intellectual disabilities often exhibit difficulties in social interaction, which is a hallmark of PDD. Furthermore, the overlapping symptoms can complicate the diagnosis and lead to an integrated approach in treatment and support strategies. This suggests that individuals diagnosed with intellectual disabilities may also present with symptoms consistent with PDD, creating a dual diagnosis that is not uncommon. In contrast, while schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder can affect individuals with or without intellectual disabilities, they are not as frequently associated with this group as PDD. These conditions generally manifest differently and are not intrinsic to the profile of intellectual disabilities, making PDD a more relevant and commonly encountered comorbidity in this context.

The association of pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) with intellectual disabilities is well-documented in the literature. PDD encompasses a range of conditions characterized by developmental delays in socialization and communication, which often co-occur with various levels of intellectual disability. This relationship arises because both conditions can be influenced by similar environmental, genetic, and neurobiological factors.

For instance, individuals with intellectual disabilities often exhibit difficulties in social interaction, which is a hallmark of PDD. Furthermore, the overlapping symptoms can complicate the diagnosis and lead to an integrated approach in treatment and support strategies. This suggests that individuals diagnosed with intellectual disabilities may also present with symptoms consistent with PDD, creating a dual diagnosis that is not uncommon.

In contrast, while schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder can affect individuals with or without intellectual disabilities, they are not as frequently associated with this group as PDD. These conditions generally manifest differently and are not intrinsic to the profile of intellectual disabilities, making PDD a more relevant and commonly encountered comorbidity in this context.