Abstract
Individuals with learning disabilities (LDs) are more likely to have a mental illness, yet few studies explore this association in emerging adulthood, a developmental period with an increased risk for mental illness. The purpose of the current study was to investigate psychological distress in emerging adults (15–29 years) with and without LDs. The 2012 Canadian Community Health Survey—Mental Health was used (n = 5630), and multiple and logistic regression models with survey weights were computed. Adjusting for demographic, psychosocial, and health covariates, there was no evidence for significant differences in psychological distress among emerging adults with vs. without LDs. However, age and sex were significant effect modifiers. Among emerging adults with LDs, both males (OR = 2.39 [1.01, 5.67]) and those aged 25–29 years (OR = 3.87 [1.05, 14.30]) had an increased odds of clinically relevant psychological distress in comparison to those without LDs. These findings suggest a need for improved awareness and support for prevention of psychological distress among emerging adults with LDs, especially for males and those in later emerging adulthood.
Reference55 articles.
1. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders,2013
2. A New Definition of Learning Disabilities
3. Identification of Early Risk Factors for Learning Disabilities
4. Learning Disabilities Screening and Evaluation Guide for Low- and Middle-Income Countries;Hayes,2018
5. Ontario Psychological Association Guidelines for Diagnosis and Assessment of Children, Adolescents, and Adults with Learning Disabilities
http://www.ldao.ca/wp-content/uploads/OPA-Guidelines-for-Diagnosis-Assessment-of-Learning-Disabilities-Sept.-7-2018-1.pdf