The case for guided self-help for people with intellectual disabilities

摘要

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine guided self-help (GSH), and some of the barriers as to why it is not routinely available for people with intellectual disabilities (IDs). Design/methodology/approach – This paper offers an overview of GSH and the potential benefits of it as an intervention for people with ID with mild depression and/or anxiety. Findings – The current literature reports the successful use and effectiveness of GSH in the general population. However, despite this there is little evidence that it is being used in practice for people with ID. Originality/value – This paper offers an overview of GSH and advocates for its increasing use for people with ID to help bring about equality in mental healthcare.