Mental retardation and psychiatric morbidity in a vocational programme

The present study was aimed at assessing the point-prevalence of psychiatric disorders (DSM-III-R) in individuals with mental retardation (MR) working in a vocational setting. The study was conducted at a vocational centre in southern Spain that is considered a model for social integration. One hundred and thirty workers with MR were interviewed by two experienced clinicians using the Assessment and Information Rating Profile (AIRP). Forty-two (32.3%) subjects had a psychiatric diagnosis, with the following distribution: schizophrenia (17.7%), other psychotic disorders (9.23%), mood disorders (4.61%), adjustment disorders (2.31%), anxiety disorders (1.54%) and other psychiatric disorders (6.15%). Treatment was considered inadequate in 30% of these cases. The prevalence of psychiatric disorders was similar to that found in structured healthcare environments. This finding highlights the need for specific psychiatric assessment in MR in vocational programmes.