Compared to typical populations, individuals with intellectual disability receive significantly fewer diagnoses associated with physical pain.


Cedarville University

 Many interventions used to treat physical disabilities are associated with acute pain. In an example of scoliosis surgery, it has been found that children and adolescents with severe intellectual disability receive significantly fewer analgesics after surgery compared to typical cases. This example is one case that shows how pain may go untreated in populations of those with severe intellectual disability. 

Interventions and Untreated Associated Pain in Individuals with Severe IDD

Raskoff, S. Z., Thurm, A., Miguel, H. O., Kim, S. Y. H., & Quezado, Z. M. N. (2023). Pain research and children and adolescents with severe intellectual disability: ethical challenges and imperatives. The Lancet. Child & adolescent health, 7(4), 288–296. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2352-4642(22)00346-7

Pain research and children and adolescents with severe intellectual disability: ethical challenges and imperatives

- Parents of children with intellectual disability who are experiencing pain may seek medical attention later than necessary due to their child’s presentation of pain
  - This delay in diagnosis can cause an increased risk of complications.

Delayed Pain Diagnosis of Children with Intellectual Disability

There is no protocol for adapting quantitative sensory tests (QSTs) for individuals with disabilities. Some alternatives are to use measures that increase communication ability or do not require self reports.

Alternative Approaches to Measuring Pain in Individuals with Severe Intellectual Disability

Individuals with an intellectual and developmental disability may be taking multiple medications at the same time and may have other underlying risk factors or medical conditions that can influence the effectiveness of their medications. Some drug-related side effects these individuals can develop include immature regulation of autonomic reactions, low nutritional status, low liver and kidney functioning.

Pharmacotherapy and IDD

There is very little research that has examined the effectiveness of nonpharmacological pain treatments in indviduals with IDD. Psychotherapy is a growing treatment for conditions like depression and anxiety, but there are few studies that look at its impact on pain management.

Nonpharmacological Approaches to Treating Pain in Individuals with IDD

Prevention is the most effective approach to reducing and treating pain in IDD populations. For example, regular scans and X-Rays can prevent problems from going undetected. 

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