Emotion Processing and Regulation in People with Intellectual Disability

Launched by KAROLINSKA INSTITUTET · Mar 18, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how people with intellectual disabilities (ID) process and manage their emotions compared to those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and typically developing individuals. Researchers want to understand differences in recognizing emotions, reappraising them, and learning from social experiences. Additionally, the trial will test a new therapy designed specifically for individuals with ID to help them improve their emotional regulation skills over 12 weeks. This therapy will include sessions on mindfulness, building relationships, managing emotions, and strengthening emotional resilience.

To be eligible for this study, participants must be between 6 and 18 years old, have a clinical diagnosis of mild intellectual disability, and be able to read and communicate in Swedish. They should not have severe sensory impairments, current serious mental health issues, or certain neurological disorders. Participants can expect to take part in psychological experiments and receive individual therapy sessions, with assessments before, after, and six months following the treatment to see how it helps them manage their emotions better. This research aims to improve understanding and support for individuals with ID, potentially reducing the need for medication to address behavioral challenges related to emotional difficulties.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Clinically diagnosed with mild ID based on DSM-5 criteria, corresponding to a general IQ between 52-70.
• • Can read and communicate in Swedish.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Presence of severe sensory impairments (e.g., blindness, deafness)
• • Current psychosis or affective disorder; significant neurologic disorders (e.g., epilepsy) or degenerative disorder (e.g.., dementia, Parkinson's disease) - Diagnosis of ADHD
• • Ongoing substance abuse
• • Specific medication that enhance cognitive performance (central stimulants) or psychotropic medication that could affect task performance (anti-epileptic medication)
• • Emotion regulation therapy or corresponding psychotherapy last 12 months.