Are intellectual disabilities and psychiatric illnesses different?
An intellectual disability is not the same as a psychiatric, or mental, illness. There are significant differences, even though in some casse the effects may appear to be the same. Psychiatric illness is often temporary and can arise at any time, however, it is treatable and can be managed. An intellectual disability is not an illness and cannot be “treated” or “cured” however, with appropriate support and training, people with an intellectual disability can develop skills which enable them to participate in daily living to the best of their ability.
