Cognitive behavioural therapy for depression and anxiety in a young man with a mild learning disability: Navigating young adulthood after loss

Background: Adults with learning disabilities are at greater risk of depression and anxiety. Transitioning to adulthood can pose challenges, which grief can further complicate. Intervention research in real-world clinical settings is limited. Methods: This case report describes a young man with a mild learning disability having 14 sessions of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for depression and anxiety, in the context of navigating young adulthood after loss. Findings: Improvements were reported for depression, anxiety, emotions and client-centred goals. The intervention was reportedly satisfactory. Conclusions: These preliminary findings add to the current evidence base. Clinical practice implications, limitations and research recommendations are considered. Easy to read summary ■ Young adults with learning disabilities who experience loss often feel sad and worried. ■ There is information showing how people with learning disabilities can learn different ways of thinking and behaving to help them to feel better. ■ This is a story of how a young man with a learning disability was helped with his sadness and worries. ■ We can use what we have learned from this piece of work to help others in the future.