Initial Testing of a Novel, Mental Imagery-Based Anxiety Intervention for People With Mild to Moderate Intellectual Disabilities Using a Single Case Experimental Design

Background
People with intellectual disabilities experience higher anxiety rates and barriers accessing effective interventions. This study conducted initial testing and refinement of Co-MAID, a novel mental imagery-based anxiety intervention co-designed with people with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities.

Methods
Six participants received 9–12 individual sessions using a non-concurrent multiple baseline design. Sessions focused on positive imagery generation, attention shifting and image property modification. Acceptability was assessed through interviews and adherence measures.

Results
Five participants completed the intervention with 92.6% session attendance. Template analysis revealed positive experiences with improved mood and reduced anxiety. Three participants (50%) demonstrated reliable change on the primary anxiety measure, meeting clinically significant change criteria.

Conclusions
Co-MAID demonstrated good acceptability with some preliminary evidence of anxiety reduction in people with mild to moderate intellectual disability. Further research with larger samples and controlled designs will establish the feasibility of a randomised control trial leading to a Phase III trial.