Non-Substance Addictive Behaviors Among People with Intellectual Disability: A Systematic Review

Abstract Non-substance addictive behaviors in individuals with intellectual disability (ID) constitute a relevant field of study, particularly given that this population has been historically underserved. This systematic review examined prevalence, risk and protective factors, and interventions related to non-substance addictive behaviors—specifically problematic gambling, gaming, use of internet, mobile phones, and pornography—among people with ID. A systematic search in Web of Science and PsycINFO found ten studies meeting the inclusion criteria (four case studies, three cross-sectional, two qualitative, and one longitudinal design). Five studies focused on gambling, two on mobile phone use, one on internet use, one on both internet and mobile phone use, and one addressed gaming, internet, and pornography. This systematic review highlights the limited evidence regarding different non-substance addictive behaviours among individuals with ID, identifies nuanced gaps and variability within the existing literature, and underscores the need for future research to strengthen and expand current knowledge.