Mental health
This section contains a range of articles on different aspects of the mental health of people with intellectual disabilities.
Articles
Behaviour Management
It may be possible to lessen a challenging (problem) behaviour by altering the person's circumstances to make it less likely that the behaviour will occur.
Recognizing Psychosis in Persons with Intellectual Disabilities Who Do Not Use Speech
In patients who do not communicate verbally, there are many cues that can lead a psychiatrist to recognition of psychosis.
Commentary on 'Behaviour Management'
"It's important for staff to be properly trained before using 'Time Out'."
Alzheimer's Dementia: What You Need To Know, What You Need To Do
Guidance and Resources on Alzheimer's Dementia for Carers of People with Down's Syndrome
Assessment in an Acute Psychiatry Setting
Studies have demonstrated that people with intellectual disabilities stay longer in acute psychiatry units than other patients. However, proper approaches and procedures will lead to improved outcomes and the current policy can succeed if services are designed to make it effective.
Behavioural Phenotypes in Adulthood
Behavioural phenotypes are syndromes with a chromosomal or genetic aetiology, comprising both physiological and behaviour manifestations, including a distinctive social, linguistic, cognitive and motor profile.
Depression In People With Intellectual Disabilities
Depression is easily missed in people who have social and communication disabilities, although it is probably more common in people with intellectual disabilities and people with autism than in the general population.
Epidemiology of Intellectual Disability and Comorbid Conditions
Epidemiology is essentially the study of a disorder in a given population. Knowledge of the distribution of a disorder in a population can increase understanding of the causes and how best to manage it.
Managing Grief Better: People With Intellectual Disabilities
It is imperative that all people, including those with learning disabilities, are able to access the supports given in their culture to understand death and loss.
Psychiatric Morbidity in Adults with Down's Syndrome
Assessment tools and treatment regimens may need to be modified but with careful and detailed psychiatric evaluation virtually all disorders can be detected. It is important that all psychiatrists are aware of the increased psychiatric morbidity in adults with Down's Syndrome.
The Use of Medication for the Management of Problem (Challenging) Behaviour in Adults who have Intellectual Disabilities
Evaluation of the use of medication for the management of problem (challenging) behaviour, including recommendations for good practice prescribing for people with intellectual disabilities
Don’t ask me what’s the matter, ask me what matters: Acute mental health facility experiences of people living with autism spectrum conditions
This qualitative study explores how mental health inpatients with ASC experience and cope with anxiety when admitted to an acute mental health inpatient facility in the UK.
Gender Dysphoria and People with Intellectual Disability
Gender dysphoria has a very real impact on people’s lives. It is important that we acknowledge and respond to the needs of those with an intellectual disability who experience gender dysphoria