Improving mental health services for people with intellectual disabilities: service users' views

Authors:
O'BRIEN Alex, ROSE John
Journal article citation:
Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities, 4(4), December 2010, pp.40-47.
Publisher:
Emerald

It is widely considered that people with intellectual disabilities are more likely to experience mental health problems than people in the general population. The aim of this study was to seek the opinions of people with an intellectual disability who have additional mental health needs about the mental health services they receive. A semi-structured focus group methodology was used to ask the 8 participants about all aspects of the mental health services they receive, including inpatient facilities, professional contact, the support received in residential or supported living settings, and day opportunities. Four key themes were generated from the findings: views about being in hospital: good vs crap; ‘it hurt me when…’: responses of other to their difficulties; meaningful activity and employment; and needing help and support vs control. Overall, it was found that the participants valued staff who listened to them and actively tried to help with their difficulties. They also wanted choice and control over their lives, particularly with regard to meaningful day activities.

Subject terms:
learning disabilities, mental health problems, mental health services, user views, focus groups;
Content type:
research
Location(s):
England
Link:
Journal home page
ISSN online:
2044-1290
ISSN print:
2044-1282

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