Search results for ‘Subject term:"learning disabilities"’ Sort:
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Diagnosis and management of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adults with and without learning disability
- Authors:
- BUCKLEY Sarah, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Psychiatric Bulletin, 30(7), July 2006, pp.251-253.
- Publisher:
- Royal College of Psychiatrists
Anecdotal evidence suggests that attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is underdiagnosed in adults and people of all ages with learning disability. This study examines the clinical practice of Irish consultant psychiatrists when assessing and treating symptoms of ADHD in children and adults with and without a learning disability. A postal questionnaire was sent to 302 consultant psychiatrists working in Ireland. Ninety-seven consultants (32%) responded, 62 working in general adult psychiatry, 23 in child and adolescent psychiatry and 12 in learning disability. Overall, respondents were more confident about making a diagnosis of ADHD in people without a learning disability. Those working with children were significantly more confident in diagnosing and treating ADHD than those working with adults, irrespective of whether the patient had a learning disability. There is general agreement that symptoms of ADHD exist in children and adults both with and without a learning disability. It is likely that ADHD may be undertreated in patients with learning disability, especially in the adult population.
Age at death of people with an intellectual disability in Ireland
- Authors:
- LAVIN K. Emer, McGUIRE Brian E., HOGAN Michael J.
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual Disabilities, 10(2), June 2006, pp.155-164.
- Publisher:
- Sage
- Place of publication:
- London
This study examined the age at death of people with an intellectual disability in Ireland. Using data from the National Intellectual Disability Database, the average age at death of 1120 people who died between 1996 and 2001 was 45.68 years, with no difference in lifespan between men and women. A more severe level of intellectual disability predicted shorter lifespan. In general, those requiring lower levels of day-to-day support and supervision had a longer lifespan. Those living in the family home had the shortest lifespan while those in hospital residential environments had the longest lifespan. Those not attending any day service had a longer lifespan than those attending a range of day services. There were also differences in age at death across different health board regions. These findings are discussed in light of their implications for service planning.
The influence of media and respondent characteristics on the outcome of a campaign to recruit host families for adults with learning disability
- Author:
- HANRAHAN Des
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Social Work, 36(6), September 2006, pp.979-996.
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
Family-based short break schemes depend on accessing suitable hosts. Recruitment is seen as a major challenge yet there are no published studies that examine this for adult services. This paper aims to redress that by describing what type of person responded to a campaign to recruit hosts for adults with learning disabilities, and to explore if there is a relationship between (i) the outcome of each enquiry and the respondents and (ii) outcome and how the respondents found out about the service. The study involved a retrospective examination of documented information about each of forty-nine respondents, supplemented with telephone contact. The respondents were mainly married women aged thirty to fifty, with two or more children, from urban settings and who were employed outside the home. Most had heard about the service through newspapers and posters. Thirty-nine per cent applied to host. Age, family size, age of children and location were associated with outcome. Experience was an important predictor of outcome. Word of mouth was the most successful means of recruiting. While broad-based advertising is shown to attract hosts, the results can be maximized by follow-up of those who do not apply immediately. Implications for service delivery and research are discussed.
Coping and positive perceptions in Irish mothers of children with intellectual disabilities
- Authors:
- GREER Felicity A., GREY Ian M., MCCLEAN Brian
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual Disabilities, 10(3), September 2006, pp.231-248.
- Publisher:
- Sage
- Place of publication:
- London
Thirty-six mothers of children aged between 5 and 8 years with intellectual disabilities completed five self-report questionnaires measuring variables related to behavioural and emotional difficulties, levels of care demand, family supports, coping and positive perceptions. The relationships among these variables were investigated using a working model proposed by Hastings and Taunt (2002). Child behavioural and emotional problems in the non-clinical range predicted low levels of care demand. Formal social support was an effective form of support for mothers; helpfulness of formal social support predicted mobilizing the family to acquire and accept help in the community; and mobilizing the family predicted levels of strength and family closeness. The majority of respondents rated agreement with statements that their child was: a source of happiness or fulfilment; a source of strength and family closeness; and a source of personal growth and maturity. The theoretical and clinical implications of these results are discussed.
Family carers of adult persons with intellectual disabilities on the island of Ireland
- Authors:
- BARRON Steve, McCONKEY Roy, MULVANY Fiona
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual Disabilities, 3(2), June 2006, pp.87-94.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Many families provide lifelong support to their relative with an intellectual disability. However, relatively little information is available for national populations on the characteristics of the people for whom these families care and the supports they receive or need. A database of all persons in receipt of intellectual disability services has been operating in the Republic of Ireland since 1995 and records details of those living with family carers. In Northern Ireland, regional databases provide similar information. Using both sources, data were obtained on over 12,500 people living with family carers; half of whom lived with two parents, around 30% with a lone parent, and just under 20% with another relative. More people in Northern Ireland were identified as living with family carers, which was attributed mainly to less available residential alternatives. Only a minority of carers received respite breaks and domiciliary supports although higher proportions required them. The authors conclude that family care arrangements have received relatively little attention within government policy making, and hence service provision has been largely reactive. Future research should focus on the changing needs of carers over time and how they can be better supported in their role.