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Hereditary spastic paraplegia, bipolar affective disorder and intellectual disability: a case report
- Authors:
- WHITTY Marie, KELLY Fionnuala, RAMSAY Louis
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual Disabilities, 12(1), March 2008, pp.41-48.
- Publisher:
- Sage
- Place of publication:
- London
This is a case report of a gentleman with an intellectual impairment who presented with both hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSD) and bipolar affective disorder (BPAD), a combination that has not yet been described in the professional literature. A limited number of articles have suggested an association between HSP and an organic personality disorder. The article describes the case of a gentleman who was diagnosed with BPAD in his early adult life and displayed neurological symptoms of HSP at around the same time. Diagnosis of both HSP and BPAD can be difficult and is further compounded by an intellectual impairment. Treatment options may be limited by the propensity of many psychotropic medications to cause movement disorders and thus worsening neurological symptoms.
Ascertaining the prevalence of childhood disability
- Authors:
- HUTCHINSON T., GORDON D.
- Journal article citation:
- Child: Care, Health and Development, 31(1), January 2005, pp.99-107.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
The aim was to reapply 1985 Office of Population Census and Surveys (OPCS) disability survey methods, modified as necessary, to a sample of children to ascertain presence of disability, and then compare OPCS-based prevalence with prevalence based on carer's views and medical records. Medical records of 46% contained a diagnosis. Carers were always aware of this, although a single question did not always elicit their knowledge. OPCS-derived threshold disability criteria in categories of Hand function, Personal care, Consciousness and Continence gave prevalence results similar to medical records and carers. OPCS criteria yielded higher prevalence of disability in the areas of Locomotion (8%), Communication (14%) and Hearing (18%). Carers, OPCS and medical records disagreed markedly about prevalence of disabilities of Vision, probably because of the use of differing definitions. OPCS learning criteria were judged unsuitable and standard attainment targets (SATs) were substituted. These provided similar prevalence figures to carers and medical records. OPCS behaviour criteria were also unsuitable and were replaced by the General Health and Behaviour Questionnaire (GHBQ). This found an increased prevalence of problems compared with carers and doctors. Diagnostic labels have limited use when collecting data about disabled children. Doubt is cast on the validity of some of the 1985 OPCS threshold criteria, and reassessment is suggested before their future use. Further work is needed on the use of SATs and GHBQ in the benchmarking of disability. To collect population data it would be easier and at least equally effective (with caution in the case of Vision) to ask carers directly rather than applying descriptive thresholds and external judgements. Similar information could be obtained from medical records, however, they are likely to be out of date.
Does assessment make a difference for people with dementia? The effectiveness of the Aged Care Assessment Teams in Australia
- Authors:
- HOWE Anna L., KUNG Francis
- Journal article citation:
- International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 18(3), March 2003, pp.205-210.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
The needs of individuals with dementia and other psychiatric problems of old age have received increased attention in Australia over the last decade. This paper reports on the role of Aged Care Assessment Teams (ACATs) in managing these clients, and the extent to which they are differentiated from other clients in the assessment process and outcomes recommended. Data on some 26,500 clients seen by ACATs in Victoria in the second half of 1999 are analysed to show firstly, the relationship between a diagnosis of dementia and reporting of disability in orientation, secondly, characteristics of clients with and without a diagnosis of dementia and lastly, outcomes for groups of clients defined on the basis of a diagnosis of dementia and disability in orientation.
Mortality of people with intellectual disability in northern Sydney
- Author:
- BAKER Wesley
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disability, 27(4), December 2002, pp.255-264.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
A population-derived cohort of 693 people with intellectual disability in the Lower North Shore (LNS) area of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia was followed from 1989 to 1999 to determine mortality rates, the demographics of the deceased, and causes of death. The general population of LNS was used for comparison. Age- and sex-adjusted mortality rates were higher than those in the LNS population. The main cause of death was respiratory disease, followed by external causes and cancer. Of those who had died, the greatest proportion were functioning in the severe to profound range of intellectual disability, and half were living in institutional care. Public health resources and services need to be directed to this vulnerable population in order to address the excess mortality.
Mortality of persons with intellectual disability in residential care in Israel 1991-1997
- Author:
- MERRICK Joav
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disability, 27(4), December 2002, pp.265-272.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
Reports on the number of deaths for the period 1991-1997 in Israeli residential centres. Some 450 deaths were reported, corresponding to a mortality rate of 10.25 deaths per 1000 population per year. The number of deaths compared with those in the general population. Information on the age and sex distribution, level of intellectual disability, ethnic background and cause of death is presented.
Hearing loss in people with learning disabilities
- Author:
- YEATES Sybil
- Journal article citation:
- Tizard Learning Disability Review, 3(2), April 1998, pp.20-28.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
This article demonstrates the lack of importance which, until recently, has been accorded to the distinction between hearing loss and learning disability when they occur together. It then emphasises the problems which this has caused, including challenging behaviour. A summary of the causes common to both learning disability and hearing loss is given, along with brief description of tests used to diagnose hearing loss in the learning-disabled. The importance of team work is stressed, together with the necessity of education for all personnel working with the learning-disabled. Some ideas contributing to rehabilitation are suggested and the importance of restoring some hearing even to the most severely handicapped is described.
Development and disability
- Author:
- LEWIS Vicky
- Publisher:
- Blackwell
- Publication year:
- 2003
- Pagination:
- 454p.,bibliog.
- Place of publication:
- Oxford
- Edition:
- 2nd
The author reviews research on the development of blind children, deaf children, and children with spina bifida, cerebral palsy, Down's syndrome and autism. In addition, she includes research on children with developmental co-ordination disorder. For each disability, the author provides background information on the nature of the disability, assessment, incidence, and causal factors. She then summarises what is known about the effect of each disability on the development of motor skills, perception, cognition, communication, emotion and social skills. Finally, the practical and theoretical implications of the experimental findings are examined.
Osteoporosis and women with Down syndrome
- Authors:
- MILBERGER, Sharon, LACHANCE Laurie, EDELSON Gary
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disability, 27(4), December 2002, pp.273-280.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
This one year study of 23 women examined osteoporosis in postmenopausal women with Down syndrome. The findings indicate that the women tended to be inactive and they frequently had coexistent conditions. Eighty-seven per cent of the participants had osteopenia or osteoporosis in at least one of the three sites measured. The results highlight the need for intervention efforts targeted to ageing women with Down syndrome.