Search results for ‘Subject term:"learning disabilities"’ Sort:
Results 1 - 2 of 2
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.
Investigating staff knowledge and attitudes towards working with adults with learning disabilities and mental health problems
- Authors:
- ROSE Nikki, O'BRIEN Alex, ROSE John
- Journal article citation:
- Advances in Mental Health and Learning Disabilities, 1(3), September 2007, pp.52-59.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Government policy in the UK suggests a shift in service provision so that the treatment of people with a learning disability who have mental health problems should be undertaken by mainstream mental health services rather than specialist learning disability services. Staff members from both specialist and mainstream services took part in a series of focus groups to discuss their experiences and attitudes about working with this group of people. Findings form the study suggest that staff with mainstream services currently feel that they are inadequately trained to deal with the often complex mental health needs of this group. Conversely, staff in learning disability services expressed concern about loosing their specialist skills in generic services. The implications of the themes are raised are discussed, particularly in relation to future service provision.