Search results for ‘Subject term:"learning disabilities"’ Sort:
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Understanding and overcoming barriers to substance abuse treatment access for people with mental retardation
- Author:
- SLAYTER Elspeth M.
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Social Work in Disability and Rehabilitation, 7(2), 2008, pp.63-80.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
People with learning disabilities have experienced greater levels of freedom and access to community living in the USA over the past 40 years, and this includes access to alcohol and illicit drugs. Although the risks attendant on substance abuse are known to be greater for those with learning disabilities, there is insufficient good quality knowledge about accessible and effective treatment approaches. People with learning disabilities also face barriers in accessing treatment because of: the fragmentation of substance abuse and mental health/learning disability service provision; the lack of knowledge and expertise on concurrent treatment approaches; paradigm clashes between the rights/empowerment approach to learning disability and the abstinence/responsibility approach to substance abuse; and the lack of clinical knowledge and tools. The implications for research and social work practice are discussed.
Housing scheme is putting people in the comfort zone
- Author:
- SALE Anabel Unity
- Journal article citation:
- Community Care, 11.12.08, 2008, pp.36-37.
- Publisher:
- Reed Business Information
Reports on the work of the supported housing provider Comfort Care Services. The organisation provides supported accommodation for people with mental illness, learning disabilities and substance misuse problems in Slough, Reading and Maidenhead. It has also developed vital crisis units and an innovative Move On programme which operates a structured, three-tiered approach to support that eventually leads to clients living independently.
Psychiatric morbidity in arsonists referred for forensic psychiatric assessment in Sweden
- Authors:
- ENAYATI Jasmin, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Forensic Psychiatry and Psychology (The), 19(2), June 2008, pp.139-147.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
Little is known about the pattern of psychiatric morbidity in arsonists referred for psychiatric evaluation, and how this compares with other violent offenders. Furthermore, there is uncertainty around whether there are differences in the psychiatric morbidity of female and male arsonists. This study investigated all arsonists referred for an inpatient forensic psychiatric examination in Sweden over a five-year period (1997-2001). Diagnostic information was collected on 214 arsonists, of whom 155 were men and 59 women. Principal and comorbid DSM-IV psychiatric diagnoses in these arsonists were compared with those of 2,395 other violent offenders who received forensic psychiatric examinations over the same period. The most common Axis I diagnoses for individuals convicted of arson and referred for forensic psychiatric evaluation were psychotic illnesses and substance use disorders. Compared with other violent offenders referred for forensic psychiatric examinations, arsonists were more likely to be diagnosed with a learning disability and, in the men, Asperger's syndrome. The pattern of psychiatric morbidity in these arsonists did not appear to differ between women and men. It is concluded that the treatment needs of arsonists with psychiatric morbidity primarily relate to psychotic illnesses and substance use disorders. In addition, forensic psychiatric services could consider the involvement of learning disability expertise in meeting treatment needs.
Psychiatric morbidity and social functioning among adults with borderline intelligence living in private households
- Authors:
- HASSIOTIS A., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 52(2), February 2008, pp.95-106.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
The paper uses data (secondary analysis) from a UK-wide cross-sectional survey of 8,450 adults living in private households. Data were collected on psychiatric disorders, intellectual level, social functioning and service use. In total, 12.3% of the sample had borderline intelligence. The prevalence of psychotic disorder was not significantly increased, but the group showed significant social disadvantage and increased rates of neurotic disorders, substance misuse and personality disorders when compared with their counterparts of normal intelligence. The borderline group was more likely to receive psychiatric medication, but not talking therapies. They appear to use significantly more services, including emergency services. Adults with borderline intelligence are more likely to suffer from treatable mental disorders and an excess of substance misuse. Services should be aware of hidden morbidity in this group.
Substance misuse in mainstream care services
- Author:
- FINNEY David
- Journal article citation:
- Addiction Today, 19(10), January 2008, pp.30-31.
- Publisher:
- Addiction Recovery Foundation
The author discusses meeting the needs of people with learning disabilities who also have an addiction; and meeting the needs of older people who are substance misusers and need help to stay in their home. He calls for these issues to be considered when planning care services in the community.
Treatment programme changes for residents with long-standing learning difficulties
- Authors:
- BOLOGA Liana Gerber, BAHR Detlev, DIAZ-GURERRA Gustavo Torres
- Journal article citation:
- Therapeutic Communities: the International Journal of Therapeutic Communities, 29(1), Spring 2008, pp.25-39.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Long-standing learning difficulties my have a medical, psychological, or social origin and may lead to difficulties within the therapy process. The authors report on multi-disciplinary therapy which aims to address all three origins of learning difficulties.; This article considers the socio-pedagogic elements of the therapy programme. The results suggest that long-standing difficulties can effectively be treated parallel to addiction problems.
Alcohol and illicit drug misuse in people with learning disabilities: implications for research and service development
- Authors:
- TAGGART Laurence, HUXLEY Adam, BAKER Gill
- Journal article citation:
- Advances in Mental Health and Learning Disabilities, 2(1), March 2008, pp.11-21.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
This paper offers readers a review of the literature on alcohol and illicit drug misuse in people with learning disabilities, focusing on six key areas. First, clarity is provided on the definition of ‘misuse’. Second, prevalence rates are examined along with the methodological difficulties involved in such studies, the authors arguing that prevalence rates are higher than current estimates. Third, the authors explore the relationship between the intra- and inter-personal risk factors. Fourth, the nature of substance misuse is explored, with a focus on offending behaviour. Fifth, a range of treatment modalities are described with a series of recommendations for more robust evidence-based interventions. Last, the authors explore the gaps in policy that lead to a dearth in service provision as well the barriers which people with learning disabilities face on entering treatment services. The paper cites four more innovative projects that address this population’s needs in England, and illustrates how Northern Ireland has positioned the needs of this hidden population within the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (Northern Ireland).
Unit costs of health and social care 2008
- Authors:
- CURTIS Lesley, (comp.)
- Publisher:
- Personal Social Services Research Unit
- Publication year:
- 2008
- Pagination:
- 192p., bibliog.
- Place of publication:
- Canterbury
Aims to improve unit cost estimates for health and social services. Includes sections on services for: elderly people; people with mental health problems; people with learning difficulties; services for children and families; and substance misusers. Also provides a breakdown of costs of health care staff in the community and in hospitals.