Search results for ‘Subject term:"learning disabilities"’ Sort:
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A review of the pharmacological management of sexually offending behaviour in learning disabled offenders
- Authors:
- SLOAN Stephanie, BREWSTER Eleanor
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual Disabilities and Offending Behaviour, 8(4), 2017, pp.166-175.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: The management of sexual offending is a major challenge, particularly in men who have an intellectual disability. Psychological therapies have been shown beneficial, and programmes designed for use in the general population have been adapted for use in offenders who have an intellectual disability. There is also a role for pharmacological management, although the quality of evidence for this is noticeably lacking, most likely associated with the ethical and legal issues encountered in conducting well designed and controlled trials in this area. The purpose of this paper is to look at the pharmacological management options available. Design/methodology/approach: A literature search of electronic databases was undertaken. Additionally, the references lists for identified papers were examined for any further relevant publications. Findings: The two main categories of drugs used in the management of inappropriate sexual behaviour are the testosterone-lowering drugs and the psychotropic drugs. Most trials were open and utilised self-report measures of drug effectiveness, limiting their usefulness. Most trials noted beneficial effect. Side effect profiles and patient adherence can limit the effectiveness of anti-libidinal medication in practice. Originality/value: There is very limited evidence available for the use of pharmacological agents in the management of inappropriate sexual behaviour, owing to the lack of adequately controlled clinical trials. New studies are therefore required, particularly of larger sample sizes, longer durations, and examining characteristics of those who benefit from pharmacological treatment, although the ethical issues of conducting such studies is duly acknowledged. (Publisher abstract)
Improving access to psychological therapies for people with intellectual disabilities – role of a reference group in achieving change
- Authors:
- DODD Karen, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities, 11(5/6), 2017, pp.173-186.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to explore the importance of equal access to Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) for people with intellectual disabilities. Design/methodology/approach: The paper identifies barriers to access and shows how a reference group can work to solve the barriers and increase access. Findings: The paper evaluates the authors’ progress to date and how the authors plan to continue to take the work forward. Practical implications: The paper highlights some of the factors responsible for the authors’ success and gives information that will be helpful to other areas who are interested in facilitating equal access. Originality/value: The paper demonstrates how the focus of a reference group can drive improvements across services to improve access for people with intellectual disabilities to IAPT services. (Publisher abstract)
Working with persons with an intellectual disability: the transferential process between therapist and client and the systems they inhabit
- Authors:
- COTTER Padraig, HOLLWEY Sara, CARR Alan
- Journal article citation:
- Tizard Learning Disability Review, 22(3), 2017, pp.136-143.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to appraise “transference” and “countertransference” when working with people with intellectual disabilities (PWID). Design/methodology/approach: A review of the literature was conducted, followed by a discussion. Findings: No research articles were found. Potential reasons for this are discussed. Historical influence, complexity of the topic and resistance among professionals may be contributing factors. Despite this, these phenomena are important for several reasons. These include the high levels of trauma these clients experience; the manner in which they have been marginalised by mainstream society; the strong likelihood of PWID evoking difficult countertransference from therapists; and the myriad of coping mechanisms and defences that these clients may employ. Research limitations/implications: Research is needed to further current understanding of these issues. Practical implications: An awareness of these issues amongst practitioners and other key members of a PWID’s system is important. Originality/value: This is the first review and commentary on these issues. (Publisher abstract)
A systematic review of behavioral health interventions for sex offenders with intellectual disabilities
- Author:
- MAROTTA Phillip L.
- Journal article citation:
- Sexual Abuse a Journal of Research and Treatment, 29(2), 2017, pp.148-185.
- Publisher:
- Sage
This article reviews evaluation studies of programs designed to treat sex offenders with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) published in peer-reviewed journals between 1994 and 2014. Eighteen treatment evaluation studies were identified from the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. Cognitive-behavioural treatments were the most commonly delivered treatment modality to sex offenders with IDD. Other less common treatments were dialectical behavioural therapy, problem solving therapy, mindfulness, and relapse prevention. No randomised controlled trials were identified. The most common designs were multiple case studies and pre- and post-treatment assessments with no control and repeated measures follow-up. Small sample sizes, no control groups, and wide variation in treatment length and follow-up time complicate the qualitative synthesis of study findings. Short follow-up times introduce the potential for bias in conclusions surrounding treatment efficacy for many of the studies reviewed in this analysis. The review concludes that overall quality of studies examining treatments for sex offenders with IDD is poor and requires further development before rendering firm conclusions about the effectiveness of interventions for this population. (Edited publisher abstract)
Sixteen years of the Brooklands Thinking Skills Offender Programme
- Authors:
- HICKMAN Gareth, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual Disabilities and Offending Behaviour, 8(3), 2017, pp.132-143.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to report on the Brooklands Thinking Skills Offender Programme (BTSOP), a social problem-solving skills group programme developed and provided to people with intellectual disabilities (IDs) detained in conditions of medium and low security. The programme has been running and evolving since 2001 and has undergone consistent development over this time. Within the past five years, there have been significant developments of the Secure Service Treatment Pathway and the current paper describes the integration of the BTSOP within this new pathway model. Design/methodology/approach: The programme was evaluated over five years using self-report psychometric measures related to treatment targets. Evaluation data in relation to attrition rates, discharges, transfers, treatment engagement and recidivism are also provided from a 16-year period. The updated treatment pathway and a description of the programme are provided. Findings: Results showed statistically significant improvements in Rational Problem Solving, increased internal locus of control and decreased external locus of control. Reflection on the limitations and challenges to outcome assessment in this area is offered. Originality/value: This paper builds on the existing evidence base of interventions focused on developing social problem-solving skills in offenders and presents evidence of the effectiveness of such programmes with offenders with IDs. (Publisher abstract)
Enabling good emotional support for and with people with learning disabilities
- Authors:
- MASON Victoria, WILLIAMS Val
- Journal article citation:
- Tizard Learning Disability Review, 22(3), 2017, pp.144-147.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: Picking up from Cotter et al.’s article on the transferential process, the purpose of this paper is to set out some arguments about the ways of meeting the emotional needs of people with learning disabilities. Design/methodology/approach: The commentary draws on two studies: one is about understanding and changing disabling practices, and the other is about bereavement support for people with learning disabilities. Both use qualitative approaches, and in both studies, people with learning disabilities are active agents or co-researchers, who have assisted in shaping the ideas and values of the research. Findings: Professional practices, including those within the therapeutic context, can act as institutional barriers which create people with learning disabilities as passive or incompetent. However, this paper sets out some preliminary findings showing that not only can people with learning disabilities support each other, but also that face-to-face support workers can support people with learning disabilities to understand and cope with their emotions. Practical implications: Frontline support workers should be seen as professionals, with their own range of resources to provide good emotional support. Further, people with learning disabilities can come together in groups to develop peer support about difficult and sensitive topics. Originality/value: Talking about therapies for people with learning disabilities has long been overlooked. As their value is now recognised, it is important that the views and wishes of people with learning disabilities themselves are heard, so that they can contribute to the processes which support them. (Publisher abstract)