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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.
Mental health needs in adolescents with intellectual disabilities: cross-sectional survey of a service sample
- Authors:
- HASSIOTIS A., TURK J.
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 25(3), May 2012, pp.252-261.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Despite mental health needs and service use being relatively high across the lifespan of those with intellectual disability, relatively little is known about these needs during adolescence. This study investigated the prevalence and predictors of mental health needs and service use in adolescents (n=75) with intellectual disabilities in one area of Southern England. Individual assessments were carried out, the main outcome of which was the presence of mental health needs measured by the Developmental Behaviour Checklist. Prevalence of mental health needs increased from 51% as reported by parents to 67% as judged by clinical interviews. Having a need was associated with low adaptive functioning, diagnosis of autism and family history of mental illness. High scores on parent reports of participant mental ill-health showed negative correlations with adaptive functioning scores. Most individuals were in receipt of social and health care. Half of the participants had sought help for mental health problems. Almost half of those receiving medication were on psychiatric medication. It is concluded that adolescents with intellectual disabilities may have considerable mental health problems that are functionally impairing but often unidentified and hence untreated. The authors believe that identification of those at risk and comprehensive needs assessment are essential to maximise potential and quality of life and to reduce further deficits and social exclusion.
Diagnostic instruments for dementia in older people with intellectual disability in clinical practice
- Authors:
- STRYDOM A., HASSIOTIS A.
- Journal article citation:
- Aging and Mental Health, 7(6), November 2003, pp.431-437.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
There is a need for simple and reliable screening instruments for dementia in the intellectual disability (ID) population that can also be used to follow their progress, particularly if they are being treated with anti-dementia drugs. Commonly used tests for the general population such as the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) are not appropriate for many people with ID. This paper is a literature review of alternative instruments that have been used in research or recommended by experts since 1991 and have the potential to be used as screening instruments. Two types of tests have been identified: those administered to informants, and those that rely on direct assessment of the individual. The most promising informant rated screening tool in most adults with ID including Down syndrome (DS) diagnosis is the Dementia Questionnaire for Persons with Mental Retardation (DMR). However, sensitivity in single assessments is variable and cut-off scores need further optimisation. In those with DS, the Dementia Scale for Down Syndrome (DSDS) has good specificity but mediocre sensitivity. The Test for Severe Impairment and Severe Impairment Battery are two direct assessment tools that show promise as screening instruments, but need further evaluation.
A memory clinic for older people with intellectual disabilities
- Authors:
- HASSIOTIS A., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Aging and Mental Health, 7(6), November 2003, pp.418-423.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
Cognitive decline in older people with intellectual disabilities (ID) is often under-recognized. Following the publication of the National Service Framework for Older People and the white paper Valuing People, older people with intellectual disabilities of all aetiologies should have access to a systematic assessment of their cognitive function in order to detect decline in cognition and adaptive skills and implement appropriate treatments as early as possible. The development of a memory clinic for older people with ID is described, including instruments used and characteristics of attendees. Such projects are in line with current UK government policies and can contribute to the improvement of standards of care and support research in this vulnerable group of people.