Search results for ‘Subject term:"mental health problems"’ Sort:
Results 1 - 10 of 79
What is normal behaviour in persons with developmental disabilities?
- Authors:
- DOSEN Anton, De GROEF Johan
- Journal article citation:
- Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities, 9(5), 2015, pp.284-294.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: Annoying and bothersome behaviours among persons with developmental disabilities (DD) is a relatively frequent phenomenon. However, not all behaviour that is difficult to accept in its surroundings should be seen as abnormal or problem behaviour (PB). Some of these behaviours may be an expression of a person’s psychosocial needs and may be considered as adaptive and normal. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach: Authors attempt to discuss relevant issues in persons with DD which have an impact on their behaviour, intending in this way to define criteria for a reliable differentiation between normal and abnormal behaviour and psychiatric disorders. Findings: Differentiating between normal and abnormal may be a difficult task for a professional treating persons with DD because of the lack of adequate criteria for such differentiation. The problem becomes even more complex when one attempts to differentiate between PB and psychiatric disorder. By approaching the subject from a developmental perspective and by determining the level of the person’s emotional development, insight in subjective person’s experiences was achieved. On the ground of a “good practice” the authors made schemata outlining criteria for differentiation between these constructs. Originality/value: The application of these schemata in the practice made it easier to establish appropriate diagnoses and was favourable for the planning of adequate treatment and support of persons with DD and mental health problems. (Publisher abstract)
Spirituality, mental health and people with learning disabilities
- Authors:
- FERGUSON Dave, SCOTT Jayne
- Journal article citation:
- Advances in Mental Health and Learning Disabilities, 2(2), June 2008, pp.37-41.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
This article explores the spiritual dimension in mental health care and its relevance to people with learning disabilities. A discussion of the development of a working group to scope the issues in one learning disability service is explored, with practical commentary on the efforts made to gather more information from service providers. The findings from a brief survey are briefly discusses, as well as developments which have ensued to date. The authors conclude that, although spirituality can mean different things to different people, responding to the diverse spiritual needs of service users must take a person-centred and a flexible approach.
The use of family therapy for people with learning disabilities
- Author:
- BAUM Sandra
- Journal article citation:
- Advances in Mental Health and Learning Disabilities, 1(2), June 2007, pp.8-13.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
The application of the systemic approach in working with people with learning disabilities, their families and their support systems has grown over the last decade in the UK. The way in which the family, support system and wider contexts interact with each other may affect how the person with learning disabilities presents for help to services, and will also affect engagement, expectations and possible solutions to crises. If the relationship in focus is the person's behaviour in a family setting, family therapy may be useful to explore relational difficulties within the family. This article considers the issues that might benefit from using this model, explains how to included the adult with learning disabilities in the process, and summarises the evidence of its effectiveness.
‘I didn't know other people existed who hear voices…’ – qualitative perceptions of a hearing voices group for people with learning disabilities
- Authors:
- TOMLINS Rose, CAWLEY James
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Learning Disabilities, 44(3), 2016, pp.204-212.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Group work for people who experience voice hearing in the mainstream population has been shown to have various benefits; however, there is little research describing hearing voices groups for people with learning disabilities. This study describes perceptions of a new hearing voices group for people with mild learning disabilities. Semi-structured interviews with twelve participants were conducted. This included three clients who attended the hearing voices group, three of their family members/carers and one professional. In addition, of those who were referred to the group but chose not to attend, one client, two family members/carers and two professionals were interviewed. Interview data were transcribed verbatim and thematic analysis was used to identify three overarching themes; the first ‘benefits of our hearing voices group’ described participants’ evaluations and perceptions of the hearing voices group. The second ‘making the decision to attend’ covers factors that influence clients when deciding whether or not to attend a hearing voices group. In the final theme ‘positive and negative contributors to the voice-hearing experience’, participants reflected on factors that affect the voice-hearing experience. The hearing voices group was valued by participants; however, services should consider the barriers to attendance faced by some clients. Strategies for addressing these are discussed. (Publisher abstract)
The mental maze
- Author:
- SHRUBB Richard
- Journal article citation:
- Learning Disability Today, 14(3), May/June 2014, pp.12-13.
- Publisher:
- Pavilion
- Place of publication:
- Hove
Reports on the issue that although people with learning disabilities are more prone to experiencing mental ill health than the general population, many struggle to access the help they need. (Edited publisher abstract)
Equality and access to human rights for people with both learning disability and mental illness needs
- Authors:
- LAWSON Annette, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Advances in Mental Health and Learning Disabilities, 2(2), June 2008, pp.3-8.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
The UK's policy architecture, goals and values, and its service frameworks, for people with disabilities have been set in the context of the global (United Nations) and European (EU) advances. This article examines the impact of these structures and contexts on people with learning disabilities and mental illness. It explores how identities which cut across recognised categories of disadvantage limit the rights of those with both learning disabilities and mental health problems, and looks at some of the ways in which this problem is being addressed.
FraX-E: underdiagnosed, undertreated, under-researched and misunderstood
- Authors:
- FREEMAN Laura, TURK Jeremy
- Journal article citation:
- Advances in Mental Health and Learning Disabilities, 1(3), September 2007, pp.40-51.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
This article focuses on the consequences of having FraX-E, a variant of fragile X syndrome. The authors provide some background on the condition and report on recent research and evidence. Three case reports are outlined and the specific behavioural aspects of the syndrome are considered. The authors argue that it is important that the behavioural phenotype for FraX-E is clearly identified and defined in order to give those with the condition relevant psychological and educational support in the future.
Policy and learning disabilities: a Scottish perspective
- Author:
- BROWN Michael
- Journal article citation:
- Advances in Mental Health and Learning Disabilities, 1(1), March 2007, pp.22-25.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
This article outlines the development of legislative and policy frameworks in Scotland with a particular focus following political devolution. The impact of these changes and developments on the lives of people with learning disabilities are discussed.
Keys to diversion: best practice for offenders with multiple needs
- Author:
- DURCAN Graham
- Publisher:
- Centre for Mental Health
- Publication year:
- 2014
- Pagination:
- 28
- Place of publication:
- London
Liaison and diversion services aim to identify and support people with mental health problems, learning difficulties and other vulnerable people in police stations and courts. This report identifies the key elements of successful liaison and diversion services in six services based in Lewisham, Manchester, Portsmouth and in Plymouth, Bodmin and Truro. The findings are based on visits to sites, interviews with staff, service users, and partners. It finds that the most successful teams offer support for a wide range of a person’s needs, they build packages of support from a range of local agencies, and they stay in touch with people after they have been referred to other services. The report then makes recommendations for NHS commissioners and liaison and diversion services. (Edited publisher abstract)
The challenge of a “triple diagnosis”: identifying and serving homeless Canadian adults with a dual diagnosis
- Authors:
- LOUGHEED Donna C., FARRELL Susan
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual Disabilities, 10(3), 2013, pp.230-235.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Adults with both a mental illness and intellectual disability (in Canada, a “dual diagnosis”) and who reside in shelters for the homeless are vulnerable and at risk for physical, sexual, and financial abuse. Their mental illnesses are difficult to diagnose and treat, and their intellectual impairments are difficult to ascertain. The authors review the existing literature on homelessness and intellectual disability, and use this and their extensive clinical experience with the homeless in a large Canadian city to identify and extrapolate reasons for the challenges facing both these individuals and the agencies and organizations that serve them. Challenges to providing appropriate services include, identifying and linking with these adults; recognizing the implications of the level of the intellectual delay and the mental illness on the individual's ability to cope, and stay safe; understanding the wants and needs of the individual; expanding the mandate of the agencies and professionals wanting to serve this group; and developing policy that will both provide appropriate support of the individual, but also provide protection, if necessary by legal means. They further suggest that focal services should be based on the following characteristics: flexibility, meeting the client where he or she lives, consideration of capacity to consent in order to avoid neglect issues, and understanding of the lifelong and pervasive effects of intellectual delay in all facets of life. Though the population discussed is resident in Canada, these issues apply to individuals in other countries, as well, where there are concerns about these vulnerable adults with a “triple diagnosis.” (Edited publisher abstract)