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Screening for mental health problems in adults with learning disabilities using the Mini PAS-ADD Interview
- Authors:
- DEVINE Maurice, TAGGART Laurence, MCLORNIAN Paula
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Learning Disabilities, 38(4), December 2010, pp.252-258.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Prevalence rates vary considerably regarding the mental health of people with learning disabilities. This variation is a consequence of the assessment methods used to identify such clinical conditions and also the different populations studied. The aim of this study was to establish the prevalence of mental health problems in 96 adults with mild-to-moderate learning disabilities receiving community-based services in Northern Ireland. Using the Mini PAS-ADD Interview schedule, a number of specifically trained interviewers interviewed staff who supported these adults with learning disabilities in their particular work or day care setting to determine whether or not participants had a potential mental health problem. This study found a 33.3% prevalence rate of mental health problems in this community sample. The results of this study fall between previous community prevalence studies that range from 14% to 50%. This sample was found to score higher on the sub-scales of depression and psychosis compared with other prevalence studies. In order to examine the agreement of these findings, a random sample of 27 of the participants were also interviewed by a psychiatrist specialising in learning disability regarding their mental health status. The results found that the Mini PAS-ADD Interview has an overall sensitivity of 1 (100%) and a specificity of 77%. The practical issues of the screening process are discussed. Methodological limitations are also highlighted in accurately predicting prevalence rates of mental health problems in the learning disability population by clinical staff.
Assessing the mental health needs of young people living in state care using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire
- Authors:
- MCCRYSTAL Patrick, MCALONEY Kareena
- Journal article citation:
- Child Care in Practice, 16(3), July 2010, pp.215-226.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
Young people living in the state care system are often reported to experience poorer levels of mental health and wellbeing. Government policy encourages a holistic approach to the assessment of all aspects of health and wellbeing of these young people. The aim of this study was to use data from the Youth Development Study, a longitudinal study being undertaken at Queens University Belfast, to show the value of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) as a screening tool for mental health issues with young people entering state care. The data were obtained during the first year of the study, with young people aged 11 and 12 years, and fourth year, with young people aged 14 and 15 years. The data obtained using the SDQ was compared for young people who indicated they were living in state care with those living with at least one biological parent outside care. The findings showed that a higher proportion of young people living in state care reported scores on the SDQ that indicated a higher propensity to problem behaviour at both stages of the survey. The results show that the SDQ is a tool that may assist professionals to make an informed decision on the health and wellbeing of young people entering the care system and possibly can lead to an empirically assisted decision on intervention planning.
The strengths and difficulties questionnaire: a useful screening tool to identify mental health strengths and needs in looked after children and inform care plans at looked after children reviews?
- Authors:
- WHYTE Stewart, CAMPBELL Anne
- Journal article citation:
- Child Care in Practice, 14(2), April 2008, pp.193-206.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
The mental health of Looked After Children is not routinely assessed either upon entering the care system or during their period in care. Many children only receive help when difficulties become entrenched and more intensive treatment is required. Often this occurs when placements are fragile or have broken down. The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS) 2007 Consultation Paper “Care Matters in Northern Ireland - A Bridge to a Better Future” has recommended “systematic assessment of the psychological and emotional needs of children on the edge and LAC”. This paper outlines the findings of three focus groups with social workers and managers following Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) screening of a sample of Looked After Children within four generic childcare teams and a team for children with special needs in Homefirst Community Trust in Northern Ireland. Participants reflected on the usefulness of the SDQ in identifying mental health strengths and difficulties to inform decision-making at Looked After Children Reviews. Participants recommended that routine SDQ screening is undertaken with all Looked After Children, with early intervention provided to children identified with some mental health difficulties and prioritisation of children with significant need. The usefulness of SDQ identification of child strengths as a foundation for promoting resilience in Looked After Children was also recognised. Recommendations were also made regarding specific service provision for Looked After Children and training for field social workers, link social workers and carers.
Time for action on perinatal mental health care in Northern Ireland: a report on the perspectives of health visitors and midwives
- Authors:
- CUNNINGHAM Caroline, et al
- Publisher:
- NSPCC
- Publication year:
- 2018
- Pagination:
- 66
- Place of publication:
- London
Sets out the findings of a study exploring health visitors’ and midwives’ roles and experiences of identifying and responding to perinatal mental illness in Northern Ireland. It describes their perspectives about their roles in the recognition, referral and management of perinatal mental illness; training and skillsets; and opportunities and challenges for improving the early identification of perinatal mental illness, and the response provided to women and their families in Northern Ireland. The research covered mental health care for women during pregnancy and up to one year after childbirth, and included a range of mental health problems, including anxiety, depression and postnatal psychotic disorders. A total of 332 responses from health visitors and midwives were received to a survey, which comprised 30 questions. The main challenges identified were underfunding, overwork and growing levels and complexity of demand undermining the face to face time and continuity of care required for early recognition and response. The research also highlights issues around policy and practice in the use of screening tools, and the need for closer alignment between infant mental health and perinatal mental health practice. The report concludes with a number of recommendations. These include the need for a training standard for perinatal mental illness in Northern Ireland; and the need for midwives and health visitors to have more face to face time with mothers and babies, and improvements in continuity of care (Edited publisher abstract)