5: Arrested intellectual development: clinical features and management Flashcards
The life expectancy of people with learning disabilities is (greater than / less than) average life expectancy.
less than average
The life expectancy of patients with learning disabilities is (increasing / decreasing).
Why?
increasing
better care
Do people with learning disabilities develop psychiatric disorders?
Yes
Mood disorders, psychosis, personality disorders, eating disorders…
Why are people with learning disabilities more likely to develop psychiatric disorders?
Brain pathology - somehow more vulnerable
Fulfill the risk factors - alienation, unemployment, meaningful relationships etc
What is learned helplessness?
“Giving up”
People with learning disabilities get used to resistance / failure in every aspect of their lives
People with learning disabilities can be ___ ___ of their symptoms, resulting in underdiagnosis of their psychiatric disorders.
talked out
“are you sure you’re having hallucinations?”
How are delusions and hallucinations described by patients with learning disabilities?
Lacking detail
Paranoia reflective of a lack of understanding of a situation rather than delusive thoughts
How does psychiatric illness first present in patients with a learning disability?
Change in behaviour
usually ‘acting out’
In which four areas should the management of learning disabilities be focused?
Environment - where are they and what support are they getting there
Education - special needs
Social - hobbies, relationships, support network
Communication - hearing aids, glasses, complex needs
What are some psychological treatments for learning disabilities?
Behavioural therapy
COGNITIVE behavioural therapy
etc
Which drug classes are used in the management of psychiatric illness in those with learning disabilities?
Antipsychotics
Antidepressants
Anticonvulsants
look at these individually
What is the triad of features of ALD?
Communication problems
Difficulties with social interaction
Inflexibility of thought and ideas
+/- repetitive movements
Which disorder often overlaps with learning difficulties?
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
