CT 6 - Learning Disabilities Flashcards
what is the diagnostic criteria for a LD
IQ measure must be below 70 (WAIS (IV) is a commonly used one
person must have significant adaptive and social impairments
onset must be below 18 yrs of age
all three criteria need to be met
what other measure can clinicians use to assess ID
ABAS-3 score which looks at 10 skills across three domains
what conditions are not included in ID
learning difficulties like dyslexia
adult brain injury
early onset dementia
autism diagnosis alone
cognitive impairment secondary to severe mental illness
just low IQ by itself
What is some evidence that would suggest that someone has an ID
Significant developmental delay during childhood
Special eduction
Very limited independent living skills
No employment
How many people in the UK have IDs
Adults - nearly a million people
Children 156,000
These numbers are just estimates - it is predicted to be higher
What other conditions are those with IDs more likely to have
25% have visual impairment
25% have hearing impairment
25% have epilepsy ( 5X increased risk of sudden death)
10-20% have a Mental health problem
What conditions are those with Down syndrome more likely to have
CHD 50% of people with DS
Hypothyroid 30%
H.pylori infection is endemic in LD population
Dementia risk is much greater and of early onset in DS patients
Differential risks of specific cancers. Reduced risk in lung prostate etc but increased oesophageal, stomach nd leukaemia
What mental health conditions are those with LD at higher risk of
Depression X5
Schizophrenia X3
Why are people with LD at higher risk of mental health problems
Are dependent on services and may be infantilised
Protected from risk taking so autonomy may not be respected
Poly pharmacy
May have lots of comobridities
Also may have a genetic condition
What are the some tools or legislations we can implement to reduce the barriers for those with LD
Community treatment reviews
LD mortality reviews
Annual health checks carried out by GP
Acute liaison nurses (make necessary adjustments in hospital)
Hospital passports or flagging systems
Stop overprescribing
Green light toolkit within mental health services to make it easier for those with LD to access mental health services
What are some reasonable adjustments that can be put in place
Easy read leaflets or letters
Longer appointments
Awareness training for staff
Carer/friend support
Quiet areas to wait or not having to wait by giving first appt
Flagging system
Who makes up the community LD team
Psychiatrists
Psychologists
Nurses
OTs
S + L therapists
Physios
AHPs
With LD patients what is one thing you must always be mindful of
Mental capacity and consent
