Intellectual Disability Flashcards
Learning disability vs. Learning difficultiy
Learning disability IQ is 2 standard deviations from the norm, whereas leaning difficultly IQ is 1 standard deviation from the norm. Learning disability affects learning and intelligence across all areas of life, but in learning difficulty (e.g. dyslexia) affects a specific area of learning.
Define intellectual disability
Condition of arrested or incomplete development of the mind, which is especially characterised by impairment of skills manifested during the developmental period, which contribute to the intelligence level, i.e. cognitive, language, motor and social abilities.
True or false - prevalence of mental health conditions in individuals with intellectual disability is 3-4X greater than the general population.
True
Name the 4 components of the intellectual disability diagnostic criteria
Significant impairment in intelligence, IQ < 70.
Significant impairment in adaptive behaviour e.g. reading, writing, self-care.
Significant impairment in social functioning - need for support.
Onset during the developmental period (<18).
What is a mild intellectual disability IQ score?
50-69
What is a moderate intellectual disability IQ score?
35-49
What is a severe intellectual disability IQ score?
20-34
What is a profound intellectual disability IQ score?
<20
Name some of the causes of intellectual disability
Trauma: TBI, birth injury (hypoxia).
Toxin: foetal alcohol syndrome, drugs, smoking.
Tuberous sclerosis.
Genetic: Down’s syndrome, fragile X syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, Klinefelter syndrome.
Phenylketonuria.
TORCH infection.
Meningitis, encephalitis.
How would you treat schizophrenia, depression and mania in an individual with an intellectual disability?
Treat as per NICE guidelines, but start at a lower dose.
Define diagnostic overshadowing
Overlooking diagnosable conditions because doctor thinks symptoms are attributable to patients learning disability.
Describe some barriers to accessing healthcare for individuals with intellectual disabilities
Unable to understand letters, struggle making phone calls, can’t read name badges, unable to understand doctor as they use big words, busy waiting rooms can be distressing, not always invited to screening.
Describe the reasonable adjustments that can be made for people with intellectual disability
Easy read letters/leaflets, longer appointments, carer/friend brought to appointment, quiet waiting area, visit to department to look around prior to appointment.
Outline the biological factors that are involved in the onset and maintenance of mental health problems in people with intellectual disabilities
Brain damage/epilepsy, vision/hearing impairments, physical illness/disabilities, genetics, drugs/alcohol abuse, medications.
Outline the psychological factors that are involved in the onset and maintenance of mental health problems in people with intellectual disabilities
Rejection/deprivation/abuse, life events/separation/losses, poor problem-solving/coping strategies, social/emotional/sexual vulnerabilities, poor self-acceptance/low self-esteem, devaluation/disempowerment.
