Learning Disabilities Flashcards
Define LD
LD includes the presence of:
o A significantly reduced ability to understand new or complex information or to learn new skills
o A reduced ability to cope independently
o An impairment that started before adulthood, with a lasting effect on development
Categories of LD
o Mild: 50-69
o Moderate: 35-49
o Severe: 20-34
o Profound: < 20
Prevalence of LD
1-3%
Age group with highest incidence of LD
10-14 years
M:F ratio of LD
1.5:1
Prevalence of different types of LD
Mild - 85%
Moderate - 10%
Severe - 4%
Profound - 102%
How many people with LD have another MH problem?
75%
How much earlier do people with LD die compared to the general population?
13-20 years
What is secondary prevention of LD?
Early recognition, diagnosis, good medical care and rehab to avoid and reduce damage which could lead to LD - planning or genetic counselling after birth of child with genetic disorder, screening and early treatment of congenital hypothyroidism and PKU
How many offenders have LD?
30%
Prevalence of MH problems in those with LD
30-50%
Prevalence of SCZ in LD
3%
Prevalence of Bipolar in LD
1.5%
Prevalence of depression in LD
4%
Prevalence of agoraphobia in LD
1.5%
Prevalence of OCD in LD
2.5%
Prevalence of Autism in LD
7%
Prevalence of severe problem behaviour in LD
10-15%
What is PAS-ADD?
Psychiatric Assessment Schedule for Adults with Developmental Disabilities - allows for diagnosis under ICD-10 in people with LD through semi-structured interview
Increase in risk of SCZ in people with LD
3x increase
Prevalence of Dementia in those with Downs
o 1 in 50 of those aged 30-39
o 1 in 10 of those aged 40-49
o 1 in 3 of those aged 50-59
o > 50% of those over 60
Increase risk of Alzheimers in those with Downs
3x increase
Predisposing factors for behavioural problems in LD
o Sensory disabilities o Poor communication o Epilepsy o Physical illness-ear infections, dental problems and constipation o Medication o Limited range of coping strategies o Abuse o Environmental factors
How many people with LD show challenging behaviour
7%
14% in hospital
What factors are associated with self-injurious behaviour in those with LD?
Moderate-severe LD Aged 10-30 Adverse environmental conditions Depression Certain LD like Fragile X
Psychological treatments
CBT for anxiety, depression and anger
Behavioural techniques to change maladaptive patterns of behaviour like phobias and inappropriate sexual behaviour
ABC charts
Major risk factor for Downs
Maternal age >40
Incidence of Downs
1 in 1000 live births
Incidence of Downs depending on mothers age
1:2,500 in women less than 30 years old
1:80 over 40
years old
1:32 when the mother is 45 years or older.
Clinical features of Downs in the newborn
general hypotonia
oblique palpebral fissures, small flattened skull
high cheekbones
protruding tongue
Congenital defects in Downs
Congenital heart defects (-50%) such as VSD, mitral valve disease, patent ductus
arteriosus
GI abnormalities such as oesophageal atresia, Hirschsprung disease, umbilical and
inguinal hernia
Eye defects such as strabismus and myopia Hearing defects such as otitis media
and sensorineural deafness Endocrine abnormalities include hypothyroidism and
diabetes.
Average IQ in Downs
50
When does IQ decrease in Downs
Ages 1-30
Prevalence of Dementia in Downs
0-4% under 30 years of age 2-33% for 30-39 years of age 8-55% for 40-49 years of age 20-55% for 50-59 years of age 29-75% for 60-69 years of age.
How many adults with Downs have epilepsy
10%
Main cause of death in Downs
<1 is congenital heart disease
Up to 30 - bronchopneumonia
