Learning Disabilities

Question 1

Learning disabilities or Intellectual disabilities affect 2% f the population.

What are the 3 features that would diagnose LD?

Answer 1

1. IQ < 70
2. Onset < 18yrs
3. Impaired adaptive social functioning

Question 2

The degree of learning disability is based on the IQ range.

What are the causes of LD which can be broken down into:

• Idiopathic
• Pre-natal
• Peri-natal
• Post-natal

Answer 2

Idiopathic* - most, don’t investigate as doesn’t change Mx

Pre-natal - Down’s, fragile X, Foetal alcohol syndrome

Peri-natal - birth asphyxia/HIE, Kernicterus, birth trauma, prematurity

Post-natal - infections e.g. meningitis, illness, environment

Mixed - e.g. Genetic + HIE

Question 3

What conditions are assoictaed with LD?

Answer 3

Epilepsy (30% will have LD)
Tuberous sclerosis (up to 50%)
Cerebral palsy
Autism
Prader-Willi

Question 4

Those with LD are less likely to have mental health problems and less likely to seek help.

True or False?

Answer 4

False)

They are MORE likely to have mental health problems and LESS likely to seek help

(less internal resources to cope

Question 5

Which psychiatric conditions are common in those with LD?

Answer 5

Dementia - all esp Down’s (present changes in behaviour)

Challenging behaviour

Anxiety - all esp autism

Depression ( often see biological symptoms)

Psychosis - esp DeGeorge, increase sensitivity to SE of antipsychotics

Question 6

The common genetic cause of LD is ______

The most common inherited cause of LD is ________

The most common non-genetic preventable cause of LD is ______

Answer 6

Downs

Fragile X

Foetal alcohol syndrome
(3 features: short stature + facial features + CNS ab)

Question 7

In LD, what are the Dementia statistics?

Answer 7

Higher rates of Dementia

Tend to present earlier (esp in Downs - 40-60yrs)