Learning Disability

Question 1

What is the definition of learning disability?

Answer 1

Condition of arrested or incomplete development of mind especially characterised by impairment of skills manifested during developmental period and contribute to overall level of intelligence

Question 2

What are criteria for a learning disability?

Answer 2

Intellectual impairment; IQ < 70

Social or adaptive dysfunction; impairments in 2 or more of communication, self-care, home living, social skills, community use, self direction, health and safety, functional academics, leisure and work

Onset in developmental period

Question 3

How is learning disability classified?

Answer 3

By IQ

Mild; IQ 50-69

Moderate; IQ 35-49

Severe; IQ 20-34

Profound; IQ < 20

Question 4

Describe some aetiological aspects of learning disability?

Answer 4

Genetic

Infective; rubella, meningitis etc.

Toxic; foetal alcohol syndrome

Trauma; birth asphyxia, head injury

Unknown

Question 5

What conditions are commonly associated with learning disability?

Answer 5

Epilepsy
Sensory Impairments
Obesity
GI; swallowing problems, reflux oesophagitis, HPylori
Resp problems
Cerebral palsy
Otrhopaedic problems
Dermatolgoical and dental problems

Question 6

Describe the assessment areas in the psychiatry of learning disability

Answer 6

Aetiology of LD
Associated biomed conditions
Severity of LD
Psychiatric disorders, their cause and consequences

Question 7

What are considerations regarding diagnostic overshadowing in LD?

Answer 7

If present with a new behaviour or existing ones escalate consider;

• social cause i.e. change in careres, lack of support
• psychological issues i.e. bereavement/abuse
• physical problems i.e. pain, reduced vision or hearing
• psychiatric cause i.e. depression, anxiety