Learning Disability Psychiatry Flashcards
1
Q
What is the ICD-01 definition of a learning disability?
A
- a condition of arrest or incomplete development of the mind
- which is especially characterised by impairment of skills manifested during the developmental period
- which contribute to the overall level of intelligence
- i.e. cognitive, language, motor, social
2
Q
What is the criteria of a learning disability?
A
- intellectual impairment (IQ < 70)
- social or adaptive dysfunction (Vineland scale)
- deficits/impair in 2 or more; communication, self-care, home living, social skills, community use, self direction, health + safety, functional academics, leisure + work
- onset in the developmental period (age 18)
3
Q
How are learning disabilities classified?
A
Classified by IQ:
- mild- 50-69
- moderate- 35-49
- severe- 20-34
- profound- < 20
4
Q
What is the aetiology of learning disabilities?
A
- genetics
- infective
- anti-natal, e.g. rubella
- post-natal, e.g. meningitis
- toxic
- e.g. fetal alcohol syndrome
- trauma
- e.g. birth asphyxia, head injury
- unknown
5
Q
What common/important conditions are associated with learning disabilities/
A
- epilepsy
- sensory impairment
- obesity
- GI
- respiratory
- cerebral palsy
- orthopaedic problems
- dermatological + dental
6
Q
What is assessed in psychiatry of learning disabilities?
A
- aetiology of learning diability
- associated biomedical conditions
- severity of learning disability
- psychiatric disorders- cause + consequences
7
Q
What are features of schizophrenia/psychosis in learning disabilities?
A
- 3% prevelance (general is 1%)
- change in personality, reduction in functional abilities
- ‘self-talk’ common, especially Down’s syndrome
8
Q
What are features of mood disorders in learning disabilites?
A
- inc. incidence
- less likely to complain of mood changes
- note changes in behaviour i.e biological symptoms
9
Q
What are features of OCD in learning disabilities?
A
- ritualistic behaviour + obsessional themes, significantly inc.
- obsessions hard to describe
- compulsions readily observed
10
Q
What are features of challenging behaviour and self injury in learning disabilities?
A
- mannerisms, head banging, rocking common with severe LD
- inc. prevelance with inc. severity
11
Q
What is diagnosis overshadowing?
A
- presenting symptoms being put down to one’s learning disability, rather than seeking another, potentially treatable cause
- assess sociopsychobiological causes
