Visual and Hearing Impairments and their Impact on the Mental Health of Adults with Intellectual Disability

2020 ◽  
pp. 247-264
Author(s):  
Reza Kiani ◽  
Sugato Bhaumik
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Intellectual Disability ◽  
Hearing Impairment ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Hearing Impairments ◽  
Care Givers ◽  
Raising Awareness

Visual and hearing impairments, congenital or acquired, are much more common in people with intellectual disability (ID) than the general population. These can be missed or diagnosed with delay if professionals rely just on the subjective reports by the families/care givers rather than objective screening and assessment. People with ID might be unable to complain about a visual or hearing impairment due to their communication difficulties. Therefore, diagnostic overshadowing might occur whereby these conditions might present with atypical signs and symptoms (e.g. loss of skills, isolation, and challenging behaviours) which could be attributed to dementia, depression, or other mental health problems. There has also been an overrepresentation of autistic-like features and autism spectrum disorder reported in people with visual and hearing impairment. Raising awareness of these comorbidities in people with ID will therefore facilitate early diagnosis and implementation of appropriate management strategies that can improve service provision for this vulnerable population.

Psychiatric Vulnerability in Adults with Intellectual Disability and Autism: A Literature Review

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S133-S133
Author(s):  
S. Coli ◽  
D. Scuticchio ◽  
M. Bertelli
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Intellectual Disability ◽  
Psychiatric Disorders ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Challenging Behaviors ◽  
Diagnostic Procedures ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Co Morbidity

IntroductionAdults with Intellectual disability (ID) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are more vulnerable to mental health problems than the general population.Objectives/aimsThis study investigates presence and rate of psychiatric disorders in comparison with ID or ASD alone, and appropriateness of assessment and diagnostic procedures or tools.MethodsA systematic mapping of the literature was carried out on the basis of the above mentioned issues. The search was conducted using PubMed and ScienceDirect, according to the following keywords: psychiatric comorbidity, psychiatric disorders, autism, ASD, intellectual disability, mental health problems, adults, assessment tools, diagnosis. Twenty-eight papers were selected for pertinence to mapping issues among more than 500.ResultsMany studies show that ASD is an important vulnerability factor for psychiatric co-morbidity and for challenging behaviors (CBs) in adults with ID. Highest rates were reported for psychotic, mood, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorders. Few studies show that the difference between adults with ID plus ASD and adults with only ID are not statistically significant, but for the presence of CBs in those with ID plus ASD. The disagreement of results is based on a variety of factors such as diagnostic over-shadowing, scarcity of specific assessment tools, consideration of the introspective and communication difficulties, incompleteness of medical records, and low reliability of information sources.ConclusionsAlthough low studies concordance, the literature mapping suggests the presence of ASD in ID to be associated with higher rates of psychopathology. Since the relevant implications for prevention and clinical management, further research with high-level evidence is hoped.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Mental health and intellectual disability: integrating different approaches in the neurodevelopmental perspective

2015 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 217-221
Author(s):  
Marco O. Bertelli
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Intellectual Disability ◽  
Time Course ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Developmental Time ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
International Congress ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Perspective Drawing ◽  
Interdisciplinary Approaches

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a critical overview of some main implications of the neurodevelopmental perspective for the field of the mental health in intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorders. Design/methodology/approach – A discussion surrounding the importance of integrating different approaches in the neurodevelopmental perspective, drawing on sources from the paper proposals to the 10th International Congress of the European Association in Mental Health and Intellectual Disability (EAMHID), and the literature. Findings – At present, the neurodevelopmental perspective seems to be the most appropriate and valued conceptual framework to support multi-level, interdisciplinary approaches in understanding the aetiologies of mental health problems as well as when and how to intervene. It inherently exemplifies a dimensional approach, which can capture variations between individuals, their developmental time course, brain-behaviours associations and functional significance better than categorical approaches, and diagnostic measures. Originality/value – This editorial outlines a special issue that offers a comprehensive and varied collection of papers from the contributions to the 10th International Congress of the EAMHID.

scholarly journals Sensory impairment and intellectual disability

2010 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 228-235 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reza Kiani ◽  
Helen Miller
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Intellectual Disability ◽  
Language Development ◽  
Hearing Impairment ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Sensory Impairment ◽  
Early Management ◽  
Raising Awareness ◽  
Detrimental Impact

SummarySensory (visual and hearing) impairment has significant detrimental impact on sociocognitive and language development. Despite this, it is very much underrecognised and underdiagnosed in people with intellectual disability. Raising awareness of sensory impairment among professionals and carers is extremely important for early management to prevent further social handicap in people with intellectual disability. This article reviews sensory impairment in intellectual disability and its association with autism-spectrum disorder and mental illness.

Met and unmet needs among adults with mild to moderate intellectual disability with and without mental health problems

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthias Schützwohl
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Intellectual Disability ◽  
Unmet Needs ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Psychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Service Planning ◽  
Support Needs ◽  
Behaviour Problem ◽  
Prevalence Rates

Background: People with an intellectual disability (ID) show a great number and complex constellation of support needs. With respect to the planning of services, it is important to assess needs at the population level. ID services need to know to what extent support needs of clients with mental health problems differ from support needs of clients without any mental health problem.Aims: The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence rates of needs in relevant study groups. Methods: Data was generated from the MEMENTA-Study (“Mental health care for adults with intellectual disability and a mental disorder”). The Camberwell Assessment of Need for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities (CANDID) was used to assess met und unmet support needs. Data was available for n=248 adults with mild to moderate ID.Results: Mean total number of needs and unmet needs was associated with mental health status. However, in most particular areas under study, individuals without significant psychiatric symptoms or any behaviour problem needed as much as often help as individuals with such mental health problems. A higher rate of need for care among study participants with significant psychiatric symptoms or any behaviour problem was mainly found with regard to these specific areas (“minor mental health problems”, “major mental health problems”, “inappropriate behaviour”) or with regard to closely related areas (“safety of others”).Conclusions: Differences in prevalence rates mainly occurred in such areas of need that rather fall under the responsibility of mental health services than under the responsibility of ID services. This has implications for service planning.

scholarly journals “I Didn’t Know What They Wanted From Me”–the Perspective of Individuals with Mental Disorders on Police Interventions

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Linus Wittmann ◽  
Gunter Groen ◽  
Janusz Ogorka ◽  
Astrid Jörns-Presentati
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Disorder ◽  
Police Officers ◽  
Subjective Experience ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Communication Strategies ◽  
Police Training ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Personal Space ◽  
Police Encounters

AbstractEncounters between individuals with a mental disorder and police forces can be harmful and dangerous for both parties involved. Previous research explored mostly police officers’ subjective experience of these encounters and focused on their recommendations. The present study takes the perspective of individuals with a mental disorder and investigates their subjective experience of dealing with the police. Thirteen semi-structural interviews were conducted with individuals with a history of mental health problems who have had encounters with the police and experienced contact-based anti-stigmatization interventions as consultants. Interviews revolved around the subjective experience of these police encounters. Questionnaires were used to inquire about context factors, individuals’ perceptions of police officers, and their sense of security during these encounters. Furthermore, individuals were asked to rate police officers’ ability to recognize signs and symptoms of ill mental health and give recommendations in regard to adequate communication strategies, interventions, and police training. The results indicate that encounters were experienced predominantly as positive and non-threatening. Participants emphasized the importance of communication strategies with a focus on empathy and respect. Keeping personal space and satisfying basic needs was recommended. Contact-based anti-stigmatization interventions were regarded as an effective approach to reduce stigma. Empathy and respect are perceived as key strategies for police officers when dealing with individuals with a mental disorder. To promote these strategies, trialogical anti-stigmatization interventions and crisis intervention training, including communication skills and face-to-face contact, are promising approaches.

scholarly journals Is social camouflaging associated with anxiety and depression in autistic adults?

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Hull ◽  
Lily Levy ◽  
Meng-Chuan Lai ◽  
K. V. Petrides ◽  
Simon Baron-Cohen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Intellectual Disability ◽  
Social Anxiety ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Autistic Traits ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Autistic People ◽  
Autistic Adults ◽  
Anxiety Depression

Abstract Background There is inconsistent evidence for a clear pattern of association between ‘camouflaging’ (strategies used to mask and/or compensate for autism characteristics during social interactions) and mental health. Methods This study explored the relationship between self-reported camouflaging and generalised anxiety, depression, and social anxiety in a large sample of autistic adults and, for the first time, explored the moderating effect of gender, in an online survey. Results Overall, camouflaging was associated with greater symptoms of generalised anxiety, depression, and social anxiety, although only to a small extent beyond the contribution of autistic traits and age. Camouflaging more strongly predicted generalised and social anxiety than depression. No interaction between camouflaging and gender was found. Limitations These results cannot be generalised to autistic people with intellectual disability, or autistic children and young people. The sample did not include sufficient numbers of non-binary people to run separate analyses; therefore, it is possible that camouflaging impacts mental health differently in this population. Conclusions The findings suggest that camouflaging is a risk factor for mental health problems in autistic adults without intellectual disability, regardless of gender. We also identified levels of camouflaging at which risk of mental health problems is highest, suggesting clinicians should be particularly aware of mental health problems in those who score at or above these levels.

Postpartum Psychosis: Risk factors and Management

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ousman Bajinka
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Maternal Mental Health ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Perinatal Period ◽  
Health Impact ◽  
Postpartum Psychosis ◽  
Specialist Care ◽  
Puerperal Psychosis

Following childbirth, with a psychosis and associated mood disturbance, Postpartum Psychosis (PPP) is studied to be a severe mental health condition. PPP affects 1 to 2 per 1000 women among the psychiatric emergency. To curb this severe disorder, acute clinical intervention is warranted. Maternal mental health problems with a focus on depression as the condition with the biggest public health impact should be the way forward. This review is set to look into the risk factors, prevention and management of PPP. Both the acute onset and recurrence of psychiatric illness are common during the perinatal period as women are more vulnerable during this period. Timely detection and effective management of perinatal psychiatric disorders are critical for managing PPP. Part of the management strategies for women who experience PPP is to seek guidance on further pregnancies and risk of illness. Since PPP is a disturbing complication of childbirth that carries high risks for both mother and child, if one is at high risk of developing puerperal psychosis, there is the need for a specialist care during pregnancy and be seen by a psychiatrist.

Mental Health and Well-Being Among Individuals With a Sensory Loss During COVID-19 Lockdown Measures

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 409-409
Author(s):  
Natascha Merten ◽  
Amy Schultz ◽  
Matthew Walsh ◽  
Suzanne van Landingham ◽  
Paul Peppard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Hearing Impairment ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Vision Impairment ◽  
Sensory Loss ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Sensory Impairment ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Health And Well Being

Abstract Hearing and vision impairment are highly prevalent chronic conditions and are associated with poorer mental health and well-being. Mental health problems may be exacerbated by COVID-19-related lockdown measures and limitations of in-person contacts may affect those with sensory impairments more severely. We aimed to determine whether hearing and/or visual impairment were associated with worse mental health and psychological well-being during lockdown measures in Spring/Summer 2020 in Wisconsin. We included 1341 (64% women, aged 20-92 years) Survey of the Health of Wisconsin participants of a COVID-19 survey (May-June, 2020). We assessed self-reported current mental health and psychological well-being and vision and hearing impairment. Logistic regression models with vision and hearing impairments as determinants and multiple mental health and well-being outcomes were used and adjusted for age, gender, race, education, heart disease, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and diabetes. In preliminary analyses, we found associations of vision impairment with increased odds of generalized anxiety disorder (odds ratio=2.10; 95% confidence interval=1.32-3.29) and depression (2.57; 1.58-4.11). Individuals with a vision impairment were more likely to be taking medication for depression (1.75; 1.13-2.68), report being lonely (1.65; 1.00-2.64) and report hopelessness (1.45; 1.01-2.08). Individuals with a hearing impairment were more likely to be taking depression medications (1.72; 1.07-2.73) and to report being lonely (1.80; 1.05-2.98). Sensory impairment was not associated with stress levels or sense of purpose in life. Individuals with sensory impairment may represent a particularly vulnerable population during the COVID-19 pandemic. Future research should determine underlying reasons and interventions to mitigate this populations’ disadvantages.

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