Cognitive-Behaviour Therapy for People with Learning Disabilities

2005 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Learning Disabilities ◽  
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy ◽  
Behaviour Therapy ◽  
Cognitive Behaviour

The use of cognitive behaviour therapy to treat depression in people with learning disabilities: a systematic review

2015 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 54-64 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline Jennings ◽  
Olivia Hewitt
Keyword(s):  
Learning Disabilities ◽  
Learning Disability ◽  
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Behaviour Therapy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Psychological Therapies ◽  
Cognitive Behaviour

Purpose – Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) is currently one of the recommended treatments for depression for the general population and guidance recommends that people with a learning disability should have access to the same treatments as people without a learning disability. The purpose of this paper is to identify, outline and evaluate current research on the effectiveness of CBT for depression for people with a learning disability. The clinical, service and research implications are considered. Design/methodology/approach – A systematic search was conducted and five relevant articles were identified for critical review. Findings – There is a limited but promising evidence base for the use of CBT for depression with people with learning disabilities. Research limitations/implications – The current review identified a number of methodological issues and future research should attempt to overcome these (e.g. small sample sizes and lack of controls). In particular, research should focus on determining the relative contribution of cognitive and behavioural techniques in producing a change in depressive symptoms. Practical implications – Services (including those provided as part of Improving Access to Psychological Therapies) should be offering CBT-based interventions for people with learning disabilities who are experiencing depression. Originality/value – This paper provides a comprehensive and up to date review of the current literature regarding the use of CBT for depression for people with a learning disability. This will be of value to clinicians working with people with a learning disability as well as those commissioning services.

scholarly journals Commentary on “The use of cognitive behaviour therapy to treat depression in people with learning disabilities: a systematic review”

2015 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 65-68
Author(s):  
Peter E. Langdon
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Learning Disabilities ◽  
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy ◽  
Research Experience ◽  
Behaviour Therapy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Psychological Therapies ◽  
Cognitive Behavioural ◽  
Cognitive Behaviour ◽  
People With Intellectual Disabilities

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a commentary on “The use of cognitive-behaviour therapy to treat depression in people with learning disabilities: a systematic review”. Design/methodology/approach – Drawing on the literature, as well as both clinical and research experience, some reasons are outlined for the lack of attention given to psychological therapies to treat depression amongst people with intellectual disabilities (IDs). Findings – More research is needed, but existing evidence is promising regarding the effectiveness of adapted cognitive-behaviour therapy for depression amongst people with IDs. Originality/value – The commentary draws attention to the scope for developing a range of effective cognitive, behavioural and cognitive-behavioural treatments.

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