Inter-disciplinary multi-modal assessment for mental health problems in people with intellectual disabilities

doi:10.1017/CBO9780511543616.004

3 - Inter-disciplinary multi-modal assessment for mental health problems in people with intellectual disabilities

from Part I - Assessment and diagnosis

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 15 December 2009

Jean O'hara

Edited by

Nick Bouras and

Geraldine Holt

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Jean O'hara: Affiliation:
Consultant Psychiatrist, York Clinic, Guy's Hospital, London
Nick Bouras: Affiliation:
King's College London
Geraldine Holt: Affiliation:
King's College London

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Summary

Introduction

The advantages of a co-ordinated, inter-disciplinary approach to the assessment, diagnosis, treatment and management of mental health problems in individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) are generally accepted. However, the degree of co-ordination, and the timeliness of assessments and interventions can make it difficult to pull the various strands of information together. Without this co-ordination and overview, the histories of individuals with ID tend to remain fragmented, lost and forgotten. This may then be perpetuated by poorly documented clinical notes, incomplete personal, social and treatment histories, inadequate mental state and physical state examinations or investigations, and minimal attempts to document an understanding of why a person is presenting with a particular set of problems or needs, at a particular time in their lives.

The theory and research evidence behind assessment of mental health, self-injurious behaviours, challenging needs and the importance of excluding underlying physical health problems are covered elsewhere in this volume (see Chapters 5 by Lennox, 7 by Stavrakaki and Lunsky, 8 by Clarke, 9 by Lindsay, 13 by Saulnier and Volkmar, 14 by Hillery and Dodd, 10 by Cooper and Holland and 11 by Murphy and Mason). Diagnostic criteria, rating scales and interview schedules are also covered elsewhere (see Chapter 2 by Mohr and Costello). A comprehensive review of rating instruments can also be found in Lecavalier & Aman (2005). This chapter focuses on the practical approach to inter-disciplinary, multi-modal mental health assessments of individuals with ID.

Type: Chapter
Information: Psychiatric and Behavioural Disorders in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities , pp. 42 - 61

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511543616.004 [Opens in a new window]

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Print publication year: 2007

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