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Epidemiology of psychiatric disorders in elderly compared with younger adults with learning disabilities

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 January 2018

Sally-Ann Cooper
Sally-Ann Cooper*
Affiliation:
Rockingham Forest NHS Trust, St Marys Hospital, London Road, Kettering, Northants NN15 7PW
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Abstract

Background

The literature regarding psychiatric illness among elderly people with learning disabilities is limited and conflicting because of methodological differences. There have been no recent studies comparing psychiatric epidemiology between younger and older adults with learning disabilities, using the same methodology and definitions.

Method

Comprehensive psychiatric examination using a semi-structured rating scale was undertaken on everyone with learning disabilities, aged 65 years or over (n= 134), living in a defined geographical area. Comparison was made with a randomly selected control group of adults with learning disabilities aged 20–65 years (n=73) drawn from the same geographical area.

Results

Elderly people with learning disabilities have a greater prevalence of psychiatric morbidity than younger controls (68.7v. 47.9%). Rates for depression and anxiety disorders are high, and dementia is common: there are equal rates for schizophrenia/delusional disorders, autism and behaviour disorders in the two groups.

Conclusions

The higher psychiatric morbidity among elderly (compared with younger) people with learning disabilities has not previously received adequate recognition. This warrants further investigation by service planners and clinicians.

Type
Papers
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 170 , Issue 4 , April 1997 , pp. 375 - 380
Copyright
Copyright © 1997 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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