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Epidemiology of self-injurious behaviour in adults with learning disabilities

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

Richard A. Collacott ,
Sally-Ann Cooper ,
David Branford  and
Catherine McGrother
Richard A. Collacott
Affiliation:
Western Isles Health Board, Derby
Sally-Ann Cooper*
Affiliation:
Rockingham Forest NHS Trust, Kettering
David Branford
Affiliation:
Derby
Catherine McGrother
Affiliation:
Department of Epidemiology, Leicester University
*
Dr Sally-Ann Cooper, St Mary's Hospital, London Road, Kettering, Northants NN15 7PW
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Abstract

Background

There have been few epidemiological studies of the disabling and poorly understood disorder self-injurious behaviour among adults with learning disabilities.

Method

Interviews were undertaken with the carers of adults known to the Leicestershire Learning Disabilities Register (n=2277). The Disability Assessment Schedule was used and information was also collected on demographic characteristics, developmental and physical status.

Results

Self-injurious behaviour was present in 17.4% of the population. In 1.7% self-injurious behaviour occurred frequently and was severe. There was no gender difference between those with and without self-injurious behaviour. Both the chronological age and developmental quotient of individuals with self-injurious behaviour were lower than those of individuals without self-injurious behaviour. Autistic symptoms were more common among those with self-injurious behaviour. The association of self-injurious behaviour with a wide range of other maladaptive behaviours was highly significant. Logistic regression analysis retained age, developmental quotient, hearing status, immobility and number of autistic symptoms as explanatory variables for self-injurious behaviour.

Conclusions

Self-injurious behaviour is a prevalent and disabling disorder among adults with learning disabilities.

Type
Papers
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 173 , Issue 5 , November 1998 , pp. 428 - 432
Copyright
Copyright © 1998 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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