{"title":"A review of recent clinical measures that can be used to support psychological therapies with adults with intellectual disabilities","authors":"Thom Gourley, L. Yates","doi":"10.1108/amhid-01-2022-0005","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/amhid-01-2022-0005","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000Psychometrically sound measures are essential for clinical practice to provide appropriate therapeutic input. Vlissides et al. (2016) reviewed measures used in psychological therapies with people who have intellectual disabilities (ID). This paper aims to review the evidence for the psychometric properties of recent clinical measures published since/overlooked by Vlissides et al. (2016).\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000A literature search was conducted to identify relevant clinical measures. Experts in the field also were contacted. Twenty papers were identified, relating to five novel clinical measures: psychological therapies outcome scale – intellectual disabilities, clinical outcome in routine evaluation – learning disabilities scale 30, quality of early relatedness rating scale, scale of emotional development – short and the Frankish assessment of the impact of trauma.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000Evidence was found supporting a proportion of the psychometric properties of each measure, and some measures were found to be useful in directing interventions and informing clinical decisions. None of the measures identified, however, are yet to be fully psychometrically investigated, requiring further research.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first to review the evidence of psychometric properties for these five emerging clinical measures and as such contributes an original perspective on their current state and requirements for future development.\u0000","PeriodicalId":44693,"journal":{"name":"Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2022-03-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47426490","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Evaluating a mindfulness-based group intervention for adults with intellectual disabilities","authors":"Niall Power, G. Rawlings, C. Bennett","doi":"10.1108/amhid-01-2022-0001","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/amhid-01-2022-0001","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000There is growing evidence examining mindfulness-based interventions (MI) for people with intellectual disabilities (IDs). As discussed in this paper, MI may be particularly suited for people with ID given high rates of difficulties in identifying and regulating emotions and as this approach may rely less on cognitive ability compared to other therapies. This study aims to assess the acceptability and preliminary effectiveness of a six-session MI group [the Coping Well Group (CWG)] delivered within routine clinical practice.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000Six separate cohorts (n = 25) of adults with ID attended CWG. Quantitative data were collected from service users, including a pre- and post-quality of life (QoL) measure and qualitative data from group facilitators.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000Roughly one-half (53%) of service users invited to the group attended at least one session, with low levels of dropout observed among group attendees. A significant improvement in QoL was reported demonstrating a small effect (d = 0.46, p = 0.022) after attending the group. Most service users (72%) were referred to the CWG for help managing difficult emotions. One-half (44%) of attendees required individual therapy after attending the group. Limitations of the evaluation and potential future research are discussed.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000The current evaluation contributes a practice-based service evaluation of an MI group for people with ID and mental health difficulties to the currently limited evidence base. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the first studies to investigate the impact of group psychological interventions collecting data across cohorts and assessing QoL, a more general measure of well-being than has been used previously.\u0000","PeriodicalId":44693,"journal":{"name":"Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2022-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45789078","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"“You’re changing the pattern”: cognitive analytic team formulation with learning disabilities care staff","authors":"R. Russell, K. Theodore, Julie Lloyd","doi":"10.1108/amhid-05-2021-0024","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/amhid-05-2021-0024","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000This study aims to explore how care staff working with people with learning disabilities experienced psychologist-facilitated team formulation sessions in a cognitive analytic style (contextual reformulation).\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000Eleven participants attended at least one contextual reformulation session regarding a client their team referred because of challenging behaviour. Post-intervention semi-structured interviews were analysed using qualitative inductive thematic analysis.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000Five themes were developed: multiple roles and functions of sessions and clinicians; challenging behaviour in relationship; making links – understanding can be enlightening, containing and practical; the process of developing a shared understanding and approach; and caught between two perspectives. Findings suggested contextual reformulation helped staff see challenging behaviour as relational, provided them with the space to reflect on their emotions and relate compassionately to themselves and others, and ultimately helped them to focus their interventions on understanding and relationally managing rather than acting to reduce behaviour.\u0000\u0000\u0000Research limitations/implications\u0000Qualitative methodology allows no causal inferences to be made. Ten of 11 participants were female.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000This qualitative study adds to the limited research base on team formulation in learning disabilities settings and specifically that using a cognitive analytic approach.\u0000","PeriodicalId":44693,"journal":{"name":"Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2022-01-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41550843","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"EMDR therapy with people who have intellectual disabilities: process, adaptations and outcomes","authors":"Joanne Porter","doi":"10.1108/amhid-07-2021-0033","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/amhid-07-2021-0033","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000Emerging evidence indicates that adapted eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) can be useful for people with intellectual disabilities in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, the required adaptations are not described in enough detail across the literature, making it difficult for therapists to easily adapt EMDR for people with intellectual disabilities. This paper aims to address this by describing 14 clinical cases, along with outcome data for six people, and the views of five people with intellectual disabilities about EMDR.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000A total of 14 people with mild or moderate intellectual disabilities and varied experiences of trauma were offered EMDR by one clinical psychologist in a UK NHS setting; nine people completed EMDR therapy, six people provided outcome data with pre-post measures and five people were asked two questions about EMDR therapy.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000Adaptations are described. The outcome data indicate reductions in symptoms of PTSD following EMDR intervention. EMDR was liked and perceived as useful.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000This paper provides details about adaptations that can be made to the standard EMDR protocol, reports the views of service users about EMDR and adds evidence that EMDR reduces symptoms of PTSD in people who have intellectual disabilities.\u0000","PeriodicalId":44693,"journal":{"name":"Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2022-01-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42999453","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
A. Cuesta Vargas, D. Pérez Cruzado, Alejandro Rodriguez Moya
{"title":"Relationship between quality of life and physical fitness in adults with intellectual disabilities","authors":"A. Cuesta Vargas, D. Pérez Cruzado, Alejandro Rodriguez Moya","doi":"10.1108/amhid-03-2021-0014","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/amhid-03-2021-0014","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000People with intellectual disabilities have lower levels of physical fitness compared with peers without intellectual disability, because of the high levels of sedentary behaviour in this population. This study aims to know the relationship between quality of life and physical fitness in adults with intellectual disability.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000Ninety-six adults with intellectual disability were assessed with quality of life questionnaire and physical fitness tests, which involve balance, muscle strength, flexibility and aerobic condition.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000Adults with higher self-reported levels of quality of life reported higher levels of physical fitness in balance, muscular strength and flexibility. In contrast, in aerobic condition were not found significant correlations with self-reported quality of life.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000These findings support the hypothesis that people with intellectual disability with lower levels of physical fitness could influence in their levels of quality of life. This insight is useful for improving treatments to improve physical fitness in this population.\u0000","PeriodicalId":44693,"journal":{"name":"Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2022-01-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44064510","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jonathan Ee, Jan Mei Lim, B. Stenfert Kroese, J. Rose
{"title":"Understanding the mental health experiences of adult men with intellectual disabilities in Singapore","authors":"Jonathan Ee, Jan Mei Lim, B. Stenfert Kroese, J. Rose","doi":"10.1108/amhid-06-2021-0029","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/amhid-06-2021-0029","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000This study aims to explore the experiences of people with intellectual disabilities in Singapore receiving inpatient mental health treatment. To date, there has not been any research that examines the views and experiences of this population in Singapore. The research examines how the participants view their mental health problems and their experiences of the services they received.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000A qualitative design was chosen to address the research question. Six adult men with intellectual disabilities were recruited from the tertiary hospital and interviewed. The transcripts of these interviews were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000Four super-ordinate themes were identified; awareness of mental health problems; yearn for a life outside the ward; interacting with other people and finding purpose.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000The participants reported that they struggled with being segregated from their families and communities following an inpatient admission. They were able to report on the emotional difficulties that they experienced and hoped to find employment after their discharge from the hospital. They talked about reconstructing their self-identity and forming friendships to cope with their hospital stay. This research is one of its kind carried out in a non-western society and the findings are discussed in the light of how mental health professionals can best support people with intellectual disabilities during their inpatient treatment.\u0000","PeriodicalId":44693,"journal":{"name":"Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2021-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45285760","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The development and evaluation of an integrated intensive support service","authors":"Karen Dodd, Victoria. Laute, Selven Daniel","doi":"10.1108/amhid-04-2021-0021","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/amhid-04-2021-0021","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000This paper aims to describe the development and evaluation of integrated intensive support service (ISS) for adults with learning disabilities who have complex needs and are at risk of admission to an inpatient unit.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000Existing services were remodelled. The service explored external service models and established an integrated ISS comprising intensive community support and intensive support beds.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000Data indicates that the majority of people referred to the service avoid both admission to an inpatient unit and placement breakdown. Most people admitted to the inpatient unit are not known to community services. Length of stay has significantly reduced.\u0000\u0000\u0000Practical implications\u0000Other services can use the information to remodel how to provide intensive support and avoid admission to an inpatient unit.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000It demonstrates how remodelling can drive improvements to reduce placement breakdown and risk of admission.\u0000","PeriodicalId":44693,"journal":{"name":"Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2021-11-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44997349","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Exploring maintaining gains following therapy during the coronavirus pandemic with adults with an intellectual disability","authors":"J. Purrington, Arthur Nye, N. Beail","doi":"10.1108/amhid-05-2021-0023","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/amhid-05-2021-0023","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000The novel coronavirus and associated mitigation efforts have caused significant increases in stress for adults with intellectual disabilities. Such increases in life stress predict an increased risk of relapse following psychological therapy. This contributes to the high global disease burden of common mental health difficulties. Therefore, this paper aims to explore service user experiences of maintaining gains following therapy within the context of the Covid-19 pandemic.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000A mixed-methods evaluation was completed in a psychology service based in the North of England which specialises in supporting adults with intellectual disabilities. Descriptive statistics and effect size calculations were used to examine therapeutic outcomes pre-therapy, post-therapy, and at follow-up. These findings informed a framework analysis of eight semi-structured interviews.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000Overall, outcome results improved post-therapy and regressed at follow-up. The framework analysis revealed facilitators to maintenance include a recollection of specific aspects of therapy and the regular utilisation of strategies and resources. Conversely, barriers to maintenance include a recollection focussed on personal outcome, a reliance on social support and an inability to remember therapy.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000This is the only study to the authors’ knowledge examining service user experiences of maintaining gains following therapy within the context of Covid-19. It is hoped that these findings will inform further research and be useful for services in preparing service users for discharge as the Covid-19 pandemic continues and moves towards the post-pandemic phase.\u0000","PeriodicalId":44693,"journal":{"name":"Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2021-10-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48516684","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Peter Baker, Vivien Cooper, Winnie Tsang, Isabelle Garnett, N. Blackman
{"title":"A survey of complex trauma in families who have children and adults who have a learning disability and/or autism","authors":"Peter Baker, Vivien Cooper, Winnie Tsang, Isabelle Garnett, N. Blackman","doi":"10.1108/amhid-07-2021-0032","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/amhid-07-2021-0032","url":null,"abstract":"Purpose\u0000There is an established literature supporting the idea that families who have children and adults who have a learning disability and/or autism have a greater vulnerability to mental health problems or poor psychological health. There are shortcomings in this literature in that there is a little consideration of the impact the families interaction with services has on their well-being. It is argued that complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD), with its focus on prolonged chronic exposure to trauma experiences and the recognition that this can occur in adulthood, may well be an appropriate framework to enable a better understanding of the experiences of families.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000A total of 214 family members completed a co-produced online survey in relation to potential traumatic events, impacts and support.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000The experiences of family carers of children and adults with a learning disability and/or who are autistic would appear to be multi-layered and complex, with many experiencing a wide range of traumatic events with the associated emotional and personal sequela. The reported responses are consistent with CPTSD with 10% of having received a diagnosis of PTSD. Their experience was that the system failed not only to provide support but also created additional trauma.\u0000\u0000\u0000Practical implications\u0000A trauma-informed approach needs to be adopted by agencies and professionals that serve families to ensure they understand their potential contribution to the trauma families experience.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that has attempted to examine the experience of families using the framework of CPTSD.","PeriodicalId":44693,"journal":{"name":"Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2021-09-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49105053","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Change processes within team formulations in intellectual disabilities services: what do multi-disciplinary staff find helpful?","authors":"Gemma Hymers, D. Dagnan, B. Ingham","doi":"10.1108/amhid-03-2021-0016","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/amhid-03-2021-0016","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000A biopsychosocial case formulation is an important tool for understanding complexity and guiding treatment for people with intellectual disabilities. It has been suggested that formulation meetings develop staff understanding of individuals they support. This study aims to explore the change processes that occur as a result of professional team formulation meetings, and the mechanisms that facilitate and hinder these events.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000Eight clinicians who took part in multi-disciplinary team-based formulations in an inpatient mental health service for adults with intellectual disabilities were interviewed. Interviews were examined using thematic analysis.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000The key themes identified were: “gaining information”, “altered thoughts” and “focused goals”. These themes were supported by “collaborative working” and “time for reflection” and were hindered by “poor communication and interaction” and inconsistent “staff attendance”.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000Multi-disciplinary team formulation meetings may have a number of change processes that affect staff knowledge and perception of the people that they support. The facilitation of these processes should be a focus for further development.\u0000","PeriodicalId":44693,"journal":{"name":"Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2021-09-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44563558","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}