Invisible carers
Article Abstract:
People with learning disabilities often have a caring role which goes unnoticed by professionals who perceive the person as a client. Role reversals often take place in which the person with the learning disability begins to have a more caring role in regard to aging parents. This role needs recognition and support. The relative with the learning disability may provide companionship, which is a complex role. They also experience emotions which they frequently cannot express, but which may surface as behaviours which are then treated inappropriately by professionals.
Publication Name: Nursing Times
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0954-7762
Year: 1997
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Confusing diagnoses
Article Abstract:
Several studies suggest that mental health disorders are more prevalent among people with learning disabilities than among the population as a whole, but the problem of determining whether inappropriate behaviour stems from mental illness or from a learning disability makes diagnosis difficult. Changes in behaviour are particularly relevant when trying to determine whether a person with a learning disability is suffering from a mental health disorder. Detection and diagnosis should be based on multiple sources of information, including interviews with carers.
Publication Name: Nursing Times
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0954-7762
Year: 1996
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Advantageous liaisons
Article Abstract:
Liaison psychiatry operates in general hospitals to discover ways of preventing people from committing suicide. The majority of the work is the assessment of suicidal patients, 42% of whom are aged 16-34. Health professionals are aiming to reduce incidence by 2000 to a maximum of 9.4 suicides per 100,000 of the population. The liaison psychiatry team works with other health care staff to tackle problems and discuss patient needs. The team correlates patient data such as age, ethnic background, gender and keeps detailed case notes on each person treated.
Publication Name: Nursing Times
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0954-7762
Year: 1996
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