Introduction to Mental Healthcare for People with Intellectual Disabilities

Between a quarter and a half of people with learning disabilities also experience mental ill health and it’s vital that professionals working in learning disability or mental health settings have a thorough grounding in practice with people with these complex needs. This textbook provides a comprehensive introduction to the area.

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Between a quarter and a half of people with learning disabilities also experience mental ill health and it is vital that professionals working in learning disability or mental health settings have a thorough grounding in practice with people with these complex needs. This textbook provides a comprehensive introduction to the area.

Divided into five sections, the text covers:



The contexts of care; including contemporary thinking and theoretical frameworks, care delivery practice and service structures.
Common mental health problems; including anxiety and depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder and dementia.
Complex needs; including understanding behavioural phenotypes, neurological disorders, personality disorders and behavioural challenges
Assessment and intervention; focusing on enhancing mental wellbeing through anticipation, awareness and identification of threats to mental health.
The legal and policy context of practice, with particular reference to mental capacity and consent to care and treatment and the complexities of contemporary service provision.

Incorporating service user narratives and case studies throughout, this textbook will equip the reader with the skills to practice competently with people with intellectual disabilities who require mental health support. It is suitable for students and novice practitioners across the health and social care professions.