Psychiatry of intellectual disability (ID)

Abstract

This chapter discusses key information about the psychiatry of intellectual disability (ID). It is focused on the mental health needs of people with intellectual disability. The terms used to describe intellectual (learning) disability are reviewed together with the concept of intellectual developmental disorders (IDD)—a concept of neuro-developmental disorders with global impairment in general intellectual functioning including planning, judgement, learning, and abstract thinking. People with ID present with physical and mental illness, and it is important to be aware of the impact of ID on these presentations. Key topics include: • What is meant by ID. • Causes and co-morbidities of ID. • The impact ID may have on presentations of mental and physical illness. • How to identify and manage challenging behaviours. • Principles of intervention in ID. Practical tips include: • Key items to consider in deterioration of behaviour. • Strategies for the management of challenging behaviour. • Key behaviours (and pitfalls) in assessment in ID.