Citation
Chaplin, E. and O'Hara, J. (2016), "Editorial", Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities, Vol. 10 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/AMHID-04-2016-0007
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Editorial
Eddie Chaplin and Jean O’Hara
Article Type: Editorial From: Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities, Volume 10, Issue 3.
Welcome to edition 10.3. This issue features papers highlighting areas to develop clinical practice from looking how we can improve care and outcomes and training staff in the latest care models.
The first paper by Tveter and colleagues, examines the reliability and validity of the UKU-SERS – ID, a side effect rating scale modified for people with intellectual disabilities. Part of the process of adapting any scale is not to compromise its effectiveness whilst making it accessible to whichever group is targeted. The paper reports promising early indications as to its feasibility and acceptability and provides a useful addition to clinical practice. This paper addresses an important issue in light of the increased use of psychotropic medication for people with intellectual disabilities compared to other groups accessing mental health care. A lack of training around medication side effects can also impact on overall quality of life and increase the risk of long-term health conditions.
The second paper by Walton and Kerr, is a systematic review examining the prevalence and nature of depression which is estimated to occur at rates of between 17.4-22 per cent of people with Prader Willi Syndrome. Systematic reviews aim to synthesise available information to inform clinical practice and future research. This review examines common symptoms reported including the psychotic symptoms for people with Prader Will Syndrome suffering from depression.
The third paper by Ashworth and colleagues, reports the introduction of a staff training programme for DBT developed as an intervention around suicide with personality disorders. The principles and use of DBT has extended to the treatment of other groups, including people with intellectual disabilities in secure services. This paper outlines the training process and the rationale for the delivered programme. This paper highlights the need for training to improve the implementation of interventions in clinical practice by increasing staff awareness and expertise in using psychological models to deliver evidence based care.
The fourth paper from McInnis offers a perspective from a disability psychotherapist. The paper seeks to open a discussion about providing psychotherapy in the NHS for people with intellectual disabilities who have emotional and/or behavioural problems. This is a particular problem in the community, and whilst we encourage people to seek help often that is not there. The paper provides a well-articulated argument and insight into the complexities and barriers to delivering psychotherapy to people with intellectual disabilities.
The final paper from Beyer and colleagues reports on the results of a research project across nine local authority areas in Wales, UK (The Real Opportunities Project). The study reports on supported work experience via small job coaching teams in each local authority and aimed to establish the impact of the work experience and employment teams by describing the placements provided, any change in the skills of young people, and the responses to the placements by employers, young people and their families. The paper provides new insight into the impact of a number of supported work experience placements and how these placements can support transition to adulthood for people with intellectual disabilities.
I hope you enjoy this edition of the journal and wish to thank you for your continuing support of Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities. We invite contributions from our readers to the journal and welcome organisations or individuals to put forward themes for future editions. We welcome submissions from the range of health and social care professionals, if you require any further information please contact me at the Estia (mailto: mailto:chapline@lsbu.ac.uk).).