Welcome to the 22nd WCP Congress Program Scheduling

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This presentation describes disorders of intellectual development previously known as Intellectual Disability or Mental Retardation which consist of behavioural and cognitive disorders which arises during the developmental period - prior to the age of 18. A person with a disorder of intellectual development will have a reduced ability to understand new or complex information and thus have difficulty learning and applying new skills, which is a sign of impaired intelligence. This is associated with a reduced ability to cope independently which is described as impaired social functioning. When there are concerns relating to their behaviour or mental state, professional or family carers will seek an opinion for the behaviour change. Psychiatrists will need to undertake an assessment and offer treatment and support to manage the change.

People with disorders of intellectual development suffer from high levels of common mental illnesses like depression, anxiety and schizophrenia and frequently have co-existing conditions like Autistic Spectrum Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Frequently coexisting physical and sensory disabilities, social deprivation and experience of trauma and abuse will play a contributory role. These complexities need to be understood and the treatment and support needs to be tailored to the issues in each individual case. The prescribing of drugs needs to achieve a fine balance between managing mental, physical and social co-morbidities against possible side effects.

Participants will receive an introduction to these issues which they can use to inform their existing practice.

Abstract Body

The mental health needs of people with Disorders of Intellectual Development (DID)are easily overlooked due to a low level of appropriate skills, knowldege and training in staff working in mainstream mental health services. This can lead to suboptimal treatment being provided resulting in poor outcomes. The WPA is commited to dealing with this situation by providing a webinar serving as an introduction to the psychiatric needs of people with disorders of intellectual development.The presentation is divided into the following sections

1. Introduction

2. Causes of common DID

3. Coexisting Autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

4. Coexistng Epilepsy

5. Coexisting physical problems

6. Ageing in people with DID

7. Assessment of Mental health needs of people with DID

8. Managemen tof Mental Disorders

Once this resource is uploaded to the WPA educational portal participants will need to complete a brief self assessment excercise to be issued with a certificate of completion