RANZCP Foundation Masterclass: Intellectual Disability and Psychiatry

Why it matters: about the mental health of people with intellectual disability, and the psychiatrist’s role

People with intellectual disability represent approximately 2% of the population. People with intellectual disability experience significantly worse health and mental health outcomes than people without intellectual disability. The risk of psychiatric conditions in this population is related to a range of medical, social and psychological factors. Some genetic causes of intellectual disability also predispose this population. Despite disproportional mental health needs, access to effective mental health treatments and supports remains a problem for this population. This presentation reviews current knowledge about mental health and wellbeing for this group and examines what psychiatrists can do to improve mental health outcomes.

Participants will be able to understand and apply knowledge related to the health and mental health experiences of people with intellectual disability.

Making sense of mental illness and behaviours of concern: Approach to the assessment

People with intellectual disability experience high rates of unmet mental health needs, which intersect with the disability and co-occurring physical health conditions. Behaviours of concern - that is, behaviours that pose risks to the individual’s or others’ safety or quality of life - are a common reason for psychiatric presentation. These behaviours may signal, mask or complicate underlying mental illness or physical health conditions, making assessment challenging. This session provides a structured framework to understand the interplay between behaviour, mental illness, physical health, and disability, and to equip psychiatrists to more effectively assess behaviour change in this population.

Participants will identify the diverse factors that can contribute to behaviour change in individuals with intellectual disability, including mental illness, and develop an effective assessment framework.

What I Wish You Knew: In Conversation with a Lived Experience Perspective 

This session provides insight into what a person with lived experience wishes that psychiatrists knew about working with people with intellectual disability. This population often don’t receive mental healthcare that suits their needs. Some people don’t feel included in their mental health decisions or understand what they need to do to improve their mental health. If we address these issues, we can help to reduce the poor mental health outcomes seen for people with intellectual disability. In conversation, we unpack how psychiatrists can make mental healthcare more accessible through effective communication techniques and reasonable adjustments.

Participants will gain knowledge on how to work with and communicate effectively with people with intellectual disability.

Approaches to managing mental illness and behaviours of concern

This session provides an overview and approach to the management of mental illness and behaviours of concern in individuals with intellectual disability. 

Participants will learn about available evidence-based therapeutic interventions and how to access these. Emphasis is placed on person-centered approaches, collaboration with support teams, and understanding the complex interplay between intellectual disability and mental health. They will gain skills for improving clinical outcomes while reducing challenging behaviors through compassionate, informed care and knowledge of available treatment options.