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Yr3 Psych > Learning Disability > Flashcards

Flashcards in Learning Disability Deck (10)
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1
Q

Define a LD?

A

Arrested/incomplete development of mind, esp characterized by impairment of skills manifested in developmental period e.g. cognitive, language, social or motor skills

2
Q

What are the criteria for diagnosing a LD?

A

1) Intellectual impairment (IQ<70)
2) Onsets in developmental period (i.e. <18)
3) Adaptive dysfunction - Deficit in 2+ of:
- Communication
- Self Care
- Home living
- Social skills
- Community use
- Self-Direction
- Health & Safety
- Functional academics
- Leisure & work

3
Q

How do we classify a LD?

A
By IQ:
<70  = mild
<50 = moderate
<35 = severe
<20 = Profound

In practice (esp at severe/profound level) this is a clinical judgement due to difficulty in testing

4
Q

Most LDs are unknown in causation, but what causes are there?

A

Genetics e.g. Down’s or Fragile X
Infection e.g. antenatal rubella or postnatal meningitis
Toxins e.g. FAS
Trauma e.g. Birth asphyxia or head injury

5
Q

Learning difficulties are associated with a lot of physical problems, list some of the major ones:

A
  • Epilepsy
  • Sensory impairment (sight/hearing)
  • Obesity
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • LRTI
  • Osteoporosis
  • GI problems e.g. constipation
6
Q

Mental health problems are more common in people with LD

A

In fact they increase with severity of LD

7
Q

What’s different about how you assess someone with LD for a psychiatric disorder?

A

They tend to complain less of mood changes and express other problems less.

So there’s much more focus on noting behavioural changes e.g. compulsive actions in OCD

8
Q

LD can bring with it some challenging behaviours, some of which may cause self-harm, that are not part of a psych disorder such as..

A

Strange Mannerisms
Rocking
Head-banging

9
Q

Are people with LDs more likely to commit a crime?

A

No but they’re more likely to commit certain crimes e.g. arson & sexual exhibitionism

10
Q

How does diagnostic overshadowing apply to LD sufferers?

A

It’s important not to assume a behaviour/complaint from someone with a LD is because of their LD, also look for all the same problems as you would in anyone else.

But also LDs can cause some behaviours that may look like something else e.g. overactivity & impulsivity mistaken for ADHD