In this context, Dual Diagnosis refers to the presence of a intellectual/developmental disability and a psychiatric diagnosis or a general mental health need. Both need to be present to be classified as a dual diagnosis.
Conservative estimates state that 30% to 35% of all developmentally disabled persons have a psychiatric disorder (Sovner, 1990).
*Note: These contents are assembled from several web sites, some of whom are now defunct. Although I have the documents in my records, I've provided the current links to available items. Copies of material from defunct sites, as well as my works, are provided below. Copyright belongs to the authors and/or publishers of the material according to the information contained in the documents. An internet search of the titles or of content from the material should be made for referencing purposes. The owner of this web site only claims authorship where indicated within the material.
Accessible Mental Health Services for People with an Intellectual Disability A Guide for Providers 2014 Australia — People with an intellectual disability experience mental ill health at a rate which far exceeds that of the general population. The vulnerability to mental disorder is complex, and arises from an interplay between the intellectual disability and other medical, social and psychological factors.
A Family Guide to Dual Diagnosis 2013 — This resource is divided into three parts: Part I: Understanding dual diagnosis provides an overview of dual diagnosis, an introduction to treatment options and information about developmental disabilities and mental health problems and how they interact. Part II: Supporting families focuses on the impact of dual diagnosis on family life. It includes information on experiencing, understanding and coping with dual diagnosis, and on self-care strategies for family members. Part III: Working with services explores treatment and support for people affected by dual diagnosis.
Alternative Meanings of "Psychotic" Behavior: A Case Example Involving Dissociative Phenomena in a Woman With Mild Mental Retardation and a History of Severe Childhood Physical Abuse 2004 — Very interesting and potentially useful case report.
Assessment of Mental Health Problems in People with Intellectual Disabilities 2006 — Although it is widely accepted that individuals with intellectual disabilities face an increased vulnerability to developing mental health problems, there is currently a lack of agreement about the most appropriate form of assessment.
Challenging Behaviour and Psychiatric Disorder in Intellectual Disability David Allen; Dee Davies 2007 — The relationship between challenging behaviour and psychiatric disorder has yet to be adequately explored in the research literature. While both undoubtedly coexist in some people with intellectual disability, available research suggests that it is unlikely that disturbances in psychiatric functioning will underpin the majority of challenging behaviours.
Clinical Best Practices for Serving People with Developmental Disabilities and Mental Illness -Ohio 2002 — People with developmental disabilities and co-occurring mental illness are among the most vulnerable of Ohio’s citizens. All people have value, and all people should have access to needed services and supports regardless of disability.
Clinical Services Planning for Adults with Intellectual Disability and Co-occurring Mental Disorders 2014 — This document articulates the rational for a specific model of public mental health care for adults with an Intellectual Disability (ID) and co-occurring mental health disorders.
Communication with Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities and Psychiatric Disabilities: A Summary of the Literature 2012 — Governmental agencies serve individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ID) and Psychiatric Disabilities (PD) and must consequently communicate with these individuals at multiple points, from interviews with claims representatives to written notices sent to applicants and beneficiaries about highly complex material. We review the social scientific, survey research-based, cognitive testing-based and other relevant literatures regarding effective communication with these individuals.
Co-morbidity of Psychiatric Disorder and Medical Illness in People With Intellectual Disabilities 2007 — In view of the common interface of medical and mental-health problems in people with intellectual disabilities, and the disparity in health they often face, initiatives should be taken to enhance their healthcare.
Co-Occurring Mental Illness and Developmental Disabilities By Maria Quintero, PhD, and Sarah Flick, MD Social Work Today 2010 — Surprisingly, few professionals are trained in this specialty or are aware of how frequently the two conditions coexist. The statistics are concerning and reflect the fact that people with IDD are at a significantly higher risk of mental illness.
Depression in Intellectual Disability 2004 — This paper examines reviews and research reports on depression in intellectual disability published from January 2003 to March 2004.
Developmental Disabilities Co-occurring with Mental Illness Sherri Melrose, Ph.D, RN January 2013 — Lengthy reference list.
Dual Diagnosis An introduction to the mental health needs of persons with developmental disabilities 2002 book — pdf copies of all sections of this book provided here. This book offers new insights from research and practice in the field of dual diagnosis. It is a comprehensive text designed to update our knowledge and understanding concerning mental health aspects in persons with developmental disabilities.
DUAL DIAGNOSIS OF MENTAL HEALTH AND LEARNING DISABILITY POLICY 2012 — UK document: This policy is written to ensure that adults with a dual diagnosis of mental health and learning disability receive the appropriate support and interventions when presenting to services provided by Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (SABP). The accompanying Procedure sets out the framework within which people with a dual diagnosis of mental health and learning disabilities will receive appropriate comprehensive interventions.
Dual Diagnosis Position Paper Prepared by National Coalition on Dual Diagnosis 2008 — People with dual diagnosis have many champions throughout Canada but they have not previously come together to develop a clear set of agreed upon national recommendations on what would most effectively help the dually diagnosed and their families. This document was developed through the expertise of broad group of experts who formed a National Coalition for Dual Diagnosis.
Dual Diagnosis Resources — An extensive list of online resources.
Emergency Mental Health Services for People with Developmental Disabilities — Efforts directed at crisis intervention when serving individuals who have both a developmental disability and a co-existing mental health condition have taken on increased attention in recent years, both nationally as well as within the state of Wisconsin. Most developmentally disabled users of crisis services are people with co-existing disorders.
Enhancing Mental Health Care Across the Lifespan for Ontarians with Developmental Disabilities 2013 — The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) strongly supports the Select Committee on Developmental Services’ goal to address the urgent need for a comprehensive developmental services strategy for Ontarians with developmental disabilities and dual diagnosis. Examining the education, employment, social, recreational, housing and respite needs of people with developmental disabilities/dual diagnosis across their lifespan is critical for enhancing the lives of these individuals and their families. CAMH also believes that the mental health care needs of this population must be a critical component of any developmental services strategy.
Five-year Development of Psychopathology in Young People with Intellectual Disabilities 2013 thesis — It became clear that mental health issues created many problems in people with ID, whereas this group of people was under represented in mental health care facilities. On the other hand, this group appeared to be over represented in (juvenile) detention centres.
Guidelines for Supporting Adults with Challenging Behaviors in Community Settings 2012 — This resource manual is intended to provide parameters for addressing behavioral concerns of persons with serious and persistent mental health issues and for addressing behavioral concerns of persons with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities who are served in community programs
Innovative models of community support for people with high and complex support needs 2004 — This report was initiated by the Department of Ageing Disability and Home Care (DADHC) to inform deliberations and future planning concerning the development and implementation of a range of community services in NSW for people with disability, with high and complex support needs.
Intellectual Disability and Stigma: an Ontario Perspective 2013 — This essay explores intellectual disability and stigma from an Ontario perspective in relation to clinical phenomenology, social history and neglect by mental health professionals.
Joint Policy Guideline for the Provision of Community Mental Health and Developmental Services for Adults with a Dual Diagnosis 2008 — To provide a framework for the planning, coordination and delivery of community mental health and developmental services and supports that will promote better access to both sectors for persons 18 years and older with a dual diagnosis. (Ontario, Canada)
Joint Policy Guideline for the Provision of Community Mental Health and Developmental Services for Adults with a Dual Diagnosis December 2008 Ontario — To provide a framework for the planning, coordination and delivery of community mental health and developmental services and supports that will promote better access to both sectors for persons 18 years and older with a dual diagnosis.
MANIA AND INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY: THE COURSE OF MANIA SYMPTOMS IN PERSONS WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY OVER THREE YEARS 2005 thesis — Although bipolar disorder was one of the earliest described mental illnesses, there is a dearth of research on bipolar disorder in individuals with intellectual deficits. The present study aimed to extend this literature by comparing the presence and variation of manic symptoms over time of persons with intellectual deficits with and without bipolar disorder.
Meeting the Health and Mental Health Needs of Individuals with Developmental Disabilities 2004 — Ontario document.
Mental Health and Emotional Problems in People with Intellectual Disabilities — Historically, there has been a general lack of regard for the mental health needs of people with intellectual disabilities (e.g., Stenfert Kroese, 1998 ).
Mental health nursing of adults with learning disabilities. RCN guidance 2010 — This publication provides guidance for nurses and nursing students in mental health services in delivering high quality health care to people with learning disabilities.
Mental Health of People With Intellectual Disabilities 2008 — The current issue updates the evidence base relating to the broader issues of the mental health of people with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
Mental illness in people with intellectual disability 2007 — People with ID are very prone to mental illness. They have limited coping abilities and the additional effect of mental illness on functioning can have serious consequences.
Moving Forward: National Action on Dual Diagnosis in Canada (Developmental disability and mental health difficulties) Prepared by: The National Coalition on Dual Diagnosis October, 2011 — an international scan of legislation and policies that pertain to people with developmental disabilities and also for those with dual diagnosis. The recommendations contained in this paper are based on the findings of the scan
NADD — NADD is a not-for-profit membership association established for professionals, care providers and families to promote understanding of and services for individuals who have developmental disabilities and mental health needs. The mission of NADD is to advance mental wellness for persons with developmental disabilities through the promotion of excellence in mental health care.
NADD bulletins — Excellent articles on mental health care and treatment for people with intellectual disabilities.
NASDDDS TECHNICAL REPORT Survey on State Strategies for Supporting Individuals with Co-existing Conditions 2004 — In January 2004, the National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services (NASDDDS) launched a multi-part study of state strategies for supporting individuals with co-existing developmental disabilities and mental health or behavioral conditions.
Needs Assessment: Dual Diagnosis Program 2010 — this needs assessment seeks to evaluate the necessity of a dual diagnosis program at Community Living York South
New Jersey Department of Human Services Dual Diagnosis Task Force Report October 10, 2008 — The purpose of this report is to highlight the urgency of the need for reform; to share recommendations developed by the DHS Dual Diagnosis Task Force (DTFF); and to provide a framework for changes that would enable the service system to effectively serve the needs of children and adults with developmental disabilities and co-occurring mental health and/or behavior disorders.
Paving the way: Meeting transition needs of young people with developmental disabilities and serious mental health conditions 2010 — Youth and young adults aged 16 to 24 who have dual diagnoses of a serious mental health condition and a developmental disability experience significant challenges as they transition to adulthood.
People with intellectual and other cognitive disability in the criminal justice system 2012 — This report outlines the key findings of a research project on a cohort of 2,731 individuals whose mental health disorders and cognitive disability (MHDCD) diagnoses are known, who have been in prison and whose criminal justice and human service contacts have been compiled into a linked and de-identified dataset (Australia)
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and People with Learning Disabilities — The amount of literature on the subject of PTSD experienced by those who also have forms of learning disabilities is limited
Practice Guidelines for the Assessment and Diagnosis of Mental Health Problems in Adults with Intellectual Disability 2001 — the European Association for Mental Health in Mental Retardation (EAMHMR) [is] supporting the current project to produce a series of Practice Guidelines for those working with people with intellectual disability to encourage and promote evidence-based practice.
PTSD and its treatment in people with intellectual disabilities. A review of the literature 2010 — Although there is evidence to suggest that people with intellectual disabilities (ID) are likely to suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), reviews of the evidence base, and the potential consequences of this contention are absent. The purpose of this article is to present a comprehensive account of the literature on prevalence, assessment, and treatment of PTSD in people with ID.
PTSD and related stress disorders in persons with developmental disabilities 2006 — Despite assertions by some writers that developmentally disabled individuals are overrepresented in the population of persons victimized by sexual and violent crimes (Ryan, 1994), the literature detailing PTSD in this population is sparse. Researchers haven't studied whether the protective and risk factors identified for the general population pertain to developmentally disabled adults.
Recognizing Psychosis in Persons with Intellectual Disabilities Who Do Not Use Speech 2010 — In patients who do not communicate verbally, there are many cues that can lead a psychiatrist to recognition of psychosis. Author: Ruth Myers MD (USA) formerly Ruth Ryan (Speaker at NADD conferences)
Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders in People With Intellectual Disabilities 2006 — To examine most recently published studies of schizophrenia spectrum disorders in people with intellectual disabilities. (Free Registration to view.)
SERVING INDIVIDUALS WITH CO-OCCURRING DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AND MENTAL ILLNESSES: SYSTEMS BARRIERS AND STRATEGIES FOR REFORM 2004 — Individuals with co-occurring developmental disabilities and mental illnesses are a particularly vulnerable population of people served by state mental health agencies and state agencies providing developmental disabilities services.
Supportive Psychotherapy with the Dual Diagnosis Patient: Co-occurring Mental Illness/Intellectual Disabilities 2008 — Psychiatrists and other mental health professionals can offer much in the care of patients with intellectual disabilities, including state-of-the-art medication regimens, psychotherapy, and other behavior therapies. Individuals with intellectual disabilities experience the full range of mental illnesses, but are often thought to be incapable of participating in or responding to psychotherapy. The following composite cases illustrate some of the psychotherapy techniques employed in a community psychiatry setting that serves patients with intellectual disabilities and co-occurring mental illness.
The 4th Health and Wellbeing in Children, Youth, and Adults with Developmental Disabilities Conference Life Transitions 2014 — Conference Updates: Conference presentations are now available. The Post Conference Report is now available.
The Clinical Bulletin of the Developmental Disabilities Division — Complete source for these bulletins from 1988 to 2014. Many contain useful clinical information for therapies with people who have intellectual disabilities. More information at http://www.ddd.uwo.ca/
The Community Inclusion Project: Comprehensive Assessment and Treatment for Individuals with Dual Diagnosis 2007 — Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities
The National Coalition on Dual Diagnosis — In November 2008, four organizations launched the National Coalition on Dual Diagnosis (NCDD). The objective of the NCDD is to support Canadians with both a developmental disability and a mental health problem, and their families. CARE-ID/ACREDI is one of the founding partners in the Coalition and provides the home website to access the Advocacy Toolkit and related documents.
Trauma Treatment with Clients Who Have Dual Diagnoses: Developmental Disabilities and Mental Illness 2003 — We will review the literature regarding the incidence of trauma and trauma sequelae for clients who have developmental disabilities. We will then examine how modifications can be made to trauma treatment strategies developed for other non-disabled populations, in order to make the treatment more effective and accessible for clients with developmental disabilities.
“Picking Up the Pieces of Our Own Mistakes:” Supporting People with Co-Occurring Conditions Charles Moseley Ed.D. National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services February 2004 — This paper reports on interviews conducted of five professional consultants who are actively working with state agencies, local providers, people with disabilities and their families, and direct care staff to respond to the needs of individuals with DD who have mental illness.