Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology

Matson, Johnny L.; Sevin, Jay A.

doi: 10.1037/0022-006X.62.1.6pmid: N/A

Dual diagnosis, defined in this instance as the co-occurrence of mental health disorders with mental retardation, has become a major area of clinical practice and research in the past 10 years. Whereas areas such as differential diagnosis, assessment, and prevalence have been major focuses of research, etiologies of dual diagnosis have received less attention. Current etiological theories have practical implications for the treatment and prevention of dual diagnoses and suggest important directions for future research. This article provides a historical review of theory development in the field of dual diagnosis. Current status of etiological theories and future directions are discussed with an aim toward encouraging further study.

Borthwick-Duffy, Sharon A.

doi: 10.1037/0022-006X.62.1.17pmid: N/A

There is a general consensus that, for several reasons, people with mental retardation are at an increased risk of developing emotional disorders. Numerous research studies have examined the prevalence of psychiatric disorders among people with mental retardation, and a wide range of rates have been reported. Reasons for the variability in these results are discussed, including definitional and identification issues, and sampling issues. A summary of representative studies is presented and discussed in light of the above-mentioned issues. The need for updated epidemiological studies in this area is emphasized.

Reiss, Steven; Valenti-Hein, Denise

doi: 10.1037/0022-006X.62.1.28pmid: N/A

A total of 583 children and adolescents with mental retardation were rated on a new psychometric instrument designed to screen for dual diagnosis (psychopathology in individuals with mental retardation). Two psychiatrists and two clinical psychologists judged the items to have face validity as expressions of psychopathology in children and adolescents with mental retardation. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was .91 for the total score and varied between .57 and .86 for 10 psychometric scales. Children and adolescents who had a dual diagnosis obtained total scores approximately 1 standard deviation higher than those who did not have a dual diagnosis. Each of 4 diagnostic groupings had test profiles in accordance with expectation. The results suggest that the instrument is particularly well suited for use in screening and for help in the analysis of the relationships between certain behavior problems and psychopathology.

doi: 10.1037/0022-006X.62.1.34pmid: N/A

As the number of adults with mental retardation and concomitant psychological difficulties living in the community increases, so does the need for effective outpatient psychotherapy services. Despite this need, the relevant literature base is sorely lacking. This article is a brief review of this literature with regard to psychodynamic, behavioral, and group psychotherapy approaches. On the basis of this review, a research agenda is offered concerning future directions. Last, because of the lack of a rich database regarding effective treatment approaches for such individuals, this article includes a description of a model of clinical decision making that is geared to aid the practicing clinician in designing clinical interventions for adults with mental retardation.

Nezu, Christine M.; Nezu, Arthur M.

doi: 10.1037/0022-006X.62.1.34pmid: N/A

As the number of adults with mental retardation and concomitant psychological difficulties living in the community increases, so does the need for effective outpatient psychotherapy services. Despite this need, the relevant literature base is sorely lacking. This article is a brief review of this literature with regard to psychodynamic, behavioral, and group psychotherapy approaches. On the basis of this review, a research agenda is offered concerning future directions. Last, because of the lack of a rich database regarding effective treatment approaches for such individuals, this article includes a description of a model of clinical decision making that is geared to aid the practicing clinician in designing clinical interventions for adults with mental retardation.

Spreat, Scott; Behar, David

doi: 10.1037/0022-006X.62.1.43pmid: N/A

Clinical trends are discussed with respect to the inpatient treatment of individuals with dual diagnosis. Identified operant trends include the increased attention on functionally derived treatments and treatments designed for infrequent behaviors.

doi: 10.1037/0022-006X.62.1.43pmid: N/A

Clinical trends are discussed with respect to the inpatient treatment of individuals with dual diagnosis. Identified operant trends include the increased attention on functionally derived treatments and treatments designed for infrequent behaviors.

doi: 10.1037/0022-006X.62.1.49pmid: N/A

Challenges associated with behavioral training approaches for individuals with mental retardation and mental illness in the community are reviewed in this article. Family and nonfamily facilitated training are considered. Professional practice issues are reviewed, and justification for multifactor behavioral assessment is offered. Future research directions are discussed.