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Clarke, Charlotte; Kellett, Stephen; Beail, Nigel
2022 Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities
doi: 10.1108/amhid-01-2022-0003
This paper aims to assess the quality of systematic reviews on the effectiveness of psychological therapy for adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) and mental health difficulties.Design/methodology/approachFour electronic databases were used: Cochrane, PsycINFO, PubMed and Scopus. Studies were included if they were a systematic review focused primarily on psychological therapy for adults with ID and mental health difficulties. Systematic reviews focused on anger were also considered for inclusion. These reviews were rated for quality on the Amstar-2, a quality rating tool designed to evaluate systematic reviews.FindingsTwelve relevant systematic reviews were identified, which included seven reviews focused primarily on cognitive behavioural therapy, two on psychodynamic therapy and three on third-wave therapies. The AMSTAR-2 indicated that all 12 reviews were of “critically low” quality. Thus, there are significant problems with the evidence base.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first systematic review of systematic reviews of the effectiveness of psychological therapies for people who have ID. It provides an overview of the quality of the evidence base into one place.
Power, Niall; Rawlings, Gregg H.; Bennett, Claire
2022 Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities
doi: 10.1108/amhid-01-2022-0001
There is growing evidence examining mindfulness-based interventions (MI) for people with intellectual disabilities (IDs). As discussed in this paper, MI may be particularly suited for people with ID given high rates of difficulties in identifying and regulating emotions and as this approach may rely less on cognitive ability compared to other therapies. This study aims to assess the acceptability and preliminary effectiveness of a six-session MI group [the Coping Well Group (CWG)] delivered within routine clinical practice.Design/methodology/approachSix separate cohorts (n = 25) of adults with ID attended CWG. Quantitative data were collected from service users, including a pre- and post-quality of life (QoL) measure and qualitative data from group facilitators.FindingsRoughly one-half (53%) of service users invited to the group attended at least one session, with low levels of dropout observed among group attendees. A significant improvement in QoL was reported demonstrating a small effect (d = 0.46, p = 0.022) after attending the group. Most service users (72%) were referred to the CWG for help managing difficult emotions. One-half (44%) of attendees required individual therapy after attending the group. Limitations of the evaluation and potential future research are discussed.Originality/valueThe current evaluation contributes a practice-based service evaluation of an MI group for people with ID and mental health difficulties to the currently limited evidence base. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the first studies to investigate the impact of group psychological interventions collecting data across cohorts and assessing QoL, a more general measure of well-being than has been used previously.
2022 Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities
doi: 10.1108/amhid-11-2021-0041
The purpose of this study was to explore the views of psychologists working in community teams for people who have intellectual disabilities (ID) on the provision of psychological therapies to those with ID and autism spectrum disorder (ASD).Design/methodology/approachSemi-structured interviews were carried out with seven clinical psychologists working across a large geographical area. Interviews concerned the accessibility and effectiveness of psychological therapies. These were transcribed and analysed thematically.FindingsParticipants expressed concern about lack of access to mainstream services, the lack of visibility of their service and the suitability of the physical space to deliver therapy. They were positive about the effectiveness of therapy but emphasised the importance of adaptations and managing expectations.Research limitations/implicationsThere is a lack of research in this area, and further research is needed with service users to develop a fuller understanding of their needs.Practical implicationsConsideration needs to be given on how to optimally deliver psychological therapies for this group. This will need services to become more flexible and focussed on the needs of this group of service users.Originality/valueThis paper provides insights into the views of psychologists on providing psychological therapy to people who have autism and ID.
Gourley, Thomas Richard; Yates, Luke
2022 Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities
doi: 10.1108/amhid-01-2022-0005
Psychometrically sound measures are essential for clinical practice to provide appropriate therapeutic input. Vlissides et al. (2016) reviewed measures used in psychological therapies with people who have intellectual disabilities (ID). This paper aims to review the evidence for the psychometric properties of recent clinical measures published since/overlooked by Vlissides et al. (2016).Design/methodology/approachA literature search was conducted to identify relevant clinical measures. Experts in the field also were contacted. Twenty papers were identified, relating to five novel clinical measures: psychological therapies outcome scale – intellectual disabilities, clinical outcome in routine evaluation – learning disabilities scale 30, quality of early relatedness rating scale, scale of emotional development – short and the Frankish assessment of the impact of trauma.FindingsEvidence was found supporting a proportion of the psychometric properties of each measure, and some measures were found to be useful in directing interventions and informing clinical decisions. None of the measures identified, however, are yet to be fully psychometrically investigated, requiring further research.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first to review the evidence of psychometric properties for these five emerging clinical measures and as such contributes an original perspective on their current state and requirements for future development.
Acton, Daniel; Duncan, Caroline; Jaydeokar, Sujeet
2022 Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities
doi: 10.1108/amhid-01-2022-0006
This paper aims to underline the importance of using a collaborative approach when designing and adapting a post diagnostic psychosocial intervention of cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) for people with intellectual disability and dementia.Design/methodology/approachAs part of a service improvement, a manual of CST was adapted, for delivery in clinical practice. A qualitative co-production method allowed participants with a lived experience to provide regular feedback relating to the development of the adapted CST manual and intervention programme. This feedback was used to make continual development changes to the CST manual.FindingsThe study demonstrated co-production with those who provide care is valuable in adapting psychosocial therapies for people with an intellectual disability and dementia. Additional findings identified the need for carer education in ageing, dementia care and the physical health needs for older people with intellectual disability.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that has used a co-production approach with families and carers in adapting a group therapy programme for people with an intellectual disability. This paper underlines the need for post diagnostic clinical interventions for people with dementia and those who provide care.
2022 Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities
doi: 10.1108/amhid-02-2022-0008
This paper aims to discuss the work of Dr Valerie Sinason and her contribution to working with people with an intellectual disability with psychotherapy.Design/methodology/approachDr Valerie Sinason is a psychoanalyst, and the author is trained in psychoanalytic psychotherapy.FindingsThe author believes there is important value in reading Valerie Sinason's contribution to the literature of psychotherapy with people with intellectual disabilities.Originality/valueIt is a review of Sinason’s contribution, and the author believes she's very original and important thinker.