Caring for people with mental health issues and intellectual disability

Mental illness in people with intellectual disability is more common than often realised and people with intellectual disability experience the whole range of mental illness that any other individual might experience.

Given the numerous complexities in recognising and responding to the impacts of mental illness in people with an intellectual disability it is critical that health care staff, and in particular nursing practitioners:

• Have the communication, understanding, and observation skills to identify both typical and atypical symptomatology.
• Are aware of the impact negative life events may have on an individual.
• Are then able to amalgamate this information into an effective and holistic health plan and interventions.

This module uses an interactive case scenario approach to help those involved in nursing care to gain the knowledge required to identify when a mental illness might be present and how to respond to this. It is aimed at anyone providing care either regularly or sporadically, to a person with an intellectual disability.

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