Types of mental ill health and common features
Common mental disorder – such as depression
However depression can last a long time and make life very difficult for the person who is clinically depressed. The term common mental disorder is used because more people suffer from them. They should not be seen as less serious than other conditions.
Severe mental disorder – such as schizophrenia
Although schizophrenia is a severe condition someone may not have it all the time, they can be very ill for a while and then have years without the problem happening again.
Substance misuse – such as alcohol related disorders
Some people have mental health problems after abusing drugs or drink for a number of years, again these can be short term or long term problems and make living a normal life very difficult.
Abnormal personality traits – such as antisocial personality disorder
These can be very difficult to identify in people with a learning disability but they are increasingly diagnosed.
Dementias – such as Alzheimer’s disease
Many people with a learning disability (especially those with Down’s Syndrome) will suffer from dementia in later life. Onset (the starting point) of this condition can be much earlier that it might be for other people.
As stated - diagnosis of any mental health problem cannot predict levels of disabling effects on the individual. A Common Mental Disorder such as depression may have a huge effect on someone's life meaning they do not interact with others, take part in activities, share meals and celebrations, exercise, eat well or look after their personal hygiene. Someone with schizophrenia may have periods without any symptoms meaning they can live as normal a life as possible, undertaking outings, activities, holidays etc, have relationships with friends and familes and being valued members of society.
All mental health problems share some common features – knowing these can help those supporting someone with a learning disability without the need for detailed knowledge of mental ill health.
The individual may have feelings of guilt, shame and anxiety, fear and confusion, both at onset (the start) and as a result of mental illness. People with a learning disability may have problems expressing these feelings those who know them well need to watch for signs of these. (Challenging behaviour is a good example but it is not always related to mental health.)
The individual may have concurrent (at the same time) physical ill health. People with a learning disability generally have worse physical health than the general population. Physical ill health does not mean that someone will have a mental health problem but the two can be linked.
Individuals will have increased ‘risk factors’ (some things mean you are more likely to have a mental health problem) these may include abuse, poor parenting, genetic predisposition (if your parents had a problem it means you might be more likely to have it as well, it does not mean this is certain) and substance misuse (taking illegal drugs or drinking too much alcohol).
Mental ill health responds to Holistic Treatments (where treatments are joined up and familes social care and health staff all work together). It can also mean treatments such as reflexology, sometimes these are not available
People who have a learning disability can and do suffer from the same mental health conditions as the rest of the population. The rates of recovery are also similar.