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Other
Resources
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Dual
Diagnosis: Developmental Disability Complicated by Mental
Illness - When
mental retardation is complicated by mental illness, the
clinical result is ìdual diagnosis.î Though recognized as such
only since the 1970s, these patients have long been the subset
of the developmentally disabled most resistant to integration
into the community. The maladaptive behavior or mental illness
often prevents training for the retardation or other
developmental disability.
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Interview with Kathleen M. Olson, Ph.D. (Spotlight Dual
Diagnosis) -
Before the 1980s, many
clinicians didn't recognize mental health problems in people
with developmental disabilities, often attributing any
behavioral or emotional disturbances to their disabilities.
Thanks to more research and a greater understanding of dual
diagnosis -- the co-occurrence of developmental disabilities and
psychiatric disorders -- now we know that not only can children
and adults with developmental disabilities experience
psychiatric disorders, but they also experience them at a much
higher rate than the general population. Moreover, diagnosing
mood disorders like depression and psychotic disorders like
schizophrenia can be complicated by the presence of behaviors
and symptoms that result from an individual's developmental
disability
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Mental
Health Aspects of Developmental Disablities -
A quarterly, peer-reviewed
journal covering the diagnosis, treatment and habilitation needs
of persons with developmental disabilities. MH/DD is devoted to
the dissemination of information related to the diagnosis and
treatment of mental health problems in children and adults with
developmental disabilities.
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National
Association for the Dually Diagnosed
- NADD is the leading North American expert in providing
professionals, educators, policy makers, and families with
education, training, and information on mental health issues
relating to persons with intellectual or developmental
disabilities
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Mental Illness in Persons with Mental Retardation -
Mental health is a goal for all people, including those with
mental retardation, not just those having difficulties. Mental
health is an essential ingredient in the quality of life. The
two main aspects of mental health are emotional well-being and
rewarding social and interpersonal relationships. Emotional
well-being is an important part of the gift of human life. Good
social and interpersonal relationships are important for a rich
and fulfilling life. People who have mental retardation are not
in any way handicapped with regard to these human qualities
--people with mental retardation are capable of a rewarding
emotional life
Contact
the Families Together Center near
you for more information
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