A number of concerns have arisen over recent years about the safety of the various drugs used to treat ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) in children and young adults. These central nervous system stimulants include methylphenidate, dexmethylphenidate, dextroamphetamines, amphetamine salts, atomoxetine and pemoline. Case reports have highlighted that sudden cardiac death can be brought on [read the full story…]
Oral motor difficulties in children and young people with learning disabilities can lead to saliva overflow, commonly called drooling. With young people with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities, this can increase the risk of inhaling saliva, food, or fluids into the lungs. Our friends at the Dental Elf came across this systematic review of interventions [read the full story…]
There is remarkably little research in this field. Epidemiological studies of suicidal behaviour in children and young people from the care system have previously come mainly from Scandinavia. A Swedish longitudinal national cohort study (ref 2) from last year concluded that every seventh girl (14%) who left long-term foster family care after age 17 was [read the full story…]
Speech and language therapy for adults with a learning disability is concerned with supporting people who have disorders of communication or difficulties with swallowing. Support is developed and designned on an individualized basis following detailed assessment and diagnosis although support and training for carers can be an important part of the support strategy. The NHS [read the full story…]
The authors of this review were interested in empirical evidence for presumptions that children with disabilities are at increased risk for child maltreatment, and that parents with disabilities may be more likely to perpetrate child abuse and neglect. From the findings of the review, the authors conclude that the evidence for any relationship between child [read the full story…]
People with learning disabilities are living longer. A recent update of the estimates of need for social care services by the learning disabilities public health observatory (IHAL 2012) suggested that by 2030 the number of adults aged 70+ using social care services for people with learning disabilities will more than double. Some years ago, the [read the full story…]
Conduct problems in young children are common and costly, so there’s lots of interest in training programmes that can help parents and children cope better. This new review from the Cochrane Developmental, Psychosocial and Learning Problems Group assesses the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of behavioural and cognitive-behavioural group-based parenting programmes for improving child conduct problems, parental [read the full story…]
Late-onset schizophrenia is relatively common. Onset after the age of 40 years is reported in 23% of patients hospitalised with schizophrenia. The condition is different from early-onset schizophrenia on a number of counts, including the response to antipsychotic drugs. This Cochrane review set out to assess the effects of antipsychotic drugs for elderly people with [read the full story…]
Sleep problems in young people with learning disabilities have been explored in a number of studies, particularly in relation to the impact on families and supporters, but there is relatively little in the literature about the impact of sleep problems on older people with learning disabilities. The researchers in this Dutch study wanted to look [read the full story…]
People with long-term conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease, are two to three times more likely to experience mental health problems than the general population. However, a systemic failure to identify these problems and provide effective support is resulting in poorer outcomes for patients and could be costing the NHS billions, says a report [read the full story…]
