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Purpose: 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/approach: A 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. Findings: Evidence 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/value: To 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to understand the lived experience of people with intellectual disability of their anxiety and of being co-design partners in developing a multi-component approach to the management of anxiety. Design/methodology/approach: The development of an anxiety manual and programme was part of a service development which allowed existing and established psychological therapies to be adapted for people with intellectual disability. A qualitative approach was used to better understand the views of people who experienced anxiety on a daily basis. The feedback generated was used to make modifications to the manuals and the anxiety management programme. Findings: The study has demonstrated the value of involving people with intellectual disability in the co-production of an anxiety management programme. Additional findings identified the real-life challenges and experiences of the impact anxiety has on people's lives. Originality/value: To our knowledge, this is the first study to involve people with intellectual disability in developing an anxiety management programme as co-production partners. This paper underlines the value of understanding and involving people as co-production partners in developing clinical interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Primary care psychological interventions for people with common mental health problems in England are primarily delivered through Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) services. People with learning disabilities within IAPT have poorer key clinical outcomes than people who do not identify as having a learning disability. During the global COVID-19 pandemic remote consultations have accounted for nearly 90% of all contacts in IAPT services; this paper aims to report the effects of these on outcomes for people with learning disabilities. Design/methodology/approach: Publicly available national data from the COVID-affected period are compared to the most recent available comparison periods that are not during the COVID pandemic. Data are presented graphically. Findings: People with learning disabilities differ little from those with no disabilities on several key process and outcome variables, although their clinical recovery is very much lower than those without disabilities. People with learning disabilities appear to have been affected by the changes in service delivery in a similar way to those without learning disabilities. Originality/value: Despite the shift to predominantly remote therapy delivery, outcomes for people with learning disabilities have not been differentially affected compared to those who have no recorded disability. The potential to learn what has worked and not worked in the delivery of remote interventions for people with learning disabilities is highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: 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/approach: Dr Valerie Sinason is a psychoanalyst, and the author is trained in psychoanalytic psychotherapy. Findings: The author believes there is important value in reading Valerie Sinason's contribution to the literature of psychotherapy with people with intellectual disabilities. Originality/value: It is a review of Sinason's contribution, and the author believes she's very original and important thinker. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: 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/approach: As 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. Findings: The 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/value: To 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: There is growing literature on the application of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) with adults with intellectual disabilities (IDs). To draw upon the evidence-base from mainstream approaches, adapted interventions must remain true to their theoretical foundations and retain key components. The purpose of this paper was to establish the extent to which DBT has been adapted for adults with ID, and whether existing adapted protocols can still be considered DBT. Design/methodology/approach: The theoretical underpinnings and key components of DBT were identified. Six DBT studies were critiqued according to these criteria. Findings: In terms of content, only one intervention comprised all necessary elements. All of the remaining interventions included a skills group; two included individual therapy and another two included group consultation. None of the remaining interventions provided 24-h telephone support. Furthermore, none of the studies explicitly described using dialectical strategies. Originality/value: To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first paper to critically examine the evidence-base for the use of DBT in ID, particularly its fidelity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to report the evidence base for the practice of individual psychodynamic psychotherapy with adults with intellectual disabilities (IDs).Design/methodology/approach Literature review.Findings In total, 14 papers were reviewed. From these, one existing review and seven individual papers provided enough evidence to support effectiveness of individual psychodynamic psychotherapy for people with IDs.Research limitations/implications This research indicates individual psychodynamic psychotherapy to be of benefit. Indeed, all studies reviewed supported individual psychodynamic psychotherapy, but methodological shortcomings weakened the confidence placed in findings for some studies. Limitations of this review include methodological shortcomings of studies reviewed, a small number of existing studies and reliance on case studies.Practical implications Therapists and commissioners of services should routinely make individual psychodynamic psychotherapy available as part of a spectrum of therapies available to people with IDs who experience emotional and behavioural problems. This is because it is needed for some clients and they benefit.Social implications Individual psychodynamic psychotherapy for people with IDs adds to the range of therapies available to alleviate emotional distress and enhance well-being. These are necessary to provide a foundation for meaningful contribution to society, particularly for those who have experienced psychological trauma (Frankish, 2016).Originality/value This review includes more relevant studies than previous reviews and adds to a limited number of reviews in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Services are increasingly exploring the use of remote conferencing to deliver psychological interventions, which have become particularly important given the COVID-19 pandemic and infection control guidelines. This paper aims to explore the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary effectiveness of delivering psychological therapy remotely to adults with intellectual disabilities (ID). Design/methodology/approach: As part of routine practice within an adult ID community health service, this paper develops a six-session programme based on compassion-focused therapy (CFT) and delivered it to six clients. Clients completed the psychological therapy outcome scale for ID 2nd edition, at assessment, pre- and post-therapy, as well as a feasibility and acceptability measure. Findings: Six clients engaged in telephone therapy; four clients individually, while the remaining two were supported by their caregiver. Most clients found the intervention helpful, enjoyable and were pleased that they received telephone-delivered psychological therapy. A reduction was observed at post-therapy in distress (g = 0.33) and risk (g = 0.69). No difference was reported in psychological well-being. Five clients were subsequently discharged from psychological therapy. Originality/value: To the knowledge, this is the first study examining the use of telephone therapy (including CFT) for individuals with ID. Findings add to the growing evidence suggesting individuals with ID can benefit from receiving adapted psychological therapies. Research is required to further explore the effectiveness of remote-therapies, who would most likely benefit from this approach and how remote treatments could be used within existing pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The novel coronavirus and associated restrictions have resulted in mental health services across the UK having to adapt how they deliver psychological assessments and interventions. The purpose of this paper is to explore the accessibility and prospective acceptability of providing telephone and videoconference-mediated psychological interventions in individuals with intellectual disabilities. Design/methodology/approach: As part of a service evaluation, a mixed-methods questionnaire was developed and completed by clients who had been referred for psychological therapy at an adult intellectual disabilities' community health service in the north of England. All clients were assessed using the Red/Amber/Green (RAG) system by a consultant clinical psychologist for risk and potential suitability for indirect service delivery given their ability and needs. Findings: Overall, 22 clients were invited to take part, of which, only seven (32%) were accepting of telephone or videoconference-mediated psychological therapy. Most of the clients were unable to engage in video-conference therapy and therefore, only suitable for phone therapy. This paper presents the remaining findings and discusses the clinical implications and unique considerations for intellectual disability services drawing on the existing literature. Originality/value: This is the first paper that the authors are aware of, examining videoconference-mediated psychological therapy in this population. It is hoped the data will be used to help inform practice or policy when using such therapeutic approaches in adults with an intellectual disability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: 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/approach: Four 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. Findings: Twelve 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/value: To 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: 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/approach: Semi-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. Findings: Participants 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/implications: There 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 implications: Consideration 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/value: This paper provides insights into the views of psychologists on providing psychological therapy to people who have autism and ID. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to determine the effectiveness of an adapted compassion-focused therapy (CFT) group treatment programme for individuals with an intellectual disability (ID), specifically aimed to help address maladaptive conceptualisations of masculinity. Design/methodology/approach: Outcome measurements were competed at pre- and post-group and the effectiveness of the intervention were assessed using a Wilcoxon signed ranks test. Findings: Findings demonstrated that the treatment group showed significant differences in their "gender role conflict" subscales including the Success, Power, Control and "Restrictive Affectionate Behavior Between Men" subscales; however, no significant differences were found on the Restrictive Emotionality or Conflicts Between Work and Leisure subscales. Furthermore, no significant differences were found on participants psychological well-being, psychological distress, anxiety, self-compassion or quality of life measures. Research limitations/implications: Limitations include that a lack of qualitative information regarding outcomes, a lack of control group and a small number of participants may have impacted the outcome of the research. Practical implications: The Men's Masculinity group had a positive impact on the participant's sense of success, power and control, so it could be considered that this group enabled participants to feel more powerful and in control of their difficulties which is associated with the "drive" system of CFT. Originality/value: Overall, this study adds to the small but growing literature that supports using CFT groups as a stand-alone psychological intervention when working with people with an ID. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The novel coronavirus and associated mitigation efforts have caused significant increases in stress for adults with intellectual disabilities. Such increases in life stress predict an increased risk of relapse following psychological therapy. This contributes to the high global disease burden of common mental health difficulties. Therefore, this paper aims to explore service user experiences of maintaining gains following therapy within the context of the Covid-19 pandemic. Design/methodology/approach: A mixed-methods evaluation was completed in a psychology service based in the North of England which specialises in supporting adults with intellectual disabilities. Descriptive statistics and effect size calculations were used to examine therapeutic outcomes pre-therapy, post-therapy, and at follow-up. These findings informed a framework analysis of eight semi-structured interviews. Findings: Overall, outcome results improved post-therapy and regressed at follow-up. The framework analysis revealed facilitators to maintenance include a recollection of specific aspects of therapy and the regular utilisation of strategies and resources. Conversely, barriers to maintenance include a recollection focussed on personal outcome, a reliance on social support and an inability to remember therapy. Originality/value: This is the only study to the authors' knowledge examining service user experiences of maintaining gains following therapy within the context of Covid-19. It is hoped that these findings will inform further research and be useful for services in preparing service users for discharge as the Covid-19 pandemic continues and moves towards the post-pandemic phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is mainly to present a general review of third generation cognitive-behavioural therapies (CBTs), and to debate whether these approaches are applicable to persons with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD). Design/methodology/approach – Despite the lack of consistent literature focused on this population, the authors have considered the available general literature on the third generation of CBTs and analysed core issues of the processes within the context of intellectual disabilities and Autism spectrum disorder. Findings – The evidence from typical developing population studies and the emerging literature specific to people with NDD is convincing, but there is a need for studies exploring how and when these therapeutic approaches can be applicable. Two behavioural approaches of third generation therapies – acceptance and commitment therapy and mindfulness-based CBT – appear to have the most potential to be adapted for robust intervention for the broad spectrum of persons with NDD. Research limitations/implications – The number of studies and methodologies applied are a clear limitation and the present paper is only exploratory. Originality/value – The paper supports clinicians to use the emerging protocols, and to replicate and implement procedures and techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is threefold: to document the relationship between intellectual disability (ID) and psychopathology; to raise awareness of the ongoing lag in professional training for psychologists in the area of mental health treatment for people with intellectual disabilities; and, to provide recommendations for advancing professional education and, ultimately, adequate mental health treatment availability for people with intellectual disabilities. Design/methodology/approach - The paper reviews the literature on prevalence of mental health problems in people with intellectual disabilities. At the same time, the paper reviews the training of psychologists relative to the burgeoning growth in awareness of the mental health needs of people with intellectual disabilities. Findings - The paper concludes that ID is a significant risk factor for psychopathology. In addition, the paper concludes that the education of psychologists regarding the mental health needs of people with intellectual disabilities is insufficient. The authors document the need for incorporating research and treatment advances related to intellectual disabilities and mental health into to the professional training of psychologists. The paper also describe the potential this training holds for improving both the lives of people with intellectual disabilities and the overall competence of psychologists. Practical implications - This paper provides a literature-based rationale for the need to include education in the mental health needs of people with intellectual disabilities into the general training of mental health professionals. In addition, it provides specific recommendations for how such training can be incorporated into graduate psychology programs. Originality/value - This paper provides mental health professionals with a review of the growth in understanding of the enormous, unmet mental health needs of people intellectual disabilities, and of the critical role of ID in development of mental health problems. Moreover, this paper builds the case for an important revision in the training of psychologists to include competence in understanding and treating mental health problems across the full spectrum of intellectual functioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to assess the effects of compassion-focussed therapy (CFT) on anxiety in a small sample of adults with intellectual disability.Design/methodology/approach A mixed-methods design was employed. Participants (n=3) completed questionnaire measures of anxiety and self-compassion on three occasions: pre-intervention, post-intervention and, at three months follow-up. Post-intervention, they also took part in recorded interviews that were analysed using interpretive phenomenological analysis. Findings were then synthesised to develop a comprehensive understanding of their overall experience.Findings Final data synthesis revealed five themes: participant anxiety decreased (reliable for all participants); the faulty self; improved positive compassionate attitudes; increased sense of common humanity; and mindful distraction techniques.Research limitations/implications This research paper offers in-depth analysis of three participants’ experiences rather than reporting in less detail about a larger number of participants. The self-compassion scale required considerable support and reasonable adaptation to be used with these clients.Originality/value Only two other studies have explored the use of CFT with people with intellectual disabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the importance of equal access to Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) for people with intellectual disabilities.Design/methodology/approach The paper identifies barriers to access and shows how a reference group can work to solve the barriers and increase access.Findings The paper evaluates the authors’ progress to date and how the authors plan to continue to take the work forward.Practical implications The paper highlights some of the factors responsible for the authors’ success and gives information that will be helpful to other areas who are interested in facilitating equal access.Originality/value The paper demonstrates how the focus of a reference group can drive improvements across services to improve access for people with intellectual disabilities to IAPT services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to provide an update on the effectiveness of psychotherapy with persons with intellectual disabilities.Design/methodology/approach - This paper focused on summarizing the conclusions of other reviews published in the last ten years, including a recent review by the authors.Findings - The paper concludes that there is evidence that psychotherapy with persons with intellectual disabilities is at least moderately effective. Further, there is evidence of effectiveness of psychotherapy for both child and adolescent, and adult populations. There is also evidence that a range of therapeutic interventions are effective and that a spectrum of problems can be addressed via psychotherapy.Research limitations/implications - This area has received relatively little attention in the research literature and the area lacks a large base of methodologically sound and rigorous studies. There is a need for well-designed studies, particularly randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and a need for better specification of treatments (e.g. manualized), better outcome measures, and clearer specification of diagnostic categories within the intellectual disability population.Practical implications - This review provides continued support for the use of psychotherapy with persons with intellectual disabilities.Originality/value - This review appears to represent the most current overview of research in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - This paper aims to present preliminary findings regarding the types of adaptations made to dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and their effectiveness in working with a population who have both intellectual disabilities and mental illnesses.Design/methodology/approach - A pilot study conducted with adolescent clients in a day treatment program was completed in an effort to determine the effectiveness of dialectical behavior therapy for special populations (DBT-SP). The study utilized all three components of DBT, in addition to the normal milieu management techniques. As such, clients received DBT-SP focused individual therapy, skills training groups using the DBT-SP skills training manual, and the whole treatment team staff participated in a DBT-SP supervision/consultation group. Observations of client behavior by staff, client outcome when leaving the program, and daily diary card information was collected.Findings - Although there are a number of issues that must be addressed when providing psychotherapy to individuals with intellectual disabilities and mental illnesses, many psychotherapeutic techniques are effective if they are suitably modified (Bütz et al., 2000; Nezu and Nezu, 1994) as has been found with DBT-SP.Research limitations/implications - As with most pilot studies, there are many limitations to the data. While each client serves as his/her own control, there is no random control group as all the youths receive DBT-SP. Further, DBT-SP is used in conjunction with other techniques and the study lacks the ability to control for any additional factors in the students' environment that may influence their behavior. In addition, clients enter and leave the program at different times, and so the data gathered can be hard to interpret. Thus, far, the data are suggestive, but not conclusive, regarding the effectiveness of DBT-SP.Originality/value - The information in this paper will be useful to therapists providing treatment to clients with intellectual disabilities and mental illnesses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: There are few publications on personality disorder in adults with intellectual disability (ID), and on borderline personality disorder (BPD) specifically. Publications concerning treatment are sparse, despite the high symptom burden in these patients. This paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach: Six patients with BPD and ID were recruited from the same inpatient unit. Behaviour problems and mental health symptoms were scored on admission and discharge. Information about treatment, length of stay, etc. was taken from case files. Findings: Both mental health symptoms measured by the SCL-90-R, and behaviour problems measured by the Aberrant Behaviour Checklist were significantly reduced on discharge. In the active treatment period, the two main aspects of treatment were validation and practicing new solutions when emotional and behavioural problems occur, i.e. skills training. Research limitations/implications: The limitations related to this study are that the study is conducted in one milieu only. Another limitation is that the patients were admitted over a five-year period, where, some changes were made in the treatment approach. Practical implications: Inpatient treatment of this patient group seems to be effective if individually adjusted to the patient's psychopathology, ID and communication style. Close co-operation between the individual therapist and milieu therapists is essential. Originality/value: There is a need for intervention studies on BPD in ID. This study may be a valuable contribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore significant events in psychotherapy with clients with intellectual disabilities (IDs).Design/methodology/approach Four therapy dyads, each consisting of one client and one therapist, were recruited. Following the brief structured recall procedure (Elliott and Shapiro, 1988), semi-structured interviews focused on helpful events in psychotherapy, using video of particular sessions as a stimulus to help prompt recall of that session.Findings Using interpretative phenomenological analysis, five super-ordinate themes were identified: “The Uniqueness of the Therapeutic Relationship”; “Using adaptations to Express Emotions”; “Client Behaviour/Therapist Behaviour”; “Hope and Paternalism”; and “Meaning-Making”. The results provide additional evidence that significant therapy events occur for clients with IDs. Furthermore, the research enabled insights to be gained about the process of therapy for this client group and for exploration of therapeutic factors that may be involved in facilitating a significant therapy event.Research limitations/implications This study highlights the need for therapists to work in such a way as to facilitate significant events in therapy. Whilst this study was a necessary first step, owing to the non-existence of research in this area, the sample size and qualitative design may limit any wider generalisation of the findings.Originality/value Significant events have not previously been explored in psychotherapy with clients with IDs. This research could therefore make an important contribution to our understanding of the process of psychotherapy for this client group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the outcome of psychodynamic psychotherapy for people with intellectual disabilities (ID), which has a limited but supportive evidence base.Design/methodology/approach The study is a systematic open trial of flexible-length psychodynamic therapy offered in an urban community to 30 people with mild and moderate ID, presenting with significant emotional distress on the Psychological Therapies Outcome Scale for people with intellectual disabilities (PTOS-ID). Allocation to therapy was made according to an established stepped care approach according to need, and the mean number of sessions was 22.03 (range 7–47). Treatment fidelity was checked via notes review and cases excluded from analysis where there were other significant psychological interventions.Findings On both self-report (PTOS-ID) and independent ratings (Health of the Nation Outcome Scales-Learning Disability (HoNOS-LD)) recipients of therapy: did not improve while waiting for therapy; improved significantly during therapy, with large pre–post effect sizes; and retained improvements at six-month follow-up.Research limitations/implications While it is important to conduct further controlled trials, the findings provide support for previous studies. High rates of abuse and neglect were found in the sample, suggesting that more trauma-informed and relational approaches should be explored for this client group.Originality/value No other study of this size has been completed which used dedicated standardised outcome measures, with this therapy type, with both waiting list and follow-up control and with account of model fidelity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present outcomes of mixed practices including use of ideas from narrative therapy (NT) in a case of mild intellectual disability (ID) and personality disorder. The formulation, therapy adaptation and outcomes are presented.Design/methodology/approach The study is a single case report describing patient presentation, assessments, psychological formulation and the mixed interventions approaches used, including ideas from NT. Adaptations to meet the needs of patients with ID were described, and therapy outcome measured using Health of the Nation Outcome scale and Psychiatric Assessment Schedule for Adults with Developmental Disorders was presented.Findings The ideas used from NT suggest this is potentially a useful approach in practice for people with intellectual disabilities and personality disorder. However, adaptation is needed for it to be used successfully in practice as a therapeutic intervention.Research limitations/implications A single case study has its limitations, and further work on using ideas from NT, its adaptation and use in this population will be needed.Originality/value There is no previous case of use of NT among patients with ID and personality disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Over a decade ago “Psychotherapy and learning disabilities” was published by the UK Royal College of Psychiatrists. It was decided by the Royal College and British Psychological Society’s faculties for people who have ID to revise and update this report. The paper aims to discuss these issues.Design/methodology/approach Experts in the field were invited to make a contribution on their approach covering method, adaptations, service user views and outcomes.Findings A great deal has changed in the last decade in terms of service development and research resulting in a much wider range of therapies being made available and there being a growing evidence base.Research limitations/implications Further work needs to be carried out to make such information accessible to carers and service users.Practical implications The report is a useful resource for professionals involved in the support of the mental health and emotional needs of people who have ID.Social implications The report should help expand the range of therapies available to people who have ID who need then so they can live more fulfilling lives.Originality/value The report provide extensive coverage of the range of psychological therapies available to people who have ID along with their evidence base. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to explore the effectiveness of Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy in an individual with mild intellectual disabilities currently compulsorily detained in secure care. Design/methodology/approach - The intervention utilised the EMDR eight-phase protocolised psychotherapeutic approach. Sessions utilised symbol cards to explore the impact of the client's experiences in relation to his thoughts, emotional feelings, physical feelings and behaviour. Drawings were also utilised to assist the client to develop a picture of the traumatic incident. A "safe place visualisation technique" was also utilised at the end of every session to manage any distress. The Posttraumatic Stress Diagnostic Scale (PDS) with some minor adaptations for use with people with intellectual disabilities was utilised as a pre- and post-measure. Findings - The study identified reductions in symptoms in all three core clinical subgroups of the PDS: re-experiencing, avoidance and arousal, with outcomes being maintained at one-month and six -month follow-up. Reduction in the strength of ratings was most evident in the avoidance domain. Originality/value - There are limited studies exploring the effectiveness of EMDR with individuals with intellectual disabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – Offenders who have intellectual disabilities like any one else may deny their offence. This paper reports a case study of a man who admitted his offence and them accepted probation with a condition of treatment. However, when he attended treatment he denied the offence. Thus do those providing treatment send them back into the criminal justice system or work with them try and help them accept what they have done and provide appropriate treatment to help them reduce future risk of offending. Design/methodology/approach – In this case study the assimilation model was used to understand the process of change and monitor change through exploratory psychotherapy. The psychotherapeutic model was psychodymnamic. Findings – The client demonstrated gains through the stages of the model toward acceptance of his problematic behaviour and continued to work on this through further psychotherapy. Originality/value – The assimilation model offers a useful approach to monitor change in psychotherapy; but especially when the client does not accept the problem the rest of the world feels they have. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This paper charts the development and practice of disability psychotherapy for the author and for services. Design/methodology/approach – A personal account relating events to the development of thinking and practice. Findings – The author suggests that a paradigm shift has occurred over the 30 years to a position of "doing with" as opposed to "doing to". Originality/value – This has not previously been put forward as a way of understanding present day services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - This paper seeks to describe the value of utilizing family systems theory as a meta-theory in psychotherapy with persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families, at different stages of the family life cycle.Design/methodology/approach - Family systems theory prioritizes the reciprocal impact of the familial group and the individual. As people with intellectual and developmental disabilities often sustain high involvement with their families throughout their lives, family systems theory might be especially relevant to their mental health treatment. In addition, because people with intellectual and developmental disabilities often live in family-like group settings and systems theory can be applied to family-like groups, the theory is potentially even more widely applicable.Findings - The case studies presented describe cases in which persons with intellectual disabilities or their families presented in psychotherapy with mental health or behavioral symptoms. The cases delineate the depathologizing effect of applying a family systems filter to the presenting problems, and the unique ways in which presenting problems may be more effectively addressed by shifting the group dynamics rather than treating only the individual symptoms.Originality/value - Family systems theory is a well established school of psychotherapeutic treatment, but its value in treating individuals with intellectual disabilities is not well documented or explained. While there is literature on the challenges faced by families impacted by intellectual disability, there is little information, particularly in the USA, about the application of family systems theory to the dynamics of such families or about the benefit to the individual with intellectual disability of this approach to psychotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This literature review aims to ascertain the outcomes and perspectives of community-based compassion-focused therapy (CFT) for adults with intellectual disabilities. Design/methodology/approach: A comprehensive search of five databases was conducted systematically, with one additional study identified manually, yielding eight relevant studies. Methodological quality was appraised using two tools to account for heterogeneity in study designs. Findings: Two studies conducted a CFT-derived task while six studies conducted full CFT interventions, of which two delivered group interventions. Qualitative findings were favourable towards CFT, though some quantitative outcomes were inconsistent across the literature and with qualitative results. It is concluded that CFT is perceived as valuable and appears to produce positive outcomes for adults with intellectual disabilities. However, larger, randomised control trials are required to establish CFT as an efficacious, evidence-based intervention. Originality/value: This review provides insight into the outcomes and perspectives of CFT for individuals with an intellectual disability which has not been explicitly explored prior. Therefore, a holistic and specific examination of community-based CFT for individuals with intellectual disabilities is introduced to the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – Psychological therapies are increasingly being made available to adults with intellectual disabilities. However, little is known about service user satisfaction with this type of intervention. The aim was to ascertain quantitative and qualitative data on user satisfaction with the psychological therapy they had received. Design/methodology/approach – In total, 20 recipients of psychological therapy completed the Satisfaction with Therapy and Therapist Scale – Revised (STTS-R; Oei and Shuttleword, 1999) and the Experience of Service Questionnaire (Commission for Health Improvement, 2002). The scales were adapted for language and administered in an assisted completion format by an independent researcher after a course of psychological therapy had been completed. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the quantitative data and thematic analysis was used to analyse the qualitative data. Findings – Generally, recipients were highly satisfied with their therapist and the therapy they received. Originality/value – The results confirm previous findings from two small-scale qualitative studies. Service user satisfaction is a key quality outcome measure and can be collated in routine practice for people with intellectual disabilities. The collation of qualitative responses in addition to quantitative measures is important to enable the expression of dissatisfaction and greater detail in order to inform service improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This case report seeks to describe successful treatment of erotomania using cognitive behavioural psychotherapy in concert with community support providers applying similar psychotherapeutic approaches. Design/methodology/approach – A case report is presented illustrating successful treatment of an individual with erotomania and intellectual disability. Pharmacotherapy assessment suggested its ineffectiveness and medicines were slowly reduced and discontinued. Cognitive behavioural psychotherapy provided a venue to discuss personal issues and work on solutions. The community support system was enlisted to approach the problem using two main psychotherapeutic strategies: eliminate social attention for the delusion; and increase social relationships. Findings – Cognitive behavioural psychotherapy working in collaboration with the community support system resulted in great improvement. Within three years, the individual returned to previous functioning with no symptoms of the delusional disorder. Originality/value – This case study illustrates the successful treatment of erotomania using cognitive behavioural psychotherapy and engaging the community support system in applying directed psychotherapeutic strategies. Erotomania occurs in people with intellectual disability and must be recognized and treated. Ineffective pharmacotherapy was successfully reduced and discontinued within the context of appropriate therapeutic supports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]