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  3. Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities

Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (PSYT90060)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 6.25On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

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May
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People with intellectual and developmental disabilities have higher rates of psychiatric illness than the general population, yet much of this psychiatric morbidity remains unrecognised, undiagnosed and untreated. Federal and state government policies mandate that people with disabilities access generic mental health services. The introduction of this selective will provide an opportunity for candidates to develop a solid approach to the assessment and care of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and psychiatric disorder. Topics covered include philosophical and legal issues, communication skills, the epidemiology, aetiology, assessment and management of psychiatric disorders in people with intellectual and development disabilities as well as mental health policy and services.

Intended learning outcomes


  • Understand and discuss the importance and impact of philosophical, ethical, humanitarian and legal concepts on the care of and quality of life of people with intellectual/developmental disabilities
  • Identify and assess the biopsychosocial risk factors for psychiatric disorders in people with intellectual/developmental disabilities
  • Understand the importance of identifying the cause of an intellectual/ developmental disability and behavioural phenotypes
  • Recognise and/or research syndromes and behavioural phenotypes
  • Identify barriers to diagnosis of psychiatric disorder in people with intellectual disability and explain how you would minimise these barriers in your practice of psychiatry
  • Explain how psychiatric disorders present in people with intellectual/developmental disabilities
  • Assess and differentiate the causes of challenging behaviour
  • Conduct a modified psychiatric assessment and formulate a diagnostic hypothesis and management plan
  • Appraise various service models for delivering psychiatric services to people with intellectual/developmental disabilities
  • Begin to incorporate new learning from this selective into a reflective cycle of psychiatric practice

Last updated: 3 November 2022