BMJ 2008;336:570-571 (15 March), doi:10.1136/bmj.39490.543137.80
Editorials
Illness in people with intellectual disabilities
Is common, underdiagnosed, and poorly managed
| The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below. |
This week a report published report by the Joint Committee on Human Rights highlights the widespread denial of fundamental human rights to people with intellectual disabilities by mainstream public services.1 One reason why people with intellectual disabilities receive suboptimal care is diagnostic overshadowing, whereby a presenting symptom of mental illness or physical illness is incorrectly attributed to the person’s intellectual disability.2 Although people with intellectual disability have a higher prevalence of mental illness than people with a normal IQ,3 medical professionals are less likely to diagnose psychiatric problems in this group.2 People with intellectual disability are also more likely to have chronic disorders such as epilepsy, cerebral palsy, and genetic syndromes.4 5 However, their health needs are often unmet.5
Two recent reports by the Disability Rights Commission and MENCAP have highlighted the importance of diagnostic overshadowing in people with intellectual disability in England and Wales.6 7 They highlight the widespread inequalities encountered
Afia Ali, specialist registrar in psychiatry of intellectual disability1, Angela Hassiotis, senior lecturer in intellectual disability2
1 Hackney Learning Disability Service, St Leonard’s, London N1 5LZ, 2 Department of Mental Health Sciences, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, University College Medical School, London W1W 7EY
Afia.Ali@hackney.gov.uk
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- Local innovation in tackling health inequalities in intellectual disability Meraj Tajuddin, et al.
- Local innovation in tackling health inequalities in intellectual disability - correct postcode for author Trish Groves
- General Practice remains the key to improving the health of people with intellectual disabilities Nicholas G Lennox, et al.
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