Mind Matters: a psychoeducation programme for Individuals with intellectual disabilities and co-morbid diagnoses of mental disorder

Journal of Intellectual Disabilities and Offending Behaviour,Volume 8, Issue 1, March 2017. Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe a feasibility study into the development and pilot of a psychoeducational group for people with intellectual disability and co-morbid mental disorder (including mental illness and personality disorder) within forensic settings. Design/methodology/approach “Mind Matters”, a psychoeducational programme for people with an intellectual disability and co-morbid mental disorders is a group based programme in a medium secure hospital, adapted and developed to be suitable for people with intellectual disability. therapist multi-disciplinary approach was key to its development. An open group on a 16 bedded ward for individuals with mild to moderate intellectual disability and co-morbid mental illness was delivered over a 6 week period. Findings The group was positively received in pilot by participants and members of the clinical teams. Attendance and engagement of participants were key measures of the success of the programme. In addition to the apparent increased social skills and motivation to engage with future psychological intervention. Practical implications The authors believe that this approach benefitted both the group members a nd staff on ward, reinforcing strategies for maintaining positive mental health. It also stimulated engagement, discussion about mental disorders including mental illness, personality disorder and intell...

Source: Journal of Intellectual Disabilities and Offending Behaviour - January 17, 2017 Category: Criminology Source Type: research