The complexity of lifelong comorbidities with severe intellectual disability

Title
The complexity of lifelong comorbidities with severe intellectual disability
Publication Date
2019
Author(s)
Wark, Stuart
( author )
OrcID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5366-1860
Email: stuart.wark@une.edu.au
UNE Id une-id:swark5
Kingstone, Martin
Type of document
Journal Article
Language
en
Entity Type
Publication
Publisher
Routledge
Place of publication
United Kingdom
DOI
10.3109/13668250.2018.1481735
UNE publication id
une:1959.11/26605
Abstract
Background: This descriptive single-case study reports upon a four-decade history of health care and support provided to one male with life-long intellectual disability and significant comorbidities. Methods: All available paper and electronic documentation from the past 40 years was reviewed, with relevant health and medication information collated and summarised. Results: The collated information notes radical movement in mental health diagnoses and significant emerging physical health issues. There are disparate and sometimes contradictory mental and physical health diagnoses from age 2 years and significant changes in treatment. Conclusions: This case outlines a number of important issues for medical and health care practitioners to consider when supporting individuals with intellectual disability. Clear differentiation between an existing intellectual disability, autism, and emerging mental health concerns has remained problematic over many decades. The lack of effective pain management, when contrasted against comprehensive medication regimes for health issues, is particularly concerning.
Link
Citation
Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disability, 44(4), p. 431-438
ISSN
1469-9532
1366-8250
Start page
431
End page
438

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