Showing papers by "Yona Lunsky published in 2003"

Depressive symptoms in intellectual disability: does gender play a role?

Abstract: Background Gender issues remain largely unaddressed in the dual diagnosis arena, even in the area of depression where there is a 2 : 1 female to male ratio in the general population. This paper argues that women with intellectual disability (ID) report higher levels of depressive symptoms than men with ID and that risk factors for depression identified for women in the general population are relevant to this group. Method Findings are based on structured interviews with 99 men and women with ID, with corroborative information provided from caregivers and casebook reviews. Results Overall, women reported higher levels of depression than men. Individuals with higher depression scores were more lonely and had higher stress levels than individuals with lower scores. Women with higher depression scores were more likely to report coming from abusive situations, to have poor social support from family and to be unemployed when compared to women with lower scores, but similar differences were not found when comparing men with higher and lower depression scores. Conclusion Men and women who report experiencing these psychosocial correlates of depression should be a target group for future prevention efforts, taking gender specific concerns into consideration.

Women be Healthy: Evaluation of a Women's Health Curriculum for Women with Intellectual Disabilities

Abstract: Background Insufficient attention has been paid towards treating the unique health needs of women with intellectual disabilities. This paper describes an 8-week curriculum, ‘Women Be Healthy’, developed for women with intellectual disabilities to help them become more equal partners in their health care. The curriculum includes psycho-education, coping skills training, exposure to the medical setting and assertiveness training. Materials and methods Twenty-two women completed assessments of health knowledge, health behaviour beliefs and coping strategies, prior to and following participation in the 8-week curriculum, which took place in a group setting at a clinic for people with intellectual disabilities. Results Women showed significant improvements in health knowledge, health behaviour beliefs and coping strategies following intervention, and maintained some of these treatment gains (health knowledge and health behaviour beliefs) at a 10-week follow-up. Conclusions ‘Women Be Healthy’ is an example of a group-based intervention that helps women with intellectual disabilities become more knowledgeable and perhaps more comfortable with health-care procedures.

Aggression as a Symptom of Mood Destabilization in Pervasive Developmental Disorders

Abstract: Mood disorders are underdiagnosed, and often misdiagnosed as psychotic or behavioral disturbance in people with developmental disabilities generally and particularly with pervasive developmental disorders (PDD). It is often a behavioural change, predominantly aggression, that leads to a request for a consultation. A review of all outpatient referrals to the Dual Diagnosis consultation service revealed that physical aggression was a presenting problem for the majority of referrals irrespective of their PDD status. Clients with PDD constituted almost two-thirds of the referrals, and mood disorders were not recognized in 80% of those clients. Furthermore, discontinuation of antipsychotic medication was recommended for 80% of PDD clients with mood disorder. Diagnostic and treatment implications of these results are discussed.

Successful Aging of Women with Intellectual Disabilities: The Toronto Experience

Abstract: Older women with intellectual disabilities are a growing population, whose perspective has been traditionally ignored in research. This study aims to identify some key issues in aging for this group from the perspective of the women themselves. Nine women in the Greater Toronto Area participated in 1 to 2 hour interviews addressing personal demographics, economic and personal safety net, health, social roles, and well being. Findings indicate that these women face significant challenges as they age, especially in the areas of health and economic well being. Despite their challenging situations, most women report feeling relatively happy and are satisfied with the support in their lives.