Mental health services for children and adolescents with learning disabilities: a review of research on experiences of service users and providers

Jacobs, M., Downie, H., Kidd, G., Fitzsimmons, L., Gibbs, S. and Melville, C. (2016) Mental health services for children and adolescents with learning disabilities: a review of research on experiences of service users and providers. British Journal of Learning Disabilities, 44(3), pp. 225-232. (doi: 10.1111/bld.12141)

Abstract

Background: Children and young people with learning disabilities experience high rates of mental health problems. Methods: The present study reviewed the literature on mental health services for children with learning disabilities, to identify known models of service provision and what has been experienced as effective or challenging in providing good services. Results: Children with learning disabilities and their parents experience barriers accessing mental health services that are related to a lack of information and perceptions of services as being inadequate. Service providers identified a lack of resources as a barrier to meeting needs. Although positive experiences are also observed, many parents have found services to be inappropriate or overwhelming. Conclusion: Research linking population need to available resources, and service models to services users’ outcomes would be valuable to make clear recommendations on how mental health services can address the needs of this group more effectively.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Jacobs, Dr Myrthe and Melville, Professor Craig
• Authors: Jacobs, M., Downie, H., Kidd, G., Fitzsimmons, L., Gibbs, S., and Melville, C.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Mental Health and Wellbeing
• Journal Name: British Journal of Learning Disabilities
• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
• ISSN: 1354-4187
• ISSN (Online): 1468-3156
• Published Online: 12 August 2015
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2015 John Wiley and Sons Ltd.
• First Published: First published in British Journal of Learning Disabilities 44(3): 225-232
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher