Outcomes in individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders over the age of 15

[摘要] This thesis is submitted as a requirement of the Doctor of Clinical Psychology degree at the School of Psychology at Birmingham University and is comprised of two volumes; a research and, a clinical volume.Volume I: ResearchThe research volume contains a literature review and an empirical paper. The literature review is a review of the literature into mental health problems in individuals over the age of 16 with a neurodevelopmental syndrome (Angelmans, Cri-du-chat, Cornelia de Lange, Fragile X, Prader-willi, Smith-Magenis and Williams syndromes). Each of these syndromes is associated with specific cognitive and behavioural characteristics that are risk factors for mental health. Despite this, the psychological features of these syndromes are largely unknown. This literature review seeks to assess the prevalence and descriptions of symptoms of mental health disorders within these syndromes to assist with early identification and treatment.The empirical paper is a 10 year longitudinal study into fourteen individuals with Smith-Magenis Syndrome (SMS); a neurodevelopmental disorder first described in 1982. This syndrome is associated with high sociability, moderate/severe intellectual disabilities and high levels of challenging behaviour and sleep disturbances. The behavioural characteristics and communicative abilities of participants were compared between 2003/2004 and 2014/2015 to determine how the support needs of these individuals have changed over time. This study attempts to answer the question; what happens to individuals with SMS as they become adults, and, what the resulting impact is upon their quality of life.Volume II: Clinical ComponentThe Clinical Component consists of five clinical practice reports. The first clinical practice report is of a young girl with trichotillomania, formulated from the behavioural and systemic models. The second clinical practice report is a service evaluation of a Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS), using the CORE quantitative tool and a semi-structured interview to make recommendations on how client satisfaction could be improved. The third clinical practice report is a case study of a young woman who had a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder and anxiety, and who engaged in self-injurious behaviour. Her presenting issues are formulated using a psychodynamic formulation and the intervention used is described and evaluated. The fourth clinical practice report is a forensic single case experimental design study of a man with an intellectual disability who was engaging in risky behaviours. The assessment process, formulation and intervention are described and evaluated. The final clinical practice report is a neuropsychological report of an elderly lady who was presenting with symptoms of dementia. The dementia assessment process and formulation is described with recommendations given around intervention.

[发布机构] University:University of Birmingham;Department:School of Psychology

[关键词] B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion;BF Psychology