Mental retardation and psychiatric morbidity in a vocational programme

Issue title: Rehabilitation in Spain

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Salvador-Carulla, Luis^; | Rodríguez-Blázquez, Carmen | Rodríguez de Molina, Manuela | Angel-Mérida, Angeles | Alonso-Trujillo, Federico

Affiliations: Centro de Inuestigación en Minusualías (CIM), Uniuersidad de Cádiz, PROMI, Urb. El Bosque, Edif. Cycas, 7-C. (11405), Jerez de la Frontera (Cádiz), España | University of Cadiz, Unidadde Psicología Medica, Facultad de Medicina, Fragela (11003) Cádiz, España | Auda. Fuente de las Piedras, (14940) Cabra (Córdoba), España

Note: [] Corresponding author. Tel.: + 34 956 300217; fax: + 34 956 300215; e-mail: luis.salvador@cdz.servicom.es

Abstract: The present study was aimed at assessing the point-prevalence of psychiatric disorders (DSM-III-R) in individuals with mental retardation (MR) working in a vocational setting. The study was conducted at a vocational centre in southern Spain that is considered a model for social integration. One hundred and thirty workers with MR were interviewed by two experienced clinicians using the Assessment and Information Rating Profile (AIRP). Forty-two (32.3%) subjects had a psychiatric diagnosis, with the following distribution: schizophrenia (17.7%), other psychotic disorders (9.23%), mood disorders (4.61%), adjustment disorders (2.31%), anxiety disorders (1.54%) and other psychiatric disorders (6.15%). Treatment was considered inadequate in 30% of these cases. The prevalence of psychiatric disorders was similar to that found in structured healthcare environments. This finding highlights the need for specific psychiatric assessment in MR in vocational programmes.

Keywords: Mental retardation, Dual diagnosis, Mental disorders, Supported employment

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-1998-11307

Journal: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 11, no. 3, pp. 215-221, 1998