Caring for the Physical and Mental Health of People with Learning Disabilities

David Perry, Louise Hammond, Geoff Marston and Sherryl Gaskell are all based at the Caludon Centre at the Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust, UK. David Perry is Consultant Psychiatrist, specialising in learning disabilities; Louise Hammond is Lead Health Facilitator; Geoff Marston is Consultant Psychiatrist, specialising in learning disabilities; and Sherryl Gaskell is Strategic Health Facilitator. James Eva is an independent medicolegal psychiatrist and Mental Health Review Tribunal medical member, living in Cornwall.

This handy volume provides a helpful and practical overview for carers and families alike who are keen to ensure they are meeting the physical and mental health needs of people with learning disabilities. Its accessible and open approach and the inclusion of an invaluable glossary of terms is ideal for those new to the issues but also provides useful material and signposting for those with more experience in the field.

• Foreword. Dr Elin Davis, Consultant Psychiatrist, Cornwall, UK. Section 1. The needs of people with learning disability. 1. About this book. 2. An introduction to learning disabilities. 3. Learning disabilities and physical health. 4. Learning disabilities and mental health. 5. Physical and mental health needs of people with Down's Syndrome. 6. Learning disability, health and the law. Section 2. Associated conditions and issues. 7. Epilepsy. 8. Sleep problems. 9. Swallowing problems. 10. Autism. Section 3. Accessing services. 11. Screening programmes. 12. Health checks. 13. When admission to psychiatric care is required. Appendix. Genetic causes of learning disability. Glossary. References.