Behavioural and psychiatric disorders in adults with mild learning difficulties

The study of the relationship between the presence of learning difficulties, with its the numerous possible causes, and the onset of behaviour problems or psychiatric disorder is complicated by confusion over terminology, difficulties in ascertaining population rates for these disorders and different theories and ideologies concerning how such problems should be managed. The complexity of such problems demands the collection of data in each individual case and the proper evaluation of the effect of any intervention, whether it be behavioural, social psychotherapeutic or the use of medication. Such an assessment has as its aim the identification of the biological, psychological and environmental components relevant to understanding why a particular person presents with a problem behaviour, and/or the onset of a particular psychiatric disorder, at this point in time. By identifying the relative importance of these different factors appropriate therapeutic interventions can be tried. People who are identified as having learning difficulties, of whatever degree, have the right to expect that help will be available for them, as the presence of behaviour problems or psychiatric disorder can severely affect their quality of life.