Psychopathology in Adults with Mental Retardation Before and After Deinstitutionalization

In a pilot study, the presence of psychopathology in 47 individuals with co-occurring mental retardation and psychiatric disturbance was examined before and after their move from the last remaining state institution for persons with mental retardation in Vermont. These persons, identified in previou...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of developmental and physical disabilities 1997-09, Vol.9 (3), p.223-242
Main Authors: Widrick, Gary C, Bramley, Janet A, Frawley, Patrick J
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Community
Comorbidity
Deinstitutionalization
Intellectual disabilities
Medical personnel
Mental disorders
Mental health care
Mental health services
Pilot projects
Psychopathology
Residence
Viability
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Summary:In a pilot study, the presence of psychopathology in 47 individuals with co-occurring mental retardation and psychiatric disturbance was examined before and after their move from the last remaining state institution for persons with mental retardation in Vermont. These persons, identified in previous literature as the least likely to succeed in community placements, experienced reduced psychopathological symptomatology and appeared to be served equally well in a variety of small-scale community residences irrespective of their care providers' prior experience. Individuals under 50 years of age showed significant psychiatric improvement while those older tended to remain unchanged. These preliminary findings appear to support the viability of a community-based service model using small residences for all persons with mental retardation regardless of their need for mental health care.
ISSN:1056-263X
1573-3580
DOI:10.1023/A:1024986020982