FAQ: Why are people with learning disabilities at greater risk of mental health problems?
The risk of mental ill health is greater among people with learning disabilities than among the general population. Common mental health problems such as anxiety and depression occur more frequently among this group of people.
This is sometimes referred to as a dual diagnosis of learning disability and mental health, or simply as a dual diagnosis.
There are various additional physical, psychological and social factors which mean that people with learning disabilities are at greater risk of mental health problems.
For example:
In people with Down syndrome, there is a high risk of Alzheimer's disease
The unsettled and uncertain lives led by many people with learning disabilities can expose them to a greater extent thatn other people to disruption, loss, separation and all the grief that is associated with these.
People with learning disabilities may have very little in the way of family, friends or relationships in their lives They are strongly disadvantaged in socially important areas such as education and work, and may have low status and little money. All this contributes to a sense of worthlessness and isolation.
More Information
Royal College of Psychiatrists -
depression in people with learning disabilities
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