Dementia, Mental Health Disorder, or Intellectual Disability: How Do We Tell?

• DOI: 10.33591/sfp.48.7.u2
• Publication Date: 2023-09-05T04:22:51Z
• Authors: Shiling Chen
• Keywords: Identification; Complaint; Challenging behaviour; Clinical Practice

The identification of mental health disorders and dementia in individuals with intellectual developmental disability is complex. This due to possible overlapping clinical presentations the difficulty separating symptoms from characteristics disability. Furthermore, intrinsic limitations communication challenges faced elucidating accurate information presence these conditions lend additional difficulty. However, differentiating between essential for establishing diagnoses instituting appropriate treatment. Moreover, even if patient presents a completely unrelated complaint, being aware base diagnosis vital. especially important so that intervention plans community resources can be activated support their families. Having said that, limited time primary care doctors have access practice may pose questions regarding how it them make such differentiation. article aims suggest practical approach setting.