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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in people with Intellectual Disability

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 May 2018

Bhathika Perera
Bhathika Perera*
Affiliation:
Barnet, Enfield and Haringey Mental Health Trust, UK
*
*Address for correspondence: Bhathika Perera, Haringey Learning Disability Partnership, River Park House, 225, High Road, London, N22 8HQ, UK. (Email: bathika@hotmail.com)
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Abstract

Two case reports of people with severe intellectual disability (ID), Autism and challenging behaviour are discussed here to describe the presentation of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in people with ID. Both cases highlight how the diagnosis of ADHD can be missed and the behaviours attributed to ID and autism, which could lead to using ineffective treatment strategies. The case reports illustrate the importance of the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD in people with ID and how it can make a difference to their clinical presentation and quality of life.

Keywords

ADHDdiagnostic validityDSMintellectual disabilitylearning disability
Type
Case Report
Information
Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine , Volume 35 , Special Issue 3: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder , September 2018 , pp. 213 - 219
Copyright
© College of Psychiatrists of Ireland 2018 

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