Individual research recommendation details

Recommendation ID

NG54/1

Question

Develop case identification tools for common mental health problems:- Develop or adapt reliable and valid tools for the case identification of common mental health problems in people with learning disabilities, for routine use in primary care, social care and education settings.

Any explanatory notes
(if applicable)

Why this is important:- Mental health problems are often overlooked and therefore untreated in people with learning disabilities. This includes common mental health problems such as depression and anxiety disorders, or dementia in Down's syndrome. As a result, the identification of mental health problems in people with learning disabilities was a priority for this guideline.
While case identification tools exist and are recommended for use in the general population, no suitable tools were found that help with initial identification for people with learning disabilities. Research to develop and validate such tools would be valuable when this guideline is updated.
More reliable identification should help with early intervention and provide better outcomes, and earlier identification could also reduce costs for the NHS and social care. No relevant ongoing trials were identified.
Existing tools with the best psychometric properties could be adapted and validated for use with people with learning disabilities, or new tools could be developed that are appropriate for use. The tools should be readily available and useable in routine health, social care and education settings (such as by GPs or caregiving staff).
Tools should first be adapted or developed for the most common mental health problems within this population:
- dementia, depression and anxiety in adults
- depression and anxiety in children and young people.
A series of cohort studies are needed to validate the tools (new or existing). The studies could include the following outcomes:
- sensitivity and specificity
- predictive validity.

Source guidance details

Comes from guidance

Mental health problems in people with learning disabilities: prevention, assessment and management

Number

NG54

Date issued

September 2016

Other details