Learning Disabilities and Mental Health

Learning disabilities and mental health: a nursing perspective provides an evidence-based perspective on care of individuals with learning disabilities and mental health problems.

Around 30% to 40% of people with learning disabilities will experience mental health disorders during their lives. Many learning disability nurses and a significant number of mental health nurses are in daily contact with this group, and their complex needs are not often well understood.

• Examines current theory and practice in supporting people with learning disabilities and additional mental health needs
• Evaluates the learning disability nursing contribution to care
• Identifies the key knowledge and skills required by learning disability and mental health nurses and other health care professionals
• Addresses key issues in contemporary practice
• Explores assessment of needs in order to provide needs-led services

Raghu Raghavan is Lecturer in Learning Disability, at the University of Bradford.

John Turnbull is editor of the RCN Learning Disability Practice journal and Director of Nursing at Oxfordshire Learning Disability NHS Trust.