BEHAVIOR DISORDERS IN ADULTS WITH LEARNING-DISABILITIES - EFFECT OF AGE AND DIFFERENTIATION FROM OTHER PSYCHIATRIC-DISORDERS

Objective: To clarify the effect of age on behaviour disorders in adul ts with learning disabilities, and the differentiation of behaviour di sorders from other psychiatric disorders, Method: Detailed assessments , measuring maladaptive behaviours, psychiatric disorders and demograp hic factors were completed on 93.7% of all people with learning disabi lities aged 65 years and over, living in Leicestershire, UK (n = 134), and also a random sample of adults with learning disabilities aged 20 -64 years (n = 73), Behaviour disorders were distinguished from other psychiatric disorders. Descriptive and inferential statistics were cal culated, Result: Equal rates (15%) and types of behaviour disorder wer e found in the two groups, The presence of behaviour disorder was asso ciated with the severity of learning disabilities, but age was not ass ociated, and nor was presence of epilepsy or gender, In many cases, po sitive scores on the behavioural assessment, which carers attributed t o challenging behaviour/behaviour disorder, were actually symptoms of psychiatric illness, Conclusion: Behaviour disorders persist into old age, and therefore require management from the appropriate services. T his need will increase, due to increasing lifespan, The accurate inter pretation of behaviour scales requires that a comprehensive psychiatri c assessment is also undertaken, particularly in elderly people where rates of psychiatric disorders are higher than for younger adults.