Bereavement and grief in adults with learning disabilities - A follow-up study

Background This paper reports on the follow-up of a cohort of parentally be reaved adults with learning disabilities. Aims To investigate whether significant psychopathology, present up to 2.1 years after the death, had resolved five years later. Method Of an original sample of 50 adults with learning disabilities, 41 we re reassessed. The Aberrant Behaviour Checklist and the Psychopathology Ins trument for Mentally Retarded Adults were re-administered to carers. Results At follow-up, there was a small increase in the measures of aberran t behaviour. Measures of psychopathology showed improvement, and in particu lar there was a reduction in anxiety. Conclusions The response to bereavement by adults with learning disabilitie s is similar in type, though not in expression, to that of the general popu lation. Learning disability is a significant predictor of mental health pro blems following bereavement. Participants adapted more easily when basic em otional needs had been constructively met by carers. Declaration of interest No external funding.