Do people with intellectual disabilities have the skills to undertake cognitive behavioural therapy? An investigation into computerised training to improve accessibility

Vereenooghe, Leen (2015) Do people with intellectual disabilities have the skills to undertake cognitive behavioural therapy? An investigation into computerised training to improve accessibility. Doctoral thesis, University of East Anglia.

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Abstract

While people with intellectual disabilities (IDs) are at increased risk of developing
mental health problems, they are disadvantaged when accessing mental health
services. The aims of this thesis are threefold: 1) to evaluate the efficacy of
psychological therapies for people with IDs who experience mental health problems,
2) to improve the suitability of adults with IDs for cognitive behavioural therapy
(CBT), and 3) to explore the acceptability of computer programmes in therapy as a
reasonable adjustment to improve therapy accessibility.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of the current literature were conducted and
identified CBT and individual therapies as the most efficacious treatment for anger
and depression. Although adults with IDs and concurrent mental health problems
appear to benefit from psychological therapies, clinical trials need to make use of
improved reporting standards and larger samples.
Next, in two subsequent single-blind mixed experimental designs the efficacy of
computerised training programmes in improving CBT skills in people with mild to
moderate IDs is evaluated. Training programmes focused on linking situations to
feelings and discriminating between thoughts, feelings and behaviours. When
compared to an attention-control condition, training improved cognitive mediation
skills, as assessed by the ability to link situations and mediating beliefs to feelings,
and improved the ability to differentiate between thoughts, feelings and behaviours.
In a concluding qualitative study, the perspectives of service users with IDs and
clinicians on using computers in therapy were explored. Both service users and
clinicians were positive about the potential functions and benefits of using computers
in therapy, but also drew attention to potential challenges and barriers.
Together, these studies show that computers can be used to improve the suitability of
people with IDs for CBT and meanwhile encourage further exploration into the
possibilities that these technologies can open up for improving the accessibility of
psychological therapies.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Norwich Medical School
Depositing User:	Users 2259 not found.
Date Deposited:	28 Jan 2016 11:38
Last Modified:	28 Jan 2016 11:38
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/56822
DOI:

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