Co-occurring disorders and learning difficulties: client perspectives from two community-based programs.
OBJECTIVE
This study explored the experiences of adults with learning disabilities in the mental health system.


METHODS
Thirty-seven participants were clients at one of two community-based mental health agencies. Participants completed a standardized tool for assessment of a possible learning difficulty. Nineteen individuals met criteria, and nine participated in semistructured interviews.


RESULTS
The quantitative results indicated that participants were challenged by limited education, long-term mental illness, and homelessness. Qualitative themes concerned challenges in the areas of job skills, education, comprehension of paperwork, housing, social skills, comprehension of agency literature, low self-esteem, and accessing services.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings may help inform social service providers about the service gap between the education and mental health systems. People with co-occurring disorders and learning disabilities represent a segment of the treatment population that may experience limited access to social services without modifications to service delivery.
Keyser
Daniel R
DR
Department of Psychiatry, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, San Diego, CA 92123, USA. dkeyser01@rchsd.org
Mathiesen
Sally G
SG
D000328:Adult; D003156:Community Mental Health Services / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D007859:Learning Disabilities / Q000150:complications* / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000150:complications* / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000628:therapy; D008875:Middle Aged; D012949:Social Work, Psychiatric / Q000379:methods; D055815:Young Adult