Utilising behavioural family therapy (BFT) to help support the system around a person with intellectual disability and complex mental health needs

Abstract

There is a higher incidence of mental health problems amongst people with intellectual disabilities. Family members and support staff who provide support to people with intellectual disabilities with mental health difficulties are more likely to experience increased stress. In the mainstream mental health literature it has been demonstrated that psycho-educational family interventions have a positive impact on the person with mental health difficulties and on the family members who support them. This article uses a case study to illustrate the implementation of a family intervention with the support system around someone with intellectual disabilities, autism and chronic mental health difficulties. Following intervention the family member reported a marked decrease in levels of strain. Both the family and team members reported improvement in functioning within the support system.

Health professionals’ experiences of behavioural family therapy for adults with intellectual disabilities: a thematic analysis

“…However, the evidence base for BFT with adults with an intellectual disability is, at present, limited to a single case study and an unpublished case series (Marshall et al . , Marshall & Ferris ). Although there may be additional complexities in working with this client group, such as the need for modified communication and the often‐longstanding nature of problems (Goldberg et al .…”

“…Hence, as a result of associated high levels of family stress and the often more complex communication needs of individuals with intellectual disabilities, it may be beneficial for families where a member has an intellectual disability (Marshall & Ferris 2012). However, the evidence base for BFT with adults with an intellectual disability is, at present, limited to a single case study and an unpublished case series (Marshall et al 2011, Marshall & Ferris 2012. Although there may be additional complexities in working with this client group, such as the need for modified communication and the often-longstanding nature of problems (Goldberg et al 1995, Fidell 2000, Baum 2006), BFT appears to be ideally suited to this population, particularly as there is increased recognition of the role that families and carers play in supporting those with mental health difficulties (Grant & Ramcharan 2001, Baum 2006.…”

“…The ethos of BFT is to address stress within the family system by improving communication and problem‐solving skills. Hence, as a result of associated high levels of family stress and the often more complex communication needs of individuals with intellectual disabilities, it may be beneficial for families where a member has an intellectual disability (Marshall & Ferris ). However, the evidence base for BFT with adults with an intellectual disability is, at present, limited to a single case study and an unpublished case series (Marshall et al .…”

Comorbid Conditions in Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities

“…Lynggaard and Scior (2002) Purdy 2012, Baum andLynngaard 2006, Hill-Weld 2011). Despite this, there have to date been few formal research studies assessing efficacy.…”

Schizophrenia spectrum disorders

“…Research in the mainstream population has consistently demonstrated the effectiveness of family therapy in improving several aspects of the condition including frequency of relapse and number of admissions to hospital (Pharoah et al 2010). Although further research is required, adapted family therapy shows signs of being a promising treatment in people with ID (Marshall & Ferris 2012).…”