Behaviour and psychiatric disorders of people with mental handicaps living in the community

Psychiatric and behavioural disorders were found to be relatively common in a sample of 318 individuals with a mental handicap living in the community. Many of those referred for psychiatric assessment had other non-psychiatric problems. The presence of these other needs has been recognized, and had led to the emergence of a distinct group of professionals, therapists and support staff with whom psychiatrists need to liaise to devise an adequate and effective care plan. This study also highlights the need for the development of a methodology for assessing psychiatric disorders in people with a mental handicap.