People with learning disabilities identifying psychotic symptoms
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Can people with learning disabilities report their own psychotic symptoms?: a qualitative investigation.
IRAS ID
138988
Contact name
Gaynor Ward
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
16-EM-0235, 16-EM-0235
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 28 days
Research summary
People with learning disabilities have an increased risk of developing poor mental health. However, the identification and correct diagnosis of mental health problems in learning disabled adults is complex and can be highly challenging even for the most experienced clinicians.
Aim
The overall aim of this study is to develop an easy read set of sort cards that can help people with learning disabilities identify their own psychotic symptoms.Objectives
In order to achieve this the study will be split into two phases, which will:1. Identify an appropriate sentence and symbol that describes individual symptoms of psychosis.
2. Use the chosen sentences and matching symbols to create a set of sort cards.
3. Explore if the sort cards can enhance a learning disabled individuals ability to report on their own psychotic symptoms.Methods
This study will have two phases. Phase 1 will involve 30 participant with with mild learning disabilities to review the wording of statements relating to relapse signatures of psychosis and a symbol that represents the statement. This will produce a series of statements and symbols to be used in phase two.
Phase 2 will involve interviews with 10 participants who have mild learning disability and have experienced psychosis. Initially they will be asked to discuss their mental health experience. Next, using the statements and symbols they will be asked to identify the symptoms they experienced and then to arrange them into a timeline representing the development of their symptoms.Outcomes
1. The study will contribute to the knowledge of people with learning disabilities and their ability to use a self-reporting tool to identify their psychotic symptoms.
2. The study will add to the theoretical literature and will be written up for publication in an appropriate peer-reviewed journal.
3. The study will contribute to the researcher’s professional doctorate.
4. A summary of the study will be provided to the participants.
5. The participants in phase 2 will be given the option to use their results to inform their relapse signature as part of their care plan.REC name
East Midlands - Nottingham 1 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/EM/0235
Date of REC Opinion
2 Aug 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion