Representing Mentally Ill and Intellectually Disabled Clients in QLD

1.2 - Information about Specific Mental Illnesses

Dual Diagnosis of Intellectual Disability and Mental Illness

Disability Services Queensland and Queensland Health have developed and implemented a collaborative approach to improving service delivery to people with a dual diagnosis of intellectual disability and mental illness.

The guidelines for collaboration between Queensland Health, Mental Health Services, Disability Services Queensland and funded Disability Services Providers, were formally introduced throughout Queensland in 2003-04.

The guidelines provide a broad framework for the provision of services to people with an intellectual disability and mental illness using a cooperative, collaborative approach that focuses on the needs of the person with a dual diagnosis.

The guidelines identify points in service provision where collaborative approaches are required. They identify some principles, processes and actions for developing agreed service delivery protocols between agencies at a local level.

Adherence to the guidelines is mandatory for Disability Services Queensland provided services. All other disability service providers are encouraged to utilise the guidelines in supporting people with a dual diagnosis as means to:

  • improve the stability and continuity of support arrangements;
  • increase access to individualised, timely, planned and coordinated services and supports;
  • increase specialist skills in supporting people with a dual diagnosis;
  • reduce the need for crisis driven responses;
Reference:

The facts: what is psychosis?

There is a group of illnesses which disrupt the functioning of the brain so much, they cause a condition called psychosis. When someone experiences psychosis they are unable to distinguish what is real - there is a loss of contact with reality. Most people are able to recover from an episode of psychosis.

Among symptoms doctors look for are:

  • Confused thinking - when acutely ill, people with psychotic symptoms experience disordered thinking. The everyday thoughts that let us live our daily lives become confused and don't join up properly.
  • Delusions - delusion is a false belief held by a person which is not held by others of the same cultural background.
  • Hallucinations - the person sees, hears, feels, smells or tastes something that is not actually there. The hallucination is often of disembodied voices which no one else can hear.

Click here for more information on psychosis.

The facts: What is depression?

The word 'depression' is often used to describe the feelings of sadness which all of us experience at some stage of our lives. It is also a term used to describe a form of mental illness called clinical depression.

Because depression is so common, it is important to understand the difference between unhappiness or sadness in daily life and the symptoms of clinical depression.

More information on depression can be found at the following websites:

    • Beyondblue - the national depression initiative; a national, independent, not for profit organisation working to address issues associated with depression, anxiety and related substance misuse disorders in Australia.
    • DepressioNet - DepressioNet provides a comprehensive online resource providing information, help and support for Australians living with depression and their families and friends.
    • MoodGym - training program delivering cognitive behavioural therapy for preventing depression.
    • BluePages provides information about depression for consumers.
    • Queensland Health - facts on depression

The facts: what is schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a major mental illness affecting the normal functioning of the brain. It is characterised by psychotic symptoms and a diminished range of expressions of emotion. It affects one person in every hundred.

First onset is usually in adolescence or early adulthood. It can develop in older people, but this is not nearly as common. Some people may experience only one or more brief episodes in their lives. For others, it may remain a recurrent or life-long condition.

More information on schizophrenia can be found at the following websites:

  • The Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia - Formerly the Schizophrenia Fellowships Council of Australia this site represents people affected by severe mental illness
  • SANE Australia - a national charity helping people affected by mental illness through education, applied research and campaigning for improved services and attitudes.