GSDD5018 Mental Health – Developmental Disability

The aim of this unit is for the student to understand how, where, when and why mental health problems present in people with developmental disability, and to be knowledgeable about the current treatments and services available to assess and manage mental health conditions in this population.

On completion of the unit, students will be able to:

1. State the range and extent of mental health problems in people with developmental disability;
2. Explain how these may present clinically;
3. Explain how genetic, biological, social and environmental factors may contribute to the development and/or maintenance of mental health problems in this population;
4. Identify current treatments and services and describe broad approaches to the assessment and management of mental health conditions in people with developmental disability.

Dr Vivienne Riches is a registered psychologist in a part time private practice in the community, and a Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Developmental Disability Studies and The University of Sydney. She holds conjoint appointments as Clinical Senior Lecturer, University of Sydney and Clinical Psychologist, Royal Rehabilitation Centre, Sydney. Vivienne has worked as a teacher, clinician, consultant and researcher in the disability field for a number of years. Interests include assessment and classification, transition from school to post school for students with disabilities, employment, social and interpersonal competence and mental emotional health and well being. Clinical services frequently include the assessment and treatment of depression, anxiety, stress, anger, grief and loss, relationships, abuse; social interpersonal skills, low self esteem, and eating disorders. Vivienne has published more than 100 articles, books, book chapters, research and evaluation reports, and curriculum materials in the disability area, addressing vocational training, employment, transition, social and interpersonal skills, and emotional adjustment for people with intellectual disabilities. Her books include Standards of Work Performance, (1993) and Everyday social interaction: A program for people with disabilities, (1996).