Mindful Continuing Education

1. People with developmental disabilities are at increased risk for developing mental health problems across the lifespan, and large-scale studies indicate that a child with a developmental disability is six times more likely to have a mental health problem than a person who does not have one.

2. Each of the following is an accurate statement about relationships between developmental disability and mental health problems EXCEPT:

3. Dual diagnosis directly impacts the person experiencing the disorder, but it also has powerful effects on family members, and as problems become more complex, family members are often confused about which problems are causes and which are effects.

4. The quadrant framework suggests that when a person has both a developmental disability and mental health problems of low to moderate severity, specialized developmental disability services are the lead resources, with specialized mental health services providing collaborative care.

5. Principles that guide care for people with dual diagnosis state that such individuals present challenging needs, but:

6. Which of the following is NOT one of the factors that generally determines the level of support that individuals with developmental disabilities with need in order to live independently?

7. The social contributions to disability can be addressed by providing appropriate supports in the community and maximizing the fit between a person's skills and the demands placed upon them.

8. Some genetic disorders that cause developmental disability can predispose a person to having specific mental health problems such as aggression, personality disorders and self-injurious behaviors, which are all common in individuals with Down Syndrome.

9. People with developmental disabilities are at increased risk for maltreatment and neglect and these factors, as well as environmental risks factors such as poverty and lack of social support, may contribute to their mental health.

10. A "decision tree" may be used to understand how biological, psychological, and social factors can impact a person's health by asking if there are appropriate supports and expectations, if there is an emotional problem or psychiatric disorder, and:

11. Sometimes it is difficult to recognize anxiety disorders in people with developmental disabilities because some of the diagnostic criteria that is used to make the diagnosis depends on being able to express very complex ideas.

12. People with a developmental disability who are depressed may feel extremely irritable or impatient and will likely pull away from caretakers who are trying to help them.

13. Parental and family reactions to coping with a developmental disability will likely depend on the problems at hand, strategies and resources, and:

14. The term "provider fatigue" is used in professional literature to describe the emotional, social. and psychological toll on a family that comes from caring for someone with a mental health problem.

15. Paying attention to where the caregiver and family are in terms of the impact of caring for a loved one with a dual diagnosis can be helpful when communicating with professionals and assessing support needs.

16. Resilience is frequently described as the capacity to thrive and fulfill one's potential despite, or perhaps because of, stressful circumstances and factors that are characteristic of resilient people, including each of the following EXCEPT:

17. Although short-term strategies may be useful in helping caregivers care for themselves on days that may be particularly stressful, it is much more critical to focus on long term goals as a means to maintain optimal emotional health.

18. Self-compassion is about taking a gentle approach with yourself in the moment, and having appreciation for your own:

19. One type of psychotherapy that has been proven to help with a variety of psychological problems is Rational-Emotive Therapy (RET), which emphasizes the importance of embracing, rather than avoiding, difficult emotions and experiences.

20. When caring for a loved one with a dual diagnosis, family members should be given support from health care professionals, education about mental illness and developmental disability, information about the latest research and most effective treatment options, as well as respect and validation.

21. For many family members, educating others about the myths, stereotypes and ___________ of dual diagnosis is an important way to reduce stigma and to decrease irrational fears while attempting to humanize and promote acceptance of both the people with these disorders and their loved ones.

22. Integrated treatment programs have been developed to help clients with severe mental health problems who have several failed attempts at accessing mental health services, and who struggle with their social services.

23. Many developmental and mental health services providers are discovering that people with dual diagnosis can receive well-integrated care from different programs if links are established among programs and one person or team takes overall responsibility for ensuring that services are coordinated.

24. According to the authors, assessment procedures generally include looking at each of the following EXCEPT:

25. Treatment planning for individuals with dual diagnosis should be customized to meet individual needs, and should identify issues, outline short and long term goals, and:

26. The greatest barrier to family involvement in treatment planning appears to be the lack of education and information about the positive impact that loved ones can have on the individual with a dual diagnosis.

27. Psycho-education is based on the premise that people who know about their problems are better prepared to make informed choices, and it includes information about:

28. Psychodynamic therapy is a strategy that assists those with dual diagnosis by using techniques such as role playing, modeling, coaching, homework and feedback to help people learn or relearn interpersonal skills and competencies.

29. Although hospitalization can be very stressful for someone with a developmental disability, sometimes it is necessary if there are complex medical issues that need to be addressed or if there is a need to monitor medication in a safe and controlled setting.

30. In order to meet the complex needs of those with dual diagnosis and to adhere to continuing care practices, clients and counselors need to meet on a regular basis throughout the transition process and beyond.

31. Although medications, particularly antipsychotics, have historically been used to sedate people exhibiting challenging behavior, there is limited research to suggest that medication for this purpose works in the long term.

32. It is very difficult for people with developmental disabilities to self-report side-effects, so family members should work with the treatment team to identify potential side-effects of each medication and figure out ways to monitor them objectively, focusing on observable behavior.

33. When trying new medication and working to find the best medication combination for someone with complex difficulties, it is best to use a _________ approach.

34. Medication is often an important part of a treatment plan for dual diagnosis, although finding the most effective medication can be a long, frustrating process and it ultimately may result in the client choosing to not take any medication at all.

35. A crisis is any serious deterioration of a person's ability to cope with everyday life and it usually involves danger or serious physical harm.

36. When creating a crisis management and prevention plan, the individual with the dual diagnosis should be actively involved and participate in planning, and:

37. Some people who have mental health problems and have become involved with the law may be required to receive assessment, which in the long run may be allow them to receive the care that they have not been able to receive in the community system.

38. One of the greatest challenges facing individuals with dual diagnosis is the need to move beyond crisis intervention in order to focus on long-term solutions that consider input and expertise from clients, caregivers, and professionals.