Guide to Intellectual Disabilities. A Clinical Handbook

Chapter 1: Introduction - Julie P. Gentile
Chapter 2: Psychiatric Assessment - Douglas Armour; Allison Cowan
Chapter 3: Medical Assessment - Julie P. Gentile; Emily Bien
Chapter 4: Neurologic Conditions in Individuals with Intellectual Disability - Nita Bhatt; Jeff Guina
Chapter 5: Traumatic Brain Injuries and Co-occurring Mental Illness - Emily Bien; Julie P. Gentile
Chapter 6: Interviewing Techniques - Nita Bhatt
Chapter 7: Mood Disorders - David Dixon
Chapter 8: Anxiety Disorders - David Dixon
Chapter 9: Psychotic Disorders - Allison Cowan
Chapter 10: Aggression - Kari Harper
Chapter 11: Psychotropic Medications in Individuals with Intellectual Disability - David Dixon
Chapter 12: Psychotherapy - Julie P. Gentile; Allison E. Cowan
Chapter 13: Behavioral Interventions and Supports in Preparation for and during Transitions in Life Stages - Ronne Proch; Benjamin Bates
Chapter 14: LEGAL ISSUES RELATED TO INTELLECTUAL DISABILTIES - Jeff Guina
Chapter 15: Syndromes of Intellectual Disability - Allison E. Cowan
Chapter 16: Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders - David Dixon
Chapter 17: Personality Disorders - Allison E. Cowan

This book covers a curriculum of topics for treating patients with co-occurring intellectual disabilities and mental illness, better known as dual diagnosis (DD). Though these patients represent approximately three percent of the population, they are largely underserved due to a huge gap in the literature and limited training on this topic among non-psychiatric practitioners. They are often medically fragile and have co-occurring seizure disorders and other neurologic conditions, frequently presenting to psychiatrists with behavior problems when in fact they have undiagnosed, under-diagnosed or undertreated medical conditions. A medical professional who is not trained to spot the nuanced symptoms can therefore be unprepared to work with such patients. They may misdiagnose, inappropriately prescribe medications, and fail to employ the best practices as a result. This is particularly problematic because such patients often function at significantly higher levels when accurately diagnosed and appropriately treated.

Written by experts in the field, this text covers the psychiatric and medical assessment of DD patients, neurologic conditions, interviewing techniques, medications, and other topics that DD patients may present with. The book also covers a myriad of other issues surrounding DD patients that physicians often struggle with, including DD patients at the interface of the legal system, human rights concerns, tips for working with families and caregivers, and general ethical considerations. The text is specifically designed for physicians who may need quick access to information in either print or digital form. Each chapter opens with case vignettes to easily demonstrate each particular scenario and is followed up with concise, practical information. All chapters include tables that summarize the clinical pearls as well as the DSM-5 and DM-ID diagnostic criteria that is most vital to care, making this an excellent resource in both the classroom and in a treatment setting.This book offers a pathway to accurate diagnosis and treatment, leaving psychiatrists and trainees better prepared to offer the full range of mental health treatment for their dual diagnosis patients.

Julie P. Gentile MD
Professor and Chair
Wright State University
Department of Psychiatry
627 Edwin C. Moses Blvd
E. Medical Plaza
Dayton OH 45417

Allison E. Cowan MD
Assistant Professor
Wright State University
Department of Psychiatry
627 Edwin C. Moses Blvd
E. Medical Plaza
Dayton OH 45417

David W. Dixon DO
Capt, United States Air Force
Staff Psychiatrist
San Antonio Military Medical Center