We conclude that we should be screening for the risk factors associated with low BMD in adults with ID. If these are present further investigations should take place and those found to have osteoporosis and osteopenia should have treatment at an early stage to prevent morbidity and improve their quality of life.

No abstract

By offering annual health checks to people with learning disabilities a variety of health conditions were detected and treated. Health checks took place at a general practice surgery and were performed by a consultant psychiatrist in learning disability, a general practitioner (GP) and a community learning disability nurse. Thirty-five people attended full health checks at T1 (year 1) and T2 (a year later). Health status was quantified by measuring changes at T2. Contrary to other research findings, people with learning disabilities at this surgery consulted their GPs more frequently, were prescribed significantly more medication and were more likely to be prescribed medication than controls. At T1 33 (94 percent) people had a physical health problem that warranted intervention and 25 (71 percent) people had problems with their mental health. At T2 referrals and other interventions were reduced but still warranted extending the health checks into future years.

Two cases of psychiatric disorder temporally related to the abuse of hallucinogenic amphetamines 3, 4 methylenedi-oxymethamphetamine (MDMA), methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) and methylenedioxyethylamphetamine (MDEA) are described, suggesting that a variety of psychiatric morbidity may be precipitated by abuse of these drugs, including paranoid psychosis, mixed affective psychosis and symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder.

The menopause is a naturally occurring significant life event. How menopause affects women with learning disabilities is a neglected area of research. Studies have shown that the menopause is usually earlier in women with learning disabilities and earlier still for women with Down's syndrome. Hot flushes, night sweats, psychological effects and osteoporosis are all linked with a decline in oestrogen. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been demonstrated to have some benefits and some adverse side-effects. Physical problems among women with learning disabilities and other aspects of ageing warrant particular focus. Studies among women from the general population show that the menopause can be a fulfilling time of a woman's life. There are no known comparative studies that look at how women with learning disabilities experience this change.