This study evaluates the implementation of Safewards on an assessment and treatment unit (ATU) for people with an intellectual disability. There are no previous studies evaluating this model in this context and previous research has focused largely on acute mental health services. The ‘Patient–Staff Conflict Shift Report’ was used at baseline for 1 month and 1 year later, after all the interventions had been implemented, to evaluate the impact of Safewards. Significant reductions were found in conflict and containment measures used within the service after the implementation of Safewards. Staff who led on the interventions were also asked to give feedback on their experiences, the challenges they faced and how they would like to move forward. Safewards was generally seen as a positive approach by the team. Limitations of this study are highlighted and suggestions for future research are made.

Essential Abnormal & Clinical Psychology is an essential reading for those working in settings that support people who are likely to experience mental health problems. The main objective of this book is to provide the reader with an introduction to psychological disorders including the signs and symptoms, causes, prevalence and how they can be treated. The writers have successfully achieved this by writing in an accessible format and using a variety of true to life examples to further explain the different psychological disorders. Information provided in this book is sourced from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition and International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, with definitions being compared and contrasted throughout. The use of these two well-used and trusted diagnostic manuals allows the reader to trust the information that they are being provided. This book offers an explanation of how psychological disorders are classified and the different treatment approaches that can be explored. It also covers a wide variety of psychological disorders, such as schizophrenia, mood disorders and generalized anxiety disorders, focusing largely on the signs and symptoms and specific treatments for each diagnosis. This book would provide the reader with a good introduction to the diagnostic manuals used and how each diagnosis presents along with treatment options. Although this book focuses on the general public, it also provides valuable information for professionals working within learning disability services. This is because approximately 40% of people with learning disabilities experience mental health problems, and, therefore, this knowledge is essential for professionals working with this client group. This book would be recommended for students or professionals looking for an introduction to psychological diagnoses, whether that is nursing staff, psychologists, healthcare support workers or even family members; the information is provided in a way that is accessible for all. Therefore, if it is an introduction to mental health disorders that you require, then this book will allow you to achieve just that.