Understanding Psychosis In People with Intellectual / Developmental Disabilities

Understanding Psychosis In People with Intellectual / Developmental Disabilities

Course Description: This session will aim to demystify the presentation and management of psychosis in people with IDD. Symptoms of psychosis (including hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia) can be alarming to those who support a person with an IDD, and they often feel unsure as to how to understand and support someone with these difficulties. Over the course of this one-day presentation, attendees will learn more about which behaviours may signal psychosis (as well as which behaviours look like psychosis but are not), and what to do in order to better understand and help the people they support.

Learning Outcomes: Learn various possible causes of symptoms of psychosis (including psychiatric and medical); learn the symptoms associated with various psychiatric diagnoses that include psychosis (including Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia); learn various treatments that can be used to help people who have an IDD and psychosis.

Presenter(s): Dr. Melanie Kelly, Psychologist

Target Audience: Supporters who work with adults who have an IDD (in a clinical or direct care- provision capacity)