The Assessment of Psychiatric Disorders in Intellectual Disability: The State of the Art
Pages 138-146
Marco O. Bertelli, Michele Rossi, Daniela Scuticchio, Annamaria Bianco and Luana Salerno

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/2292-2598.2015.03.03.3

Published: 14 October 2015

Abstract: Intellectual Disability (ID) represents a meta-syndromic group of several different conditions, each one with specific cognitive and communication features. This constitutes one the main reason for which the diagnosis of psychiatric disorders in adults with ID is challenging. The aim of this paper is to provide a comprehensive and updated state of art on the assessment of psychiatric disorders in people with ID. In order to accomplish this goal, authors performed a systematic literature mapping trying to answer to the following questions: what are the issues in the psychiatric diagnostic process for adults with ID? What methods and procedures have been used for psychiatric assessment in ID? To date, is it possible to identify the most effective diagnostic procedures?

Results indicated that the main critical issues in the psychiatric diagnostic process were the following: the identification of psychiatric symptoms, the behavioural equivalents, the diagnostic criteria, the setting, the source of information, the screening and diagnostic instruments. An increasing interest in screening instruments for providing appropriate diagnosis for people with ID has been noted in the recent years. For this reason, available assessment tools have been briefly indicated, with their strengths and weaknesses. Although the recent advances, more research is needed in order to increase diagnostic accuracy in this heterogeneous group of patients.

The Effects of Virtual Reality on the Upper Extremity Skills of Girls with Rett Syndrome: A Single Case Study
Pages 152-159
Kourtney Mraz, Grace Eisenberg, Pamela Diener, Gina Amadio, Matthew H. Foreman and Jack R. Engsberg

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/2292-2598.2016.04.03.2

Published:19 October 2016

Abstract: Introduction: Rett Syndrome (RTT) is a genetic disorder primarily seen in females that inhibits the use of a girl’s hands in everyday activities. A girl with RTT spends the majority of her day engaged in stereotypical hand wringing/mouthing movements at midline of the body. The probable cause behind the neurological effects of RTT is a mutation in the gene that encodes for methyl-CpG protein 2 (MeCP2). The hand wringing/mouthing behaviors preclude a girl with RTT from using the upper extremities in purposeful tasks such as school work, play skills, and other activities of daily living.

Objectives: To develop a virtual reality (VR)-based therapeutic intervention that 1) decreases upper extremity stereotypies (repetitive movements that serve no function) that interfere with purposeful arm and hand use and 2) promotes purposeful, goal-directed arm function; improve upper extremity motor skills in girls with RTT.

Materials and Methods: Using FAAST Software and Microsoft Kinect sensor, one girl with RTT participated in a 12-week IVR intervention (1 hour/session, 3 sessions/week, 36 total hours). Pre- and post-assessments were administered to examine any changes in upper extremity function.

Results: The VR intervention led to improvements in use of the upper extremities to complete self-care activities, an increased number of reaches completed in a 15-minute period, and decreased time engaged in stereotypical hand movements.

Conclusion: Future work will add additional support to determine the effectiveness of virtual reality as an intervention for girls with RTT.

The Dark Triad of Personality and its Relationship to Leadership, Management, Team Work and Influencing Behaviours, and 360 Degree Assessments of Satisfaction
Pages 41-49
Tony Manning

DOI: https://doi.org/10.6000/2292-2598.2017.05.02.2

Published: 21 July 2017

Abstract: The ‘Dark Triad’ refers to three socially-aversive personalities, namely, Machiavellianism, narcissism andpsychopathy. Previous research shows both how such behaviours can be both counter-productive and advantageous. However, there is little on how the Dark Triad is linked to specific workplace behaviours. This article fills this gap by looking at the relationship between measures of the Dark Triad and self-assessments of leadership, management, team working and influencing behaviours, as well as with 360 degree assessments of such behaviours. It identifies particular behaviours that are used by each of the three personality types, along with 360 degree assessments of such behaviours. Given that the Dark Triad exists and that it has implications for the workplace behaviours, organisations have to deal with such behaviours. The article ends by considering the practical implications of the research findings, including issues around selection and placement, team composition and training and development. Finally, it suggests areas for further research.

Keywords: Narcissism, Machiavellianism, Psychopathy, Personality, Workplace behaviour, Behaviour management.

The Impact of Parental Psychiatric Symptoms and Parent-Child Relationships on Behavioural and Emotional Problems in Newly-Diagnosed Toddlers and Preschool Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Pages 217-221
Ayhan Bilgiç and Necati Uzun

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/2292-2598.2016.04.04.4

Published: 19 January 2017

Abstract: Background: Emotional and behavioural problems occur at a high rate in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). These problems are associated with a broad range of risk factors such as parental psychopathology and family environment in school-age children and adolescents. However, limited information is available about these phenomena in toddlers and preschool children. This cross-sectional study examined the association of maternal and paternal psychiatric symptoms and mother-child relationships with emotional and behavioural problems and socioemotional competence of newly-diagnosed young children with ASD.

Method: Autistic symptoms, developmental level, and mother-child relationship of children were evaluated.Parents completed a checklist on child behavioural and emotional problems, and individual questionnaires on their own mental health.

Results: Participants were 35 children with ASD aged 18 – 53 months, referred to an infant mental health clinic. Maternal hostility and poor mother-child relationships have been found to be independently associated with emotional and behaviour problems in these children.

Conclusions: This study suggests that maternal hostility and mother-child relationship problems may play a role for the development of emotional and behaviour problems in toddlers and preschool children with ASD.