Mental disability

A mental disability (also called a mental disability ) describes a permanent and serious impairment of the social and economic participation of a person due to symptoms of a mental disorder or its possible consequences such as unemployment , loss of wealth and social contacts. In contrast to many physical disabilities , mental disabilities are often less visible to third parties.

Mental disability, mental retardation (posing as mental retardation refers primarily on cognitive function) and physical disability (which refers to physiological deficits and handicaps) may be independently or combined differently occur. "Mentally" is more of the synonymous traditional term where psychology was still considered a theory of the soul .

The law for the equality of disabled people defines in §3: People are disabled if their physical function, mental ability or mental health deviates with a high probability for more than 6 months from the state typical for their age and therefore affects their participation in life in society is.

Forms of mental disability

Mental disabilities usually show up in the following ways:

• Disabilities due to restricted mental functions due to the illness itself, e.g. As for cognitive disorders (deficits in attention and action planning , thought disorders , lack of insight ) or negative symptoms. Further examples are problems with self-regulation , motivation, orientation and perception.
• Disabilities resulting from a specific, individual strategy for coping with a mental disorder. These include difficulties with self-sufficiency, communication with others, with regard to training or work requirements, and with regard to moving safely in public.

A general definition of disability by the SAMS also applies to mental disabilities and describes the aggravating effects of a congenital or acquired health problem on the everyday activities of the person concerned and on their equal participation in social life. The disability results from the interplay between physical damage, functional impairment and social limitation of the person concerned, as well as the hindering or promoting circumstances and the expectations of their living environment. Their characteristics and their subjective experience are modulated by the personality traits of the individual person with a disability. In addition to treating underlying disorders, respect for dignity (and support in efforts to lead a self-determined, integrated life), respect for autonomy, justice and the promotion of equal participation through special resources play an important role in care.

Not every mental disorder or illness leads to a mental disability. In addition to the duration, the restriction of participation in social life (loss of work, the home or friendships) and the need for special care or rehabilitation measures determine the presence of disabilities. Mental disabilities are often preceded by a mental disorder or illness - the rapid and targeted treatment of this can prevent or weaken the severity of the disability.

Prevalence

Statistically, patients with schizophrenia , obsessive-compulsive disorder, and affective psychosis are at greatest risk of developing mental disability. But other diseases such as severe cases of personality disorders or ADHD , the consequences of drug and alcohol addiction and organic disorders such as dementia can lead to mental disabilities.

See also

• Integration assistance for mentally disabled children and young people ( Section 35a of Book VIII of the Social Code)

Web links

• Mental and emotional disability . Social Association VdK Germany , March 22, 2018.
• Mental disabilities in the specialist lexicon of the Federal Working Group of Integration Offices and Main Welfare Offices , version dated December 11, 2018.
• Guidelines: Medical treatment and care for people with disabilities (2008, updated 2012) Swiss Academy of Medical Sciences PDF, 4 MB

Individual evidence

1. ^ Psychological Disabilities Division of Diversity and Community Engagement University of Textas
2. ↑ Disability in the DORSCH Lexicon of Psychology
3. ↑ Factsheets on who.int
4. ↑ Psychological Disabilities on csun.edu
5. ↑ Guidelines: Medical treatment and care for people with disabilities Swiss Academy of Medical Sciences PDF, p. 34
6. ↑ Guidelines: Medical treatment and care for people with disabilities Swiss Academy of Medical Sciences PDF, p. 8f.
7. ↑ Psychological disability on Familienratgeber.de
8. ↑ Petra Grohmann: An introduction to the concept of mental disability and psychiatric rehabilitation on ibrp-online.de

This article is about a health issue. It is not used for self-diagnosis and does not replace a diagnosis by a doctor. Please note the information on health issues !