Psychiatric Disability
What is a physical disability?
Physical disabilities occur widely. It is important to realise that physical disability goes beyond having to use a wheelchair or wear a back brace. There are many conditions, such as multiple sclerosis and chronic fatigue syndrome, which are outwardly invisible but result in physical disability. Generally, however, physical disabilities fall under the following headings:
Limited control of some or all voluntary muscles
- arms – ranging from no control to normal coordination
- legs – ranges from total inability to difficulty in standing
- trunk – difficulty in sitting straight
- face and throat – difficulty in eating and speaking
- bladder and bowel – may have to adapt toileting procedures
Underdeveloped skeletal structure
Conditions such as dwarfism and the effects of thalidomide
Dysfunctional joints
For example, arthritis
It is very difficult to generalise physical disabilities. Each person will have different causes, symptoms and management strategies. Some people with a physical disability may also have intellectual, vision or hearing disabilities.
It is important to realise that physical disability goes beyond having to use a wheelchair or wear a back brace.
Attitudes and communication |
| Why does a mental illness sometimes develop into a psychiatric disability?- symptoms such as disordered thoughts, hallucinations and loss of contact with reality can make it difficult for a person to concentrate, process information, solve problems, make judgements or follow instructions
- the intermittent or constant presence of symptoms can result in the person being emotionally fragile and vulnerable to stress
- medication does not always control symptoms
- the person can lose confidence in their ability to make decisions, perform tasks and engage in activities
- loss of confidence and self-worth has a compounding impact in all areas of the person’s life and can lead to loss of motivation, neglect of self and overwhelming feelings of hopelessness
- loss of positive emotional feelings, apathy, withdrawal, loss of self-esteem and confidence have traditionally been untreatable by medication
- interruption to education, training and developmental phases caused by the illness can impact on the person’s ability to perform tasks and achieve independence and a valued role in society
Psychiatric disability – the social disadvantagesThe social stigma and lack of understanding about mental illness and psychiatric disability means that, for many people, overcoming these hurdles can be more daunting than coping with and overcoming the illness itself. The myth that “mad” equals “bad” still has currency in some parts of society. People with psychiatric disability can be socially disadvantaged through: - limited choice due to limited income
- lowered social status
- lack of expectation from others
- rejection by friends and family
- vulnerability to being victims of crime and abuse
- insufficient opportunities to learn new skills
- limited options for developing a valued role in the community
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