[A comparative study on personality characteristics in individuals with borderline intellectual functioning]. / Een vergelijkend onderzoek naar persoonlijkheidskenmerken bij zwakbegaafdheid.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have been conducted on personality traits and psychopathology in females and males with borderline intellectual functioning. AIM: Examining gender differences in psychopathology and behavioral characteristics in patients with borderline intellectual functioning, and patients with average intellectual functioning. METHOD: The MMPI-2-RF was administered to 116 patients with borderline intellectual functioning and psychopathology. Average raw scores on the Restructured Clinical Scales (RC-scales) of female and male patients with borderline intellectual functioning were compared to those of a matched group from the general population, and a matched group with patients with mental disorders and average intelligence. The average raw scores on the RC-scales were compared between males and females with borderline intellectual functioning and between females and males across the various groups. RESULTS: Female patients with borderline intellectual functioning reported more symptoms on RC-scales related to internalizing emotional problems than male patients with borderline intellectual functioning. They reported significantly more complaints on RC-scales related to externalizing problems and thought disorders compared to average intelligent females with mental disorders. Several significant differences between female and male patients with borderline intellectual functioning were greater than within the other groups. We found no significant differences in behavioral characteristics and symptoms between male patients with borderline intellectual functioning and average intelligent males with mental disorders. CONCLUSION: This study underscores the importance of gender sensitivity in the multi-method assessment and treatment of psychopathology in patients with borderline intellectual functioning. Female patients with borderline intellectual functioning constitute the most vulnerable group in terms of nature and severity of psychopathology.

[Feasibility of MMPI-2-RF in patients with borderline intellectual functioning]. / Toepasbaarheid van de MMPI-2-RF bij patiënten met zwakbegaafdheid.

BACKGROUND: There are few psychometrically sound diagnostic instruments available to assess personality characteristics and psychopathology in patients with borderline intellectual functioning (BIF). It is important to assess personality characteristics and psychopathology in this target group because of their high risk on psychopathology. AIM: To determine whether the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2-Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF) is feasible in patients with BIF (Verbal Comprehension Index = 70-85) and psychopathology. METHOD: We examined scores on validity scales of the MMPI-2-RF of patients with BIF and compared these scores to those of a matched group of individuals with average intellectual functioning without psychopathology. RESULTS: Scores on the validity scales indicated that patients with BIF can report in a consistent and valid way about their complaints and personality characteristics. Compared to the comparison group they reported equally consistent and showed significantly more psychopathology. CONCLUSION: The MMPI-2-RF is feasible in the assessment of personality characteristics and psychopathology in patients with BIF..

[Suicide in individuals with mild intellectual disabilities]. / Suïcide bij mensen met een lichte verstandelijke beperking.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about suicide among individuals with mild intellectual disabilities (mid).
AIM: To explore risk factors for suicide among a small group of clients with mid who committed suicide.
METHOD: Case files of 11 clients with mid were analysed using the Integrated Motivational Volitional model.
RESULTS: Most suicides seem to have taken place impulsively and not on the basis of a predetermined plan. Most clients had comorbid mental health problems, predominantly trauma-related, impulse control and externalizing behavioural problems. The (imminent) loss of contact, such as in the case of transfer from one ward to another ward or to a facility, seems an important risk factor for suicide.
CONCLUSION: Clients with mid residing in a treatment facility may have an increased risk of suicide because of an interaction between client characteristics and treatment context.