Diagnoses.

• Alzheimers

• Anxiety disorder

• Arthritis

• Autism Spectrum Disorder

• Bipolar

• Brain injury

• Dementia
  

• Depression

• Diabetes

• Learning disabilities

• Mental health support

• Motor Neurone Disease

• Multiple Sclerosis

• Parkinson disease

• Physical disabilities

• Schizophrenia

• Sensory impairment

• Spinal injury

• Stroke

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism is a lifelong condition which affects the way an individual relates to the world around them and communicates.

There are three main areas of difficulty, which are known as the triad of impairments

• Difficulty around social communication such as understanding verbal and non-verbal language.

• Difficulty around social relationships such as understanding their own and others emotions and relationship difficulties.

• Difficulty in social imagination such as understanding others behaviour and imagining

Causes 

There are no specific causes of autism.

Treatment 

There is no treatment for autism, it is a lifelong condition.

Individuals will require support around:

• Sensory impairments

• Communication

• Behaviour

• Managing transition and anxiety which can enable them to lead a fulfilling life

Depression

We all have days where we feel low. Depression is more than feeling low for a few days, it is a continuous low mood for an extended period of time where there is no light at the end of the tunnel.

Symptoms include:

• Feeling very low  

• Lacking motivation  

• Isolation  

• Feeling tearful

Causes

There are many different potential causes such as:  

• Chemical imbalance in the brain 

• Life events  

• Traumatic experiences  

• Substance misuse

Treatment

Treatment is usually therapy such as cognitive behavioural therapy. In some cases antidepressants such as citalopram, mirtazapine, venaflaxine can be used.

Learning Disabilities

A learning disability is an overall reduced intellectual ability and difficulty with everyday activities which can affect the individual for their whole life.

There are different levels of a learning disability which can be:

1. Mild 

2. Moderate 

3. Severe 

4. Profound

The more profound the disability, the more of an impact it will have on the individuals ability to carry out day to day activities.

General Symptoms

• Difficulty communicating  

• Learning and understanding information  

• Difficulty in learning, understanding and developing new skills 

• Reduced ability to manage independently  

• Reduced ability to access community facilities  

• Difficulty around socialising  

• Support with personal care  

• Additional health conditions such as epilepsy and sensory impairments

Causes 

Causes can be broken down into before birth, during birth and after birth.

Before birth:  

• Chromosome disorders  

• Alcohol consumption  

• Drugs, illegal and legal

During birth:

• Deprivation of oxygen  

• Premature birth  

• Overdue birth  

• Brain damage 

After birth:

• Infection or illnesses  

• Brain injury or trauma  

• Social factors  

• Environmental factors

Treatment

There is no treatment for a learning disability, it is a lifelong condition. However with high quality support, intensive education and therapy, individuals can lead a fulfilling life.

Motor Neurone Disease

MND is an uncommon condition affecting the brain and nerves.  It is nearly always fatal, but some people live with it for many years. 

Symptoms include:

• muscle weakness

• twitches

• slurred speech

• difficulty swallowing

The symptoms get worse overtime. 

Causes

MND happens when cells in the brain and nerves called motor neurons gradually stop working and it's not known why this happens. 

Caring for a person with MND could include the following: 

• MND patient washing dressing and toileting can take a long time 

• Personal care promoting respect and dignity. Privacy in these and all areas of personal care is vital. 

The carer's roles are:

• Help to maintain quality of life for a person with MND

• To assist with movement and handling

• Positioning to help with breathing problems

• If breathing is laboured, pressure care, clothing and temperature control, night time disturbed sleep, eating and drinking, liaise with medical professional people.

Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a progressive disease from the start and this progression can manifest itself in many different ways. When discussing with people living with MSD it is important to take an active role in helping them better understanding what disease progression means when it comes to their health. MS is a long lasting disease that can affect your brain, spinal cord and the optic nerves in your eyes. Carers should know and understand that there is a lot of uncertainty with MSD.

Treat them the same as you always have. Be flexible and understanding. Learn more about the disease. Support them with daily routines such as: personal care, feeding, laundry, shopping, social activities and house chores. 

Making adjustments in the house which suits their needs. Promote health lifestyle. Administer medication and appointments.

Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is characterised by a distorted perception of reality. Individuals with schizophrenia will experience a change in their behaviour and distorted thinking. There are many different symptoms.

Hallucinations:  

• Experiencing something which in reality is not there  

• It can be in relation to any of the five senses

Delusions: 

• Beliefs based on a individuals altered view of reality  

• They can be paranoid delusions

• Grandiose delusions  

• Thought broadcasting

General Symptoms:  

• Thought disorder  

• Thinking difficulties  

• Blunt expression of emotions  

• Social withdrawal

Causes

There are many different potential causes such as:  

• Chemical imbalance in the brain  

• Genes  

• Substance misuse  

• Stress  

• Environment

Treatment

Treatment is usually medication called antipsychotics. Examples can be haloperidol, clozapine and olanzapine which control the symptoms of schizophrenia.