Abstract of J. Turk lecture

SLEEP DISORDERS IN INDIVIDUALS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL

DISABILITIES & THEIR MANAGEMENTS

J. Turk

St. George's & Institute of Psychiatry, University of London, UK

Sleep disorders are extremely common, and even more so in people

with developmental disabilities. This client subgroup may prove

refractory to standard behavioural and other psychosocial

interventions that usually help and it is frequent for clinicians to resort

to medication approaches given the high levels of personal and family

distress that result. There is a need not only for further well structured

research in this field but also for efforts to tackle the frequent relative

neglect by clinicians of more researched and considered approaches.

This presentation examines these issues selectively, focusing on

important clinical issues and predicaments, and attempts a start at an

evidence-based background for practical and rational prescribing in

this area of common psychopathology for individuals with

developmental disabilities. Original research is presented on

behavioural approaches as well as innovative medications including

clonidine and melatonin.