Human rights as the key driver for development of Learning Disability services in Qatar.

Growing international consensus in recognising rights of individuals with disability to enabling environments has spurred on provision of services for support for these individuals. The provision of this support has however been variable across the globe, often depending upon the economic development and social stigma associated with disability within individual countries. Individuals with Mental health learning disability have experienced even more stigma and limitations to access care. Qatar, a young and economically prosperous country, has adopted this rights-based approach to developing services for individuals with learning disability. This has led to the development of a specialist mental health learning disability services which is taking its initial steps within the country. This specialist service places the individual and their family at the centre of developing and delivering care and aims at reducing stigma and improving access to specialist evidence-based care.

Stress Levels and Coping Strategies of Families of Adults With Intellectual Disability and Challenging Behaviours During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Qatar.

This study investigated the perceived stress levels and coping strategies of caregivers of adults with intellectual disability and challenging behaviours during the COVID-19 pandemic in Qatar. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from June 7 to September 7, 2020 for caregivers of adults diagnosed with intellectual disability and challenging behaviours. Perceived stress levels and coping strategies were assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale and Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced inventory. Results showed moderate to high perceived stress levels in most caregivers (69%). The most frequent coping strategy was religion, followed by acceptance and active coping. Substance use and self-blame were less frequently used. The study revealed that emotional support, informational support and venting coping strategies were significant predictors of perceived stress levels. Restrictions on physical activity and social mobility caused by pandemic-related lockdowns have placed tremendous pressure on caregivers. Appropriate supportive measures should be implemented for the caregivers.

Genetic etiology of adult intellectual disability (ID) of unknown cause in Qatar: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Intellectual disability (ID) is a common condition that consists of a heterogeneous group of clinical conditions with different etiologies, including genetic conditions. Identifying those with a genetic cause results in better clinical management. AIM: To identify the genetic etiology of ID in adult patients with unknown etiology presenting to a specialist learning disability service in Qatar. METHODS: Retrospective review of chart notes of patients referred for ID service from January 1, 2015 to January 1, 2020. RESULTS: Of the 228 patients, 82 had a known cause of ID and did not require genetic testing, 22 had an unknown cause and underwent genetic testing, and 124 had an unknown cause and did not undergo genetic testing. Of the 82 patients with a known cause of ID, about one-half had an autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) and 18 patients had a genetic disorder. Of the 22 patients who underwent genetic testing, 2 were positive for the Fragile-X mental retardation 1 gene, 3 underwent chromosomal microarray, and 7 underwent whole-exome sequencing. Seven abnormal genes were identified. CONCLUSIONS: Identifying the underlying genetic etiology of patients with ID has major implications for diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Additionally, it guides a prediction of the natural history of the disease and makes it possible to test at-risk family members.