Cognitive functioning: supporting people with mental health conditions

The Mental Health Coordinating Council in Australia published a report on the gaps in knowledge and skills related to working with people experiencing mental health conditions and impaired cognitive functioning.  The report points out that cognitive impairments are a key feature of some mental health conditions, including schizophrenia and affective disorders, such as depression, bipolar disorder and anxiety.

Key themes identified in the report include:

• Cognitive issues are often difficult to identify in clients
• Cognitive problems affect many areas of clients’ daily functioning
• Cognitive issues are a barrier to independent living
• Workers develop their own intuitive strategies to assist clients with cognitive issues

Read the Report