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
