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The field of mental health and deafness is one which is
poorly researched, and for which figures are imprecise.
What
evidence there is suggests that while deaf people may be
more inclined to suffer from depressive illnesses, the occurrence of psychotic
illnesses such as schizophrenia are no more prevalent than in the general
population.1
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One of the main problems which deaf people with mental
health problems face is the lack of specialist services.
Effective communication lies at the heart of all mental health treatment,
but there are very few mental health professionals in the UK who have knowledge
and experience of deafness or who have skills in communicating with deaf people.
Due to differences in language and lack of deaf awareness, deaf people can be
misdiagnosed and wrongly treated. 2
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There are three hospital-based mental health treatment
centres for deaf people in England ( London, Birmingham and Manchester), which
operate out-patient clinics for deaf people in other parts of the country.
The only specialist treatment available in Scotland is through a
one day a month out patients clinic, in either Glasgow or Edinburgh, operated by
mental health staff from Manchester who can communicate in BSL. |
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Although not a formal mental health service facility,
Hayfield is unique in Scotland as being recognised as having knowledge
and experience in the care and treatment of deaf people with mental health
problems.
The
care team have developed supportive working links with both the
local mainstream mental health services, and with the specialist staff from
Manchester.
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