Date of Award
1995
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Johnny L. Matson
Abstract
The prevalence of psychopathology in a large institutionalized population (N = 1259) of individuals with severe and profound mental retardation was examined, using the Diagnostic Assessment for the Severely Handicapped (DASH) scale. Over 60% of the sample exhibited at least one form of disorder according to newly established DASH criteria. Forty percent exhibited two or more disorders. Differences between severely and profoundly mentally retarded groups were found, especially in terms of the duration of symptoms. Profoundly mentally retarded persons had significantly more persistent symptoms. Items were examined for frequency and duration, and items of critical importance to diagnosis were identified. Gender and age differences were studied but no differences were observed with respect to these factors. Depressed subjects were found to exhibit significantly higher rates of aggression than non-depressed subjects.
Recommended Citation
Hamilton, Martha Lyle, "A Normative Study of the Diagnostic Assessment for the Severely Handicapped (DASH) Scale." (1995). LSU Historical Dissertations and Theses. 6016.
https://repository.lsu.edu/gradschool_disstheses/6016
Pages
187
DOI
10.31390/gradschool_disstheses.6016