A systematic review into the effectiveness of occupational therapy for improving function and participation in activities of everyday life in adults with a diagnosis of depression.

Background: Depression is a common mental health disorder, the symptoms of which can disrupt functioning and lead to reduced participation in everyday activities.  Occupational therapy is routinely provided for people with such difficulties; however, the evidence underpinning this intervention for depression has yet to be systematically assessed.

Method: A systematic review of the effectiveness of occupational therapy for people with a diagnosis of depression, using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) was undertaken.

Fathers of people with intellectual disability: A review of the literature.

The aim of this article is to review the literature related to fathers of people who have an intellectual disability (ID). Electronic databases and citation tracking were used to collate data using key terms such as fathers, adults with an ID, learning disability, mental handicap and developmental disability. Relevant articles were analysed and compared for commonality and difference.

Adult Siblings Consider the Future: Emergent Themes.

Background: This study aimed to explore the perceptions of adult siblings regarding a future care role and compare with perceived parental wishes as family often provide a key support role in the lives of people who have an intellectual disability.

Materials And Method: Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 15 adult siblings and an approach aligned to IPA was used to analyse the results.

Results: Emergent themes demonstrated that intellectual disability has an impact upon sibling lives yet the degree and range of impact varies.

Adult sibling experience, roles, relationships and future concerns - a review of the literature in learning disabilities.

Aim: This paper provides a review of the literature related to adult siblings of learning-disabled people.

Background: Siblings of learning-disabled people are often looked upon as next of kin when older parents die; however, there is little research regarding sibling views and wishes.

Design: A literature review of published peer-reviewed empirical research was undertaken.

Futures planning, parental expectations and sibling concern for people who have a learning disability.

A questionnaire was e-mailed to 200 siblings on the Sibs database to explore future plans, parental expectations and sibling concerns regarding people who have a learning disability; 21 questionnaires were returned. A full discussion regarding sibling support was reported by 12 (57%) of respondents; 7 (33%) stated this discussion had not taken place, and 2 (9%) were unsure. Twelve (57%) of participants reported no clear future plan; where a plan did exist, seven (33%) of respondents claimed it was fully agreeable to both them and their parents.