Developmental disability training in Canadian psychiatry residency programs

Abstract

Objective: To examine current training in developmental disabilities in Canadian psychiatry residency programs and to determine, from the programs' perspectives, how provinces across Canada are responding to the needs of persons with developmental disabilities and comorbid mental health disturbances (persons with a "dual diagnosis"). Method: A survey was completed by residency directors, or their designate, for all 16 psychiatry residency programs in Canada. Results: Persons with developmental disabilities require psychiatric services throughout their lives, but inadequate training opportunities exist in many of the residency programs, particularly those involving adults and adolescents. While some didactic opportunities are usually available, supervised clinical opportunities are rare, and many of those reported are optional. Conclusions: Across Canada, there have been insufficient advances in clinical training and service developments to meet the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities and comorbid mental health disturbances.