Treatment of psychiatric comorbidities in patients with epilepsy and intellectual disabilities: Is there a role for the neurologist?

Epilepsy Behav. 2019 Sep;98(Pt B):322-327. doi: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2018.09.010. Epub 2018 Dec 28.

Abstract

This paper will explore the nature of psychiatric co-morbidities in people with an intellectual disability (ID) who have epilepsy. The complexity of clinical presentations and associated co-morbidities require thorough assessment utilising both neurological and psychiatric skills. The neurologist plays a central role in the management of epilepsy in people with ID and therefore requires basic competencies in the assessment of neuropsychiatric co-morbidities. This is key to liaison with other specialist services to ensure individuals receive holistic person-centred care. This article is part of the Special Issue "Obstacles of Treatment of Psychiatric Comorbidities in Epilepsy".

Keywords: Competency; Epilepsy; Intellectual disability; Management; Psychiatric.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Clinical Competence
  • Comorbidity
  • Epilepsy / epidemiology
  • Epilepsy / psychology*
  • Europe / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Intellectual Disability / epidemiology
  • Intellectual Disability / psychology
  • Mental Disorders / diagnosis
  • Mental Disorders / epidemiology
  • Mental Disorders / therapy*
  • Neurologists*
  • North America / epidemiology
  • Physician's Role*
  • Practice Patterns, Physicians'
  • Scope of Practice