Epilepsy, intellectual disability and the epilepsy care pathway: improving outcomes

Abstract

SUMMARY The strong, life-long association between epilepsy and intellectual disability means that psychiatric teams, and the services they exist in, have a need for significant competencies in the field of epilepsy. This article addresses these competencies through the pathway of care. It will focus on those areas most relevant to psychiatric care and, when possible, explore where technology has begun to influence practice. The pathway leads from diagnosis through, in some cases, to mortality and support of the bereaved in psychiatric care. We will approach the topic through showing how the intertwining themes of information, empowerment, access to care, assessment of risk and psychological support are important. Technological advances are supporting changes in most of these areas, and psychological support, a knowledge of the needs of people with epilepsy and intellectual disability and epilepsy skills remain the foundation in the application of these advances.