Consensus guidelines into the management of epilepsy in adults with an intellectual disability

J Intellect Disabil Res. 2009 Aug;53(8):687-94. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2788.2009.01182.x. Epub 2009 Jun 12.

Abstract

Background: Epilepsy has a pervasive impact on the lives of people with intellectual disability and their carers. The delivery of high-quality care is impacted on by the complexity and diversity of epilepsy in this population. This article presents the results of a consensus clinical guideline process.

Results: A Delphi process identified a list of priority areas for the development of evidence-based guidelines. All guidelines were graded and consensus on scoring was achieved across the guideline group.

Conclusion: There is a dearth of high-quality evidence from well-constructed studies on which to base guidance. However, the development of internationally derived consensus guidelines may further support the management of epilepsy in adults with an intellectual disability.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anticonvulsants / adverse effects
  • Anticonvulsants / therapeutic use*
  • Caregivers
  • Comorbidity
  • Consensus*
  • Delphi Technique
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Drug Interactions
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Epilepsy / diagnosis
  • Epilepsy / epidemiology*
  • Epilepsy / therapy*
  • Guidelines as Topic*
  • Health Status
  • Humans
  • Intellectual Disability / epidemiology*
  • Mental Disorders / epidemiology

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants