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Nonpharmacological Management of Epilepsy in Adults with Intellectual Disabilities

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Abstract

Psychological treatments are increasingly recognized as beneficial in the care of adults with intellectual disabilities (ID). However, there has been limited research evaluating the efficacy of psychological therapies in people with comorbid epilepsy and ID (E-ID). In this chapter, we provide a context for understanding the role of psychological treatments in adults with E-ID by reviewing the evidence basis for the benefits of these treatments in adults with ID. Building on this framework, a systematic review of the psychosocial challenges facing individuals with E-ID revealed similar challenges to psychosocial well-being in adults with ID. In contrast, a systematic review of psychological treatment studies in adults with E-ID found no published work addressing the efficacy of these treatments. In light of the current research in adults with ID and the similarities in presenting problems between adults with E-ID and ID, we conclude that there is a basis for the possible effectiveness of adapted psychological treatments to improve the well-being of adults with E-ID, which future research should address.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Melbourne School of Psychological Services, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia

    K. J. Trevis BSc(Hons), PhD Candidate

  2. Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, Melbourne, VIC, Australia

    S. J. Wilson PhD

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  1. K. J. Trevis BSc(Hons), PhD Candidate
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  2. S. J. Wilson PhD
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. NHS Trust, Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom

    Vee P. Prasher

  2. Institute of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neuroscience, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom

    Mike Kerr

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Trevis, K.J., Wilson, S.J. (2016). Nonpharmacological Management of Epilepsy in Adults with Intellectual Disabilities. In: Prasher, V., Kerr, M. (eds) Epilepsy and Intellectual Disabilities. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-39144-1_10

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-39144-1_10

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-39142-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-39144-1

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