Like many people with epilepsy and ID, John has comorbid behavior problems. This association is dealt with in detail later in the book. A clear and consistent approach to this is likely to offer much to John in terms of his quality of life. Other psychosocial concerns will need addressing. Emphasizing and explaining the impact of epilepsy and its treatment on Johns cognitive well-being can help reduce anxiety in caregivers and the family and help establish the importance of treatment. Informing people about the negative impact of seizures while trying to minimize the difficulties in social life imposed by peoples fears of seizures can be a difficult challenge. This is most difficult when discussing seizure-related death. However, our position must be to inform patients and families so they can make their life and treatment choices with complete understanding of choices and risks. Delivering a Package of Care Delivering continuity of health care will be a major need throughout Johnslifespan. This continuity should cover seizure assessment and management yet also be responsive to changes in the care environment. A person with ID who is no longer resident in the family home is likely to undergo many changes in staffing over a lifetime. As for many people, their ability to communicate their health needs will be compromised, and these changes in staff can offer considerable risks in chronic disease management.

Clinical Issues.- Epilepsy: A General Overview.- Epidemiology of Epilepsy in Persons with Intellectual Disabilities.- Diagnosis of Epilepsy in Persons with Intellectual Disabilities.- The Differential Diagnosis of Epilepsy.- Treatment Issues.- Management of Acute Seizures in Persons with Intellectual Disabilities.- The Use of Antiepileptic Medication in Adults with Intellectual Disabilities.- Vagus Nerve Stimulation Therapy: An Intellectual Disabilities Perspective.- Resective Surgery for Patients with Epilepsy and Intellectual Disabilities.- Psychosocial Issues.- Psychopathology in People with Epilepsy and Intellectual Disabilities.- Associated Physical Problems of Epilepsy in Intellectual Disabilities.- Epilepsy and Cognition.- Nursing and Community Aspects of Epilepsy in Intellectual Disabilities.- Epilogue Is This as Good as it Gets?.