Treatment of behavioral problems in intellectually disabled adult patients with epilepsy

Behavioral disorders are common in people with epilepsy and intellectual disability. Although in some genetic disorders behavioral problems are part of the established phenotype, they may also be a manifestation of underlying physical or mental illness, or may be unrecognized seizure activity. In light of this, assessment of behavioral disorders should take into account person factors such as the physical health and mental state of the person and environmental factors such as the quality of their interactions with carers and their living conditions. Video-electroencephalography ( EEG) is recommended where possible. We review potential pharmacologic and behavioral management strategies for behavioral disorders in people with intellectual disability.