Treatment and support for co-occurring conditions with epilepsy
People with common co-occurring conditions with epilepsy should get coordinated care from a multidisciplinary team of different healthcare professionals.
Their routine care should also include reviews of their mental health, as well as their development and emotional wellbeing.
On this page we talk about who should be part of your child’s multidisciplinary team and what routine reviews should involve. Use this page as a general guide and speak to a health professional for more information and support.
A multidisciplinary approach: what does it mean?
Often people with epilepsy need ongoing care and support from health professionals and other people close to them. This is because people with epilepsy are at an increased risk of having mental health problems, learning disabilities and developmental disorders such as autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Therefore, people with epilepsy who have a mental health condition or learning disability should get coordinated care from a multidisciplinary team.
A multidisciplinary team is made up of different healthcare professionals, including general practitioners (GPs), paediatric (childcare) epilepsy specialists and psychologists. You may also see other healthcare professionals, such as dietitians, physiotherapists and social workers.
The different healthcare specialists involved in the care of a person with epilepsy and a mental health problem should work closely together to agree a care plan, which they will discuss with you.
Healthcare professionals providing coordinated care to people with epilepsy, a mental health problem or challenging behaviour should always follow the most up-to-date guidelines on best practice. This may include being referred to other specialists.
What routine reviews will I get?
Getting a diagnosis of epilepsy can have a big impact on a person’s mental health. People with epilepsy can often feel left out and stigmatised (treated or viewed unfairly) because of their epilepsy.
Therefore, people with epilepsy should be offered regular routine reviews that assess different aspects of their health and wellbeing. Reviews should look at the following:
- neurodevelopment – how the brain develops in terms of intellect, reading ability, social skills, memory, attention and focus
- cognitive function – the mental processes involved in learning and reasoning
- mental health
- social and emotional wellbeing
- learning disabilities.
Healthcare professionals responsible for the care of people diagnosed with epilepsy should look out for signs of anxiety and other mental health difficulties. They should also be aware of the risk of serious mental health problems, such as suicide in people diagnosed with epilepsy.
If you’re worried about your own mental health, or you think someone close to you is struggling, contact a healthcare professional, or call NHS 111 or the Samaritans straight away. Remember, there are people and places to go to for help and support.
See also Epilepsy and emotional disorders.
Other useful organisations
Mind
An organisation that supports people with mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression.
NHS website
Information and support about mental health
