A clinic for managing epileptic patients with psychiatric problems in a provincial catchment area. A review of the first 50 cases.

Abstract

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS There were 50 cases referred to a clinic for managing epileptic patients with psychiatric problems in the Mid‐Sussex area in 3 years. Many of those referred were disabled and included severe personality disorders, which was the most important disabling factor we found. Four fifths of the total referred lived at home and needed social support, as their families carried the load. Forty‐four percent were unemployable for various reasons, personality factors being the most important. Only a small proportion could use sheltered workshops if available. Only 2 cases were impaired for work due to fits. A relatively small and static number of seriously disabled epileptics required special psychiatric care in the Mid‐Sussex area. In our opinion, the recommendations of the Cohen Report are helpful in pinpointing the issues, with particular reference to psychiatric problems associated with epilepsy, but the value of this clinic depends upon the referrals sent to it by other specialties especially by neurologists who see by far the largest number of cases of epilepsy in any area.