Adults with Cerebral Palsy

Abstract

Abstract Children with cerebral palsy (CP) experience high rates of comorbid physical and mental health issues. As individuals with CP age and become adults, the risk for physical and mental health issues persists, and the need for health care support also increases. Despite this, compared to children with CP, the health needs of adults with CP are poorly understood. To better appreciate these issues, we conducted a comprehensive literature review of the physical and mental health issues, and health service use patterns among adults with CP, with and without an intellectual disability. In total, 18 articles were reviewed; seven related to physical health, three mental health, and eight health service use. Overall, our review showed that adults with CP frequently suffer from a variety of chronic physical and mental health issues, such as bladder issues, musculoskeletal problems, chronic pain, depression, and self-injurious behavior. Despite these chronic health problems, research to date fails to demonstrate a consistent pattern of health service use among adults with CP. These results highlight the significant physical and mental health issues experienced by this population, as well as considerable gaps in the literature. Our review also highlights disparities related to health and health service issues experienced by the following groups: (1) children compared to adults with CP; (2) individuals with CP compared to other clinical populations; and (3) adults with CP compared to the general population. Lastly, we discuss clinical implications of this review as it pertains to health care professionals supporting adults with CP.