COMPARISON OF COMMUNITY AND INSTITUTIONAL PRESCRIPTION OF ANTIEPILEPTIC DRUGS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH LEARNING-DISABILITIES

The use of antiepileptic agents for individuals with learning disabili ties (mental handicap) resident both within National Health Service fa cilities and the community was surveyed in the UK. There was no differ ence in rates of polypharmacy, but there were significant differences in choice of antiepileptic agent. In particular, individuals resident in the community were more likely to be in receipt of phenytoin, primi done and phenobarbitone, which are particularly recognized as producin g adverse effects on cognition and behaviour.