Seizure disorders in people with intellectual disability: an analysis of differences in social functioning, adaptive functioning and maladaptive behaviours

The present study is an investigation into the effects of seizure disorders /epilepsy on psychopathology, social functioning, adaptive functioning and maladaptive behaviours using a sample of 353 people diagnosed with a seizur e disorder, and either severe or profound intellectual disability. People w ith a diagnosis of seizure disorder were found to have significantly less s ocial and adaptive skills when compared to developmentally disabled control s with no seizure disorder diagnosis. Additionally, patterns of maladaptive behaviours were identified for individuals with seizure disorders and foun d to be similar to those found in people without seizure activity. The impl ications of the present findings are discussed.