Epilepsy in Irish psychiatric inpatient settings

Aims To ascertain epilepsy prevalence in Irish psychiatric inpatient units and compliance with care planning guidelines. Methods Case records were reviewed in seven psychiatric inpatient units. Results The prevalence of epilepsy across seven psychiatric inpatient units (n=9/267) was three times that of general population estimates. Minimal data was recorded pertaining to seizure type (n=1,11.1%), triggers (n=2,22.2%), clinical investigations relating to epilepsy (n=2,22%) and no epilepsy risk assessments were recorded (n=0,0%). Conclusions The introduction of appropriate care plans is needed to optimise physical and mental wellbeing of those with epilepsy in psychiatric units.