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This article reports the findings of a literature review of research that has explored the support experiences of family carers of a person with an intellectual disability who displays challenging behaviour and/or has a mental health problem. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the reported experiences of family carers from recent research studies, about their own support. Having discussed the search strategy, definitions of challenging behaviour and mental health/illness are presented. Evidence concerning the needs of carers and the extent to which they are met is explored, and the need for consistency and good communication are highlighted. Conclusions are drawn and recommendations made for the development of future research and practice.

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The admission of their relative was a time of increased vulnerability for carers in respect of maintaining a sense of self-identity. Engaging with services and professionals had a major influence on situating them within the social structure that makes up the formal system of support. This had a pivotal role in influencing and determining how participants identified with their sense of self.