Sodium‐Valproate‐Induced Pancreatitis in a Man with Profound Intellectual Disability: the Significance of Diagnostic Difficulties

Abstract

Pancreatitis is a common but under‐reported complication of treatment with sodium valproate, a drug frequently prescribed for people with intellectual disabilities. The present authors report a case of valproate‐induced pancreatitis in a man with profound intellectual disability and review the relevant literature. The wider implications of problems experienced with diagnosis are discussed, emphasizing difficulties in recognizing pain and physical illness in this client group.

Caregiver Experiences of Supporting Adults with Intellectual Disabilities in Pain

“…Caregivers used their skills and knowledge to understand and manage pain, but were sometimes unaware of pain, despite their best intentions. This is unsurprising given that pain is often not recognized in this population (Jancar & Speller ; Hinder & Perry ; Defrin et al . ; Clarke et al .…”