The assessment and treatment of behavioural problems.

Background: While general practitioners acknowledge their responsibility for the medical management of people with intellectual disability and autism, there may be a need for more skill in the assessment and management of behavioral problems.

Objective: This article provides an overview of services for this group of patients, the role of the GP, and provides a guide to assessment and treatment of behavioural problems.

Discussion: While GPs have skills in medical and psychiatric assessment, the different social, cognitive and communicative context in this group of people limits their ability to apply those skills. Nonetheless, familiarity with the patient and their social environment means that GPs have an important and central role in the ongoing management of patients with an intellectual disability.