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Psychosocial problems and seizure-related factors in children with epilepsy

B Høie1, K Sommerfelt, P E Waaler

  • 1Section for Paediatrics, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Norway. bjorg.hoie@ulleval.no

Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology
|February 18, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Children with epilepsy experience more psychosocial problems than their peers, influenced by epilepsy type and seizure frequency. Realistic problem assessment varied by gender, highlighting the need to integrate psychosocial support into epilepsy care.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Child Psychology
  • Epileptology

Background:

  • Epilepsy in children can impact psychosocial functioning.
  • Understanding these impacts is crucial for comprehensive care.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate psychosocial functions and seizure-related factors in children with epilepsy.
  • To compare psychosocial problems in children with epilepsy to a control group.

Main Methods:

  • A population-based sample of 117 children with epilepsy (ages 6-13) and 117 matched controls were assessed.
  • Psychosocial problems were evaluated using Achenbach scales, alongside cognitive function and socioeconomic status.
  • Epilepsy syndrome, seizure type, age at onset, and seizure frequency were analyzed as factors.

Main Results:

  • Children with epilepsy exhibited significantly higher rates of psychosocial problems (OR 5-9) compared to controls.
  • Problems were linked to epilepsy syndrome, seizure type, age at onset, and seizure frequency.
  • Mothers and teachers reported more issues in males, while females self-reported more accurately.

Conclusions:

  • Psychosocial problems are prevalent in childhood epilepsy and are associated with specific epilepsy characteristics.
  • Gender differences exist in problem reporting and perception.
  • Psychosocial issues must be considered an essential component of epilepsy management for children.

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