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Social skills problems in children with epilepsy: prevalence, nature and predictors

Enrica Tse1, Lorie Hamiwka, Elisabeth M S Sherman

  • 1University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

Epilepsy & Behavior : E&B
|October 12, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Children with epilepsy showed poorer social skills than siblings, but clinically significant deficits were uncommon. Learning disabilities and family dysfunction strongly predicted social skills impairment in pediatric epilepsy.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Child Psychiatry

Background:

  • Social skills are crucial for child development and peer integration.
  • Epilepsy in children can potentially impact social functioning.
  • Understanding social skills in pediatric epilepsy is vital for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence, characteristics, and predictive factors of social skills impairment in children with epilepsy.
  • To compare social skills between children with epilepsy and their unaffected siblings.
  • To identify neurological and family factors associated with social skills deficits.

Main Methods:

  • A study involving 101 parents of children with epilepsy (aged 3-17) and their siblings.
  • Utilized Social Skills Rating System, Child Behavior Checklist, health questionnaires, quality-of-life assessments, and Family Assessment Measure III.
  • Collected epilepsy-specific variables and assessed neurological factors like learning disabilities.

Main Results:

  • Children with epilepsy exhibited poorer social skills and assertiveness compared to siblings (p<0.05).
  • The prevalence of clinically significant social skills deficits did not differ between groups (13% vs 7%).
  • Learning disability (OR=8.64) and abnormal family function (OR=8.75) were strong predictors of social skills impairment.

Conclusions:

  • While children with epilepsy may have generally lower social skills, severe deficits are not highly prevalent.
  • Learning disabilities and family environment are key factors influencing social skills in pediatric epilepsy.
  • Social skills impairment is moderately correlated with quality of life in children with epilepsy.

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