[The prevalence of cognitive and emotional disturbances in epilepsy and its consequences for therapy]

In the course of epilepsy psychic disturbances appear. They concern cognitive as well as emotional dysfunctions. Cognitive and emotional dysfunctions are defined as poliaetiological - "organic" connected with brain pathology and "environmental". Cognitive dysfunctions concern global intelligence and chosen cognitive dysfunctions as well. There are about 30% people with cognitive dysfunctions connected to epilepsy. Primary and secondary emotional dysfunctions are distinguished in traditional approach. Primary emotional and cognitive dysfunctions might be caused by the same factor which cause epilepsy or develop due to the damage of the central nervous system in the course of epilepsy or are related to the pharmacological treatment. Secondary emotional deficits are connected with negative social actions and negative social attitudes toward ill persons with epilepsy. It concerns overprotective attitudes or social isolation. The prevalence of emotional disturbances is estimated at 5-50% in population of patients with epilepsy. The study shows the necessity of conducting psychotherapy and neuropsychological rehabilitation in the course of epilepsy as a part of schema of treatment. The aim of these activities is the improvement of the quality of life and the avoidance of progressive intellectual impairment as well.