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Published on: September 20, 2024
Psychiatric concerns in pediatric epilepsy
I Simona Bujoreanu1, Patricia Ibeziako, David Ray Demaso
1Department of Psychiatry, Children's Hospital Boston, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA. simona.bujoreanu@childrens.harvard.edu
Insights
Pediatric epilepsy significantly impacts children and families, affecting cognitive and psychosocial well-being. Comprehensive management requires a collaborative approach, integrating medical, academic, and mental health strategies for improved outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Child Psychiatry
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Pediatric epilepsy is a prevalent, chronic neurological disorder in children.
- It presents significant challenges to a child's cognitive functioning and psychosocial adjustment.
- Families of children with epilepsy face unique stressors and require specialized support.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a medical overview of pediatric epilepsy.
- To discuss cognitive and psychosocial aspects in affected children and adolescents.
- To outline psychiatric management strategies for pediatric epilepsy.
Main Methods:
- Review of current medical literature on pediatric epilepsy.
- Analysis of cognitive and psychosocial challenges.
- Discussion of integrated treatment approaches including psychotherapy and psychopharmacology.
Main Results:
- Pediatric epilepsy necessitates a multidisciplinary healthcare approach.
- Cognitive and psychosocial factors are integral to managing the condition.
- Effective management involves tailored academic support and mental health interventions.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the biopsychosocial dimensions of pediatric epilepsy is crucial.
- Collaborative care enhances resiliency and adaptation for children and families.
- Integrated medical and mental health strategies improve overall outcomes for pediatric epilepsy patients.
Abstract:
Pediatric epilepsy is a common, chronic, and challenging physical illness for children and their families. This article provides a medical overview and discusses the cognitive functioning and psychosocial adjustment as well as the psychiatric management for children and adolescents with pediatric epilepsy. The management of these children involves establishing a collaborative health care approach, evaluating academic functioning, considering psychotherapy, and managing psychopharmacologic treatment. A thorough understanding of the biopsychosocial concerns in pediatric epilepsy can enable medical providers and mental health clinicians to promote resiliency and adaptation in children and their families facing troubling seizure disorders.
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