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Review: Psychopathology in childhood epilepsy
Colin Reilly1, Elizabeth Kent2, Brian G R Neville3,4
1Research and Psychology Departments, National Centre for Young People with Epilepsy (NCYPE), St Piers Lane, Lingfield, Surrey, RH7 6PW, UK.
Insights
Children with epilepsy face higher risks for behavioral and psychiatric disorders like ADHD and ASD. Early recognition and management are crucial for improving their quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Child Neurology
- Developmental Psychology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Childhood epilepsy presents a spectrum of severity impacting behavior and psychiatric health.
- Population-based studies are vital for understanding psychopathology in pediatric epilepsy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review population-based studies on psychopathology in childhood epilepsy.
- To identify prevalence, correlates, and potential interventions for behavioral/psychiatric disorders in children with epilepsy.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of PubMed-indexed studies (January 1980 - June 2011).
- Inclusion of population-based, clinic-based studies, and meta-analyses relevant to psychopathology in childhood epilepsy.
Main Results:
- Children with epilepsy exhibit significantly higher risks for ADHD, ASD, depression, and anxiety.
- These psychiatric difficulties are often under-recognized in childhood epilepsy.
- Limited research exists on effective interventions for these issues.
Conclusions:
- High rates of psychopathology are evident in childhood epilepsy populations.
- Children with epilepsy require vigilant monitoring for behavioral challenges.
- Further research is needed to optimize management strategies and enhance quality of life.
Background:
Population-based studies of psychopathology are important in childhood epilepsy given that there is a spectrum of severity with regard to the impact of epilepsy and associated behavioural/psychiatric difficulties.
Method:
Population-based studies in childhood epilepsy which have focused on global measures of psychopathology and rates of specific behavioural and psychiatric disorders were reviewed with respect to prevalence of disorders and possible correlates of difficulties. Clinic-based studies and meta-analyses were reviewed where they added to an understanding of the correlates or treatment of psychopathology in childhood epilepsy. The systematic review methodology was based on a search of PubMed from January 1980 to June 2011.
Results:
Children with epilepsy are at significantly higher risk for a range of behavioural and psychiatric disorders including attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), depressive and anxiety disorders. Available evidence suggests that these difficulties are under-recognised and there have been few studies focussing on interventions to treat these behavioural and psychiatric issues in childhood epilepsy.
Conclusion:
Population-based studies suggest high rates of psychopathology in childhood epilepsy. As a result children with epilepsy need close monitoring with regard to the presence of behavioural difficulties. There is a need for studies on how such difficulties can be best managed so that affected children and their families can maximise their quality of life.
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