[Neurotic states in children with epileptic parents]

On the basis of neurological, encephalographic and clinico-anamnestic examinations of 106 children with a family history of epilepsy the authors have specified a group of children (n = 38) suffering from different neurotic disorders which included neurotic ticks, sleep disturbances, affective-shock reactions and signs of asthenization. The role of familial factors in the formation of neurotic states of children is emphasized. The authors consider the time during which the child was exposed to psychotraumatic circumstances and the relationship between the severity of epileptic process in parents and the development of neurotic disorders in their progeny. A conclusion has been made that the disease of the parents can exert both direct and indirect influence on the nervous system of the child, this leading to the development of different neurotic states. The prophylaxis of neurotic disturbances in children should include the creation of healthy psychic atmosphere in families where one of the parents suffers from epilepsy.