Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2026
Electromagnetic Source Imaging in Presurgical Evaluation of Children with Drug-Resistant Epilepsy
Published on: September 20, 2024
Behavioural Co-morbidities in Children With Epilepsy Using Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire: A Case-Control
Shubham Kamble1, Anuragsingh Chandel1, Varsha Chauhan1
1Department of Paediatrics, MGIMS, Sevagram, Wardha, Maharshtra, India.
Insights
Children with epilepsy show significantly increased behavioral issues, including conduct problems and hyperactivity, compared to healthy peers. Early screening for these neuro-behavioral difficulties is crucial, especially in underserved regions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Child Psychology
- Global Health
Background:
- Childhood epilepsy presents significant behavioral comorbidities, often underrecognized in resource-limited settings.
- These hidden challenges in children with epilepsy (CWE) require better characterization, particularly in rural India.
- Understanding the neuro-behavioral burden is key to improving care for CWE.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify behavioral comorbidities in children with epilepsy (CWE) in rural India.
- To compare the behavioral profiles of CWE with healthy controls.
- To assess the impact of epilepsy onset on behavioral difficulties.
Main Methods:
- An observational case-control study involving 126 children (aged 2-13 years) from central rural India.
- 63 children with epilepsy and 63 healthy controls were enrolled.
- The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) was used for parent-reported behavioral assessment.
Main Results:
- Children with epilepsy exhibited a significant increase in behavioral issues post-onset (49.2%) compared to their baseline (17.5%).
- CWE showed higher risk scores for conduct problems, hyperactivity, peer problems, and total difficulties versus controls.
- Emotional symptoms did not differ significantly between CWE and controls.
Conclusions:
- Childhood epilepsy carries a substantial neuro-behavioral burden, highlighting the need for integrated care approaches.
- Routine Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) screening is vital for early detection of behavioral issues in CWE.
- Psychiatric management and early detection are critical, especially in resource-limited regions for children with epilepsy.
Abstract:
BackgroundChildhood epilepsy carries a profound, often overlooked burden of behavioural comorbidities, particularly in resource-limited settings where these hidden challenges remain poorly characterized.MethodsThis observational case-control study from central rural India enrolled 126 children (aged 2-13 years): 63 with epilepsy and 63 healthy controls. Behavioural domains were quantified using the validated parent-reported Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ).ResultsChildren with epilepsy (CWE) exhibited a striking increase in behavioural issues post-onset (49.2%) vs their pre-onset baseline (17.5%; P = .0001). Compared to controls, CWE had significantly elevated high-risk scores (P < .001) for conduct problems, hyperactivity, peer problems, and total difficulties. Interestingly, emotional symptoms showed no significant difference.ConclusionThe substantial neuro-behavioural burden in CWE necessitates a critical shift toward integrated care. Routine SDQ screening is vital for early detection and psychiatric management especially in resource-limited regions.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Conduct Disorder
01:30Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.