Epilepsy and adolescents

Abstract

Anticonvulsant (AEDs) therapy in adolescence is very difficult because there is no-compliance in this special time of life. Many studies show that the factors that assured good compliance were good motivation, a good therapeutic result, the support of parents, medical and assistance personnel and the positive attitude to the disease and its treatment. Moreover, in recent years, many studies have shown the changes in endocrinology function and weight changes in adolescents after AEDs therapy and after long term therapy with valproate (VPA), carbamazepine (CBZ), gabapentin, felbamate and, topiramate. Abnormalities include weight increase, weight loss, polycystic ovaries and bone disease (osteopenia/osteoporosis, osteomalacia, etc). Thyroid hormone concentrations are involved too. Some study report that the children treated with CBZ may have subclinical signs of hypothyroidism, and these changes are more evident if CBZ is given in association with another drug for example with VPA.