Psychopathology and psychological adjustment in children and adolescents with epilepsy

Abstract

Background: Epilepsy is the most common chronic neurological illness in childhood and adolescence, and this condition may increase the risk of psychopathology at these ages.

Data sources: A literature review, including MEDLINE and PsychLIT database, was made covering the period of 1966-2007. Research studies were included if they were concerned with children suffering from epilepsy and measures of psychopathology.

Results: Studies found a more elevated rate of psychological and psychiatric disorders, both behavioral and emotional, in these samples compared to general population or children with other chronic conditions. The problems presented in children and adolescents with epilepsy are quite similar to those in general population with a slight increase of hyperkinetic and attention problems likely related to both direct brain damage and anticonvulsant treatment. There is no evidence of psychotic disorders and/or specific personality traits associated with epilepsy at these ages.

Conclusions: Family factors, specially those related to psychopathology in other family members and parent-child relationships, appear to have stronger influence on children psychopathology than illness factors themselves. Some guidelines are provided in order to improve future research.