Summary: As the medical and surgical management of epilepsy continues to advance, issues associated with the quality of life of patients and their families can be addressed. Whenever associated with other handicaps, such as learning disabilities, attentional or behavioral disorders, and problems in psychological adjustment, dual-diagnosis issues must be identified. To provide comprehensive care for children with epilepsy, a team approach to psychosocial assessment and treatment must be provided and coordinated with neurologic care. When the agerelated needs in the life stage of the individual and family are identified, the best possible adaptation of the patient and his or her family can be supported.
Children with learning disabilities and attention-deficit disorder are vulnerable to increased psychological difficulties in three areas: self-esteem, self-control, and frustration tolerance. Different family types influence differently the child's ability to manage the disorder and psychological reactions. Individual and family therapy must focus on both the child's developmental problems and the family's organization.
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