A Study of Behavioural Disorders in Children With Epilepsy

Abstract

BACKGROUND Like many other chronic diseases, the clinical picture and course of epilepsy is also influenced by psychiatric and social problems with it and especially so in children. Surveys have shown that the proportion of behavioural problems is more in children with epilepsy than in those with other chronic physical illnesses and children in general population.This study is an attempt to assess the spectrum of behavioural disorders in school going epileptic children. MATERIALS AND METHODSA total of 30 patients with epilepsy were included in this study. The most common type of seizures seen in this study sample was generalised tonic-clonic epilepsy. This was followed by complex partial seizures and simple partial seizures with secondary generalisation. RESULTSHighest rate of total behavioural problems was found in epileptic children as compared to those of healthy controls. Amongst the behavioural problems, statistically significant difference was found for aggression, attention and somatic problem. CONCLUSIONThe children with epilepsy are at increased risk of behavioural problems. They should be closely monitored for development of behavioural problem and a regular referral for psychiatric evaluation must be made.