Factors associated with reported challenging behavior in young people with epilepsy and neurodevelopmental problems: Data from a specialist epilepsy center

Abstract

SummaryReported incidents of challenging behavior over a 6‐month period (December 2011–May 2012) were systematically recorded in young people (8–23 years) with epilepsy (n = 125), and a comparison group of young people without epilepsy (n = 64) at a specialist epilepsy center in the United Kingdom. Factors associated with such incidents were analyzed via regression analysis. The presence of epilepsy was not a significant predictor of recorded challenging behavior. Factors associated with increases in recorded challenging behavior on multivariable analysis in the epilepsy sample were the use of medication for behavioral/psychiatric conditions (p < 0.05) and attending the center on a residential basis (p < 0.001). In the total sample, use of medication for behavioral/psychiatric conditions (p < 0.05), younger age (p < 0.01), IQ < 50 (p < 0.01), and residential status (p < 0.001) were associated with increases in recorded challenging behavior. The presence of depression was associated with reduced challenging behavior in the total sample (p < 0.05).The association between the use of psychopharmacology and increased challenging behavior in those with epilepsy and nonepilepsy could indicate a difficult to treat behavioral/psychiatric burden, lack of treatment efficacy, and/or an increased side effect profile and needs further examination.

Autism, ADHD and parent-reported behavioural difficulties in young children with epilepsy

“…The lack of difference between the epilepsy group and the neurodisability group in the current study across the total scores on the neurobehavioral measures, suggests that seizures do not per se confer a unique risk for the behavioural difficulties for the majority of children. This is in line with a previous study of challenging behaviour in children and young people 30 . Parents of children with epilepsy expressed significantly more concerns with attention and mood suggesting that these areas may be a particular area of need in children with epilepsy.…”