The Psychopathology in Chronic Epileptic Children

Kim, Boong Nyun; Cho, Soo Churl

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
We conducted this study to investigate the extent of psychopathology in chronic epileptic children compared to normal controls.
METHODS
The participating patients were recruited from the patients attending the epilepsy clinic of department of pediatric neurology in Seoul National University Hospital in Korea. We excluded seizure disorders associated with mental retardation, pervasive developmental disorder or brain organic pathology. As the control group, normal students whose sex, age, IQ, achievement and socioeconomic status were matched to patients were sellected. The authors interviewed the children and their family members and obtained the developmental history and family infor-mation. We used the following 5 scales to assess psychological and behavioral problems Each scale was standardized and its validity and reliability were confirmed in previous study. Parent rating scales: Yale children's inventory, Disruptive behavior disorder scale, Children's self rating scales: Children's depression inventory, Spielberger's state-trait anxiety anxiety. Piers-Harris self-concept inventory.
RESULTS
Compared to normal controls, depression and anxiety scores were increased and self-concept score was decreased in patient group. The prevalence of ADHD, conduct disorder and ODD estimated by parental report was higher in patient group than control group.
CONCLUSION
According to this study, chronic epileptic children showed diverse emotional and behavioral problems and needed urgent professional psychiatric help.