Behavioral problems in children with epilepsy
Abstract
Background Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that most often
affects children. Most cases of epilepsy are found in developing
countries. Children with epilepsy are at risk of behavioral disorders
that can affect their quality of life. Studies on behavioral problems
in children with epilepsy have been limited in Indonesia.
Objective To compare behavioral disorders in children with
epilepsy to those in normal children, and to assess for possible
factors associated with the occurrence of behavioral disorders.
Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 47
children with epilepsy and 46 children without epilepsy, aged 3-16
years. Behavioral problems were screened with the Strength and
Difficulty Questionnaire (SDQ), Indonesian version. Information
about EEG description, medication, onset, and duration of epilepsy
were obtained from medical records.
Results Behavioral problems were found in 19.1% of children
with epilepsy and only in 2.2 % of children without epilepsy (PR
8.8; 95%CI 1.16 to 66.77; P= 0.015). Significant differences were
also found in the percentage of conduct problems and emotional
disorders. Multivariate analysis with logistic regression revealed
that the factors associated with behavioral disorders in children
with epilepsy were uncontrolled epilepsy (PR 13.9; 95%CI 1.45 to
132.4; P=0.023) and focal EEG appearance (PR 19; 95%CI 1.71
to 214.43; P=0.017). We also found that uncontrolled epilepsy
was a factor related to emotional (PR 6.7; 95%CI 1.66 to 26.76;
P=0.007) and conduct problems (PR 6.1; 95%CI 1.35 to 27.29;
P=0.019).
Conclusion Uncontrolled epilepsy and focal EEG results are
factors associated with increased risk of behavioral problems in
children with epilepsy. Children with epilepsy should undergo
behavioral disorder screening, followed by diagnosis confirmation
and treatment.
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Accepted 2017-02-01
Published 2014-12-30
