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Epileptic kids are disproportionately affected by psychiatric symptoms

By Staff Writer

Although the types of disorders vary between boys and girls, a new study published in the journal Epilepsia shows that in general, children who suffer from epilepsy are more likely to experience psychiatric symptoms than their healthy peers.

The findings showed that 37 percent of participants who had the disorder suffered from behavioral problems or psychiatric disorders, while only 9 percent of non-epileptic subjects were burdened by the same symptoms.

Moreover, the researchers found that epileptic girls were more likely to experience emotional disorders, as opposed to the higher prevalence of ADHD among males with the chronic condition.

The investigators noted that the symptoms of psychiatric disorders tended to peak during preadolescence, when the boys and girls were between the ages of 10 and 13. They said that this may be due to social pressure at school. Stress caused by the desire to fit in with their classmates may exacerbate the frequency or severity of psychiatric warning signs, the scientists added.

Children who have epilepsy may benefit from attending boarding schools. These educational environments may foster healthy and understanding friendships between classmates who cope with similar disorders.

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