Behavioral Problems of Epileptic Children at Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health
Vinadda Piyasil MD*, Somjit Sriudomkajorn MD*, Janwanpen Suwanpairat MD*
Affiliation : * Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health, Department of Medical Services, College of Medicine, Rangsit University, Bangkok
Background : Neurological diseases and psychiatric problems were cloudily related. Many patients with
epilepsy had associated problems such as Learning disorders(LD) or Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
(ADHD). Evaluation and treatments of these behavioral and learning problems should be, therefore, included
in management of patients with epilepsy in order to improve their quality of life.
Objective : To study behavioral, learning problems that indicate ADHD in epileptic children.
Material and Method: These was cross sectional study in 100 epileptic children, age 6-11 years old who
visited Neurological Clinic at Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health. The patients were assessed
with Thai Youth Checklist (TYC), IOWA screening test for ADHD and questionnaires concerning learning
area. The data was analyzed in Chi-square, using SPSS program.
Results : The prevalence of behavioral problems in epileptic children was 57 percent. The prevalence of
moderate to severe ones which should be treated and related to complex partial seizure was 32 percent. The
prevalence of learning problems was 23 percent. Most were found in higher classes. The prevalence of behaviors
that indicate ADHD was 23 percent from TYC and 58 percent from IOWA screening test for ADHD. There was
relationship of behaviors that indicate ADHD and the severity of epilepsy. The prevalence of delinquent
behavior was 24 percent and social problems were 32 percent respectively.
Correlation of behavioral problems and social skills (p = 0.027), good manner toward parents (p =
0.015) and helping house chores (p = 0.016) were significantly different. However, there was no significantly
different between behavioral problems and age of onset as well as duration of epileptic symptom, frequency of
seizures in the past 6 months, EEG results and combination of medication.
Conclusion : The epileptic children had high risks of behavioral and learning problems; they may be prevented
by intensive evaluation, proper interventions, adequate counseling, proper medication, parental training
and proper rehabilitation.
Keywords : Epilepsy, Behavioral and learning problems
