[Neuropsychological and psychiatric problems in epileptic children].
In the treatment of epileptic children, it is important to give considerations to the child's psychological aspects. One of considerations should be given to the neuropsychological disorders, since it is sometimes observed that learning disabilities coincide with epilepsy. Another consideration should be given to psychiatric disorders. Mental retardation occurs about 20% of epileptic children. Among personality and behavioral problems, hyperactivity is observed in younger children, while a viscous tendency is seen after puberty. The incidence of these two problems is related to the severity of mental retardation. In the course of the treatment of epileptic children, puberty is an important period. It is necessary to assist epileptic children to cope with the disease they have. Although the incidence is small, an acute or chronic epileptic psychosis is observed after puberty. An existence of pseudoseizures should not be forgotten. Cognitive or behavioral problems may occur as a result of anti-epileptic drugs.
Institute of Special Education, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki.
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Nagahata
D000375:Aging / Q000523:psychology; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000009:adverse effects; D002648:Child; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007859:Learning Disabilities / Q000209:etiology; D010554:Personality Disorders / Q000209:etiology
D000927:Anticonvulsants