[Feelings and behaviors of parents of children with epilepsy].
OBJECTIVE
To assess the efficacy of support groups in identifying parents feelings and behaviors facing the diagnosis of epilepsy in their children.


METHODS
Protocols were applied to 18 parents before and after the sessions. Each protocol consisted of questions concerning feelings and beliefs toward epilepsy as well as children-parent interactions.


RESULTS
The following feelings were observed: disappointment (94.4%), fear (72.2%), frightening (27.8%), sadness (33.3%), anxiety (27.8%) and rejection (38.9%). These feelings were associated with overprotection (83.3%) and a lack of limits (38.9%). Parents reported feeling of safety after seizure control and 77.8% associate major of difficulties to the lack of information and the inadequate beliefs involved. After support sessions, 94.4% of the parents reported less anxiety.


CONCLUSIONS
Support groups dispel misconception, clarify child parent relationships and prevent behavioral difficulties.
De Souza
E A
EA
Departamento de Neurologia, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas (FCM) da Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Brasil.
Nista
C R
CR
Scotoni
A E
AE
Guerreiro
M M
MM
D001294:Attitude to Health; D001519:Behavior; D002648:Child; D004644:Emotions; D004827:Epilepsy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D012657:Self-Help Groups