Sexuality in teenagers with epilepsy.
OBJECTIVE
In adults with epilepsy it is well known that the epileptic syndrome, seizure frequency and antiepileptic drug use may influence sexual function and behavior. However, knowledge acquired with adult populations has been extrapolated to teenagers, based on the supposition that these patients are influenced by similar factors. This study aimed to evaluate aspects related to sexuality obtained from female adolescents with epilepsy.


METHODS
We carried out a prospective study of 35 female adolescents, with epilepsy, with ages from 10 to 20 years, and epileptic syndromes diagnosed according to ILAE criteria (1989). Information on sexual function and behavior of adolescents with epilepsy was evaluated by use of a standard questionnaire. Exclusion criteria were lack of menarche, previous endocrine or chronic clinical disorders, and moderate to severe mental retardation.


RESULTS
No differences were observed between the age at first sexual intercourse, sexual activity, libido and orgasm of adolescents with epilepsy when compared to controls. Epilepsy clinical variables such as age of onset, duration and severity had no significant relationship with distinct aspects of sexual function and behavior.


CONCLUSIONS
Adolescents with epilepsy represent a special patient group because, even with their chronic disorder, they have an active sexual life, despite the severity of their disorder. Therefore, aspects related to sexuality require special attention by health professionals when attending to adolescents with epilepsy.
de Vincentiis
Silvia
S
Department of Psychiatry of the Hospital das Clínicas, University of São Paulo, Brazil. silviavincentiis@uol.com.br
Febrônio
Marília Vieira
MV
da Silva
Clóvis Artur Almeida
CA
Saito
Maria Ignez
MI
Takiuti
Albertina Duarte
AD
Valente
Kette Dualibi Ramos
KD
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D012735:Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / Q000209:etiology; D020018:Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / Q000209:etiology; D055815:Young Adult