title: Sexuality in teenagers with epilepsy.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry of the Hospital das Clínicas, University of São Paulo, Brazil. silviavincentiis@uol.com.br
authors.forename: Silvia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: de Vincentiis
authors.forename: Marília Vieira
authors.initials: MV
authors.lastname: Febrônio
authors.forename: Clóvis Artur Almeida
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: da Silva
authors.forename: Maria Ignez
authors.initials: MI
authors.lastname: Saito
authors.forename: Albertina Duarte
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Takiuti
authors.forename: Kette Dualibi Ramos
authors.initials: KD
authors.lastname: Valente
mesh_terms: 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