Behavior and mental health problems in children with epilepsy and low IQ

Dev Med Child Neurol. 2003 Oct;45(10):683-92. doi: 10.1017/s0012162203001270.

Abstract

The purpose of this cross-sectional descriptive study was to describe the particular types of behavioral problems, self-concept, and symptoms of depression experienced by children with both low IQ and epilepsy. Three groups of children (83 males, 81 females; mean age 11 years 10 months, SD 1 year 10 months; age range 9 to 14 years) with epilepsy were compared: (Group 1) Low IQ (<85), n=48, 25 males, 23 females; (Group 2) Middle IQ (85 to 100), n=58, 24 males, 34 females; and (Group 3) High IQ (>100), n=58, 34 males, 24 females. The Child Behavior Checklist, Piers-Harris Self-Concept Scale, and Children's Depression Inventory were used to measure behavior, self-concept, and depression respectively. Results indicated that children in the Low IQ group had the most behavioral and mental health problems. Additionally, there were IQ group-by-sex interactions, with females in the Low IQ group being at the highest risk for poor self-concept. Findings suggest that children with both epilepsy and low IQ should be carefully assessed for mental health problems in the clinical setting.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Child Behavior Disorders / diagnosis
  • Child Behavior Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Demography
  • Depression / diagnosis
  • Depression / epidemiology
  • Epilepsy / complications*
  • Epilepsy / diagnosis
  • Epilepsy / epidemiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intellectual Disability / complications*
  • Intellectual Disability / diagnosis
  • Intelligence
  • Male
  • Mental Disorders / diagnosis
  • Mental Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Self Concept
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Surveys and Questionnaires