Aim: To determine changes in the quality of life associated with epilepsy in school-age children with newly diagnosed uncomplicated epilepsy over the first six months after diagnosis to find points relevant for the early prevention of deterioration in quality of life.
Methods: This prospective follow-up study, performed in University Children's Hospital in Belgrade, enrolled 60 school-aged children with recently diagnosed epilepsy, along with their parents. The respondents completed the Children with Epilepsy Quality of Life immediately following the diagnosis of epilepsy and six months later.
Results: Significant decline was observed in the domains related to intrapersonal/emotional relationships by both children (P<0.001) and their parents (P=0.03), and in the need to keep epilepsy a secret as observed by parents (P = 0.04). Significant improvement was found in the Interpersonal/Social domain as rated by parents (P=0.001). Total quality-of-life scores, as assessed by children and parents, did not change significantly.
Conclusion: Bearing in mind that stigma and intrapersonal struggles are the major factors affecting the quality of life in children with epilepsy, psychological and social support is highly recommended in the first six months following an epilepsy diagnosis. Since intrapersonal relationships improved over six months, compensating for other deteriorations in the quality of life, children with epilepsy should be encouraged to socialize with their peers and to join organizations and actions that encourage social contact.