Abstracts

Rationale: We have previously presented population-based data showing increased psychiatric symptoms separately in children and in youth with epilepsy as compared to controls. The purpose of this investigation was to explore the possible changing prevalence of psychiatric symptoms in children and youth with epilepsy during the different age groups. Methods: The study was cross-sectional and based on questionnaires from children and youth aged 8 - 18. 31539 forms were filled out (85% response rate). 358 (1.1 %) reported having or having had epilepsy. To screen for psychiatric symptoms we used the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) as evaluated by the youth themselves, whereas parents evaluated for children aged 8-12. In the SDQ, we used the recommended Norwegian cut-offs for classification. Results: In the whole age group having or having had epilepsy was the strongest independent predictor for scoring borderline or abnormal in five dimensions and in the total scores in the SDQ, controlling for gender, class level, family income and living with single parent (for total score, p<0.001; OR 2.31; CI 1.82- 2.94). The percentage of children and youth with epilepsy scoring borderline or abnormal in total symptoms in the SDQ compared to controls was highest in the age group 8-12 years, (37.8% vs. 17.0%, p< 0.001) and between 13-16 years, (34.4% vs. 18.4%, p< 0.001). In the age group 16-18 years the difference was not significant between youth with epilepsy compared to controls. There was a clear impact of having borderline or abnormal symptom scores in both children with epilepsy and controls in the age group 8-12 years. This effect was more pronounced and significant (p<0.001) in children with epilepsy. Conclusions: The percentage of children and youth with epilepsy scoring borderline or abnormal in the SDQ is highest in the age group 8-12 years, indicating a stronger susceptibility to psychiatric disorders during this age. Even youths aged 13-16 report more frequent difficulties, but in the age group 16-19 the effect is less profound. The impact of having borderline or abnormal scores is also heaviest in the age group 8-12 years, indicating a particular high risk for children with epilepsy of developing psychiatric problems during this age.