Abstracts

Epilepsy introduces a challenge to the family unit that may be further complicated by the presence and extent of behavioral problems. Most previous research exploring relationships among family factors, child illness factors and child behavioral problems have been cross-sectional studies done with a chronic sample. This study addresses a gap in the literature by measuring the associations among family factors and child behavior problems in children experiencing new-onset seizures over a 24 month period. The study is strengthened by comparing those families whose children had no additional seizures after the onset period (N = 95) with those families whose children had at least one additional seizure (N = 101). Data were collected four times (baseline, 6, 12 and 24 months) using structured telephone interviews with the primary caregiver. Child behavior problems were measured using the CBCL. The associations between twelve family variables and child behavior problems were analyzed over time using a repeated measures ANCOVA model after adjusting for (1) prior unrecognized seizures, (2) recurrent seizures between 3 and 24 months, (3) child age, (4) taking AED(s) and (5) recurrent seizures by time interaction effects. All twelve of the family factors in the investigation were related to total behavior problem scores in the expected direction. Seven factors demonstrated no differences between the two groups. Four family factors had relationships in both groups, but the relationships were significantly stronger in the additional seizures group. These were (1) family life and leisure, (2) parental stigma, (3) parental mood, and (4) parental need for support and information. Finally, one family factor (confidence in seizure condition management) was related to child behavior problems in the additional seizure group only. There were no differences in associations between family factors and behavior problems over time. Although all family factors were significantly associated with child behavior problems in this sample, relationships between child behavior problems and several parent measures were stronger in families having a child experiencing recurrent seizures, suggesting that intervention may be especially important for these families. Regular assessment of child behavior and parental response to the child[apos]s condition should be part of the clinical management of the child experiencing a seizure disorder and his or her family. (Supported by Grant PHS R01 NS22416 from NINDS to JKA and NINR T32 NR007066.)