Abstracts

The prevalence of epilepsy in the general population of children and adolescents in New York State is 2.7% (CDC, National Health Interview Survey, 1994-95). Also, 23- 26% of youths with epilepsy suffer from depression, which may explain the increased suicides in this population (Epilepsy and Behavior, Vol. 4, October 2003, S39-S45). Unrecognized, their development is impaired and a poor long-term psychosocial prognosis is projected. Early detection and intervention is effective in reversing this outcome. The school guidance counselor represents a critical component in the care of these students. A 10-item survey was sent to 1,471 schools in New York State. 177 (12%) school counselors, responsible for a total of 132,602 students, responded with information about their current caseloads of 53,104 students. 67 counselors reported having 174 students with epilepsy from their caseloads of 17,431 students with a total student body of 49,525. The survey asked them to weight 15 identified conflicts as to prevalence, with points being assigned to each conflict, 1 being the least prevalent and 5 being the most. In descending order, these conflicts predominated as follows: School achievement, 205 (10.0%); Depression, 166 (8.1%); Medication side-effects, 164 (8.0%); Fear, 162 (7.9%); Seizures, 158 (7.7%); Stigmatization, 149 (7.3%); Restrictions 144 (7.1%); Anger Management, 138 (6.8%); Disclosure, 134 (6.6%); Denial, 130 (6.4%); Additional Disabilities, 120 (5.9%); Driving, 111 (5.4%); Alcohol Abuse, 98 (4.8%); Narcotic Abuse, 88 (4.3%); Pregnancy, 73 (3.6%). For the question as to whether students with epilepsy were regularly screened for depression, 79% of these 67 counselors answered [ldquo]No.[rdquo] Statistically there is the potential of 1,337 students with epilepsy in our survey respondents[apos] student population. Allowing for the fact that approximately 30% of students with epilepsy live with intractable seizures, and that those students would most likely present to counselors, approximately 401 students with epilepsy might be expected. Our study accounted for only 174. Despite the perceived prevalence of depression among the small percentage of students they see with epilepsy (it ranks second only to school achievement), counselors seem unaware of the co-morbidity of depression and epilepsy. An education program to apprise them of this disorder will help them to detect potential damage and intervene. (Supported by Epilepsy Foundation of Southern New York)