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Parental beliefs and attitudes concerning epilepsy may significantly impact adjustment and quality of life for both the child and family. The purpose of the present study was to examine the relationship between parental anxiety and quality of life in pediatric patients with ongoing epilepsy. Subjects were parents (n=200) of children between the ages of 6 and 16 years who had been diagnosed and treated for epilepsy for at least 1 year. Parents were given quality of life and anxiety questionnaires during the child’s clinic visit. A stepwise regression analysis suggested that severity of comorbid conditions, parental anxiety, seizure control, and number of medications were significantly associated with quality of life for these children. Parents with increased anxiety whose children had poorly controlled seizures and a comorbid disability were found to have diminished quality of life. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Learning and behavioral concerns in children with epilepsy are reviewed and general guidelines for assessment are presented. The case of Peter is used to illustrate these issues followed by interventions that may be helpful in working with learning and behavioral difficulties in children with epilepsy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The purpose of the present study was to determine the prevalence of inattentive and hyperactive–impulsive symptoms in children with newly diagnosed epilepsy, explore the course of these symptoms over time, and examine factors associated with change in these symptoms. Parents of children (n=42) were administered the Attention Deficit Disorder Evaluation Scale—Home Version (ADDES-HV) at the time of diagnosis. The ADDES-HV was readministered after the child’s seizures were controlled. Prior to initiation of anticonvulsant therapy, 31% of the children were rated as having clinically significant problems with inattention and 31% with hyperactivity–impulsivity. At follow-up, 27% had elevated symptoms of inattention and 24% had hyperactivity–impulsivity. Analysis of this change indicated that children with a normal MRI were more likely to have decreased hyperactive–impulsive behaviors following control of their seizures. Results suggest the need for assessment and monitoring of attention in children with epilepsy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]