Psychopathological Aspects in Children with Epilepsy and Its Contributing Factors: A Cross-Sectional Study from India

Background Children with epilepsy (CWE) are at high risk of psychopathological problems because of neurobiological, social, and treatment factors. Objectives This study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of psychopathological problems in CWE and their contributing factors. Methods This cross-sectional study was done in pediatric neurology clinic and outpatient department of a government medical college in Northern India. Children between the ages of 4 and 14 years with intelligence quotient > 70 were enrolled; for CWE, the criteria were antiepileptic drugs therapy for more than 6 months and for controls it was being free from any chronic illness. Childhood Psychopathology Measurement Schedule (CPMS) was used for assessing psychopathological problems. Results A total of 135 CWE and 70 controls were enrolled, groups were similar in respect of age, gender, socioeconomic status, and family history. CWE group had significantly high mean ± standard deviation CPMS scores (13.68 ± 10.57) as compared with controls (9.75 ± 7.97) ( p < 0.0001). These scores were particularly high in sectors of low intelligence, conduct disorder, psychotic symptoms, and depression. Academic performance was significantly poor in CWE (39%) versus controls (6%) ( p 0.042). Age of onset, duration, type, and etiology of epilepsy had no significant relation with CPMS scores. Polytherapy and treatment with valproate were associated with high CPMS scores ( p 0.005 and 0.045). Conclusion Psychopathological problems are frequently associated with epilepsy in children and antiepileptic drug therapy might contribute to it.