A population-based analysis of specific behavior problems associated with childhood seizures

Abstract

A population-based analysis was conducted, with the 1988 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) to estimate the risk for behavior problems associated with children with seizures and cardiac conditions as compared with that of children with no known health conditions. The Behavior Problem Index (BPI) was used to compare the frequency of problems and the differences in scores between groups, using parent responses to a 28-item behavior checklist. In addition, the odds of having a behavior problem in the three groups of children with health conditions were compared with those of children with no known health conditions. Our analysis indicates that children with seizures were 4.7 times more likely to have a behavior problem and children with cardiac problems were 3 times more likely to have behavior problems as compared with controls. The specific behaviors and traits that were most problematic for children with seizures were being hyperactive (cannot concentrate, easily confused, impulsive, obsessive, and restless) and dependent (clings to adults, cries a lot, demands a lot of attention, too dependent on others).