Epilepsy and Psychiatric Disorders in Children and Teenagers in the Psychiatric Department of the Conakry University Teaching Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to: determine the prevalence, describe the socio-demographic characteristics of patients with psychic disorders and epilepsy, and highlight the different psychic disorders encountered in epileptic patients. Material and methods: This was a descriptive transverse retrospective study of a duration of ten (10 years) (from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2022) of all children and teenagers aged 19 and above of any sex and regardless of the origin of epilepsy and psychic disorders monitored in the Department who received an EEG during the study period. Results: The prevalence of epilepsy and psychic disorders in children and teenagers was 12.5%. The average and big adolescence were the most affected about 25.1% and 23%; the medical history of malaria and hyper-pyretic seizures was predominant about 43.7% and 32.2%; for the majority of parents and relatives psychic disorders of epilepsy were synonymous with devil’s disease in 52.5% of cases. The most represented psychic manifestations were behavioral, psychomotor, and language disorders. The temporal seat was the most predominant, representing 51% of cases. Carbamazepine was the most prescribed anti-epileptic drug about 58.5%. Conclusion: A broader study in the general population would be needed for better management.