Children with epilepsy experience higher rates of mental health disturbances and academic problems than children with other chronic physical conditions. Until recently, one assumption has been that many of these problems result from poor psychosocial adjustment to living with seizures. However, in our current study we found high rates of behavior problems already existing at the time of the first recognized seizure, especially in children with previously unrecognized seizures. This important finding suggests that, at least in some children, epilepsy is a pervasive condition in which seizures are accompanied by behavioral disturbances. Moreover, it suggests that neurological variables should be studied in relation to behavior problems, beginning at the time of the child's first recognized seizures. The major purpose of this continuation request is to determine how neurological variables (brain structure and function, neuropsychological functions, intelligence, and seizure characteristics) interact with other child (age, gender, and temperament) and family variables (e.g., parenting and family resources) to predict child mental health disturbances and academic problems over the first year following the first recognized seizure. The sample will be 360 children (ages 6-14 years, IQ > 70) with a first recognized seizure and 240 healthy siblings (ages 6-17 years). There also will be a pilot sample of 60 children with seizures who have IQs between 55 and 70. Neurobiological data will include results from MRI, EEG, and individualized tests of academic achievement, intelligence, and neuropsychological functioning. Data on child and family variables will be obtained from the major caregiver and from children who are at least 8 years old. Data analyses will include repeated measures analysis of covariance, multiple regression, and structural equation modeling. No previous studies have investigated all of these important variables together within the context of childhood epilepsy, especially those with low IQ. Findings will greatly increase understanding of the natural history of adaptation problems in childhood epilepsy that is needed for effective interventions.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Type
Method to Extend Research in Time (MERIT) Award (R37)
Project #
4R37NS022416-18
Application #
6870017
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-RPHB-3 (01))
Program Officer
Fureman, Brandy E
Project Start
1986-02-01
Project End
2007-04-30
Budget Start
2004-05-01
Budget End
2005-04-30
Support Year
18
Fiscal Year
2004
Total Cost
$637,547
Indirect Cost
Name
Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis
Department
Type
Schools of Nursing
DUNS #
603007902
City
Indianapolis
State
IN
Country
United States
Zip Code
46202
Byars, Anna W; deGrauw, Ton J; Johnson, Cynthia S et al. (2014) Language and social functioning in children and adolescents with epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav 31:167-71
Austin, J K; Perkins, S M; Johnson, C S et al. (2011) Behavior problems in children at time of first recognized seizure and changes over the following 3 years. Epilepsy Behav 21:373-81
Austin, Joan K; Perkins, Susan M; Johnson, Cynthia S et al. (2010) Self-esteem and symptoms of depression in children with seizures: relationships with neuropsychological functioning and family variables over time. Epilepsia 51:2074-83
Dunn, David W; Johnson, C S; Perkins, S M et al. (2010) Academic problems in children with seizures: relationships with neuropsychological functioning and family variables during the 3 years after onset. Epilepsy Behav 19:455-61
Shore, Cheryl P; Buelow, Janice M; Austin, Joan K et al. (2009) Continuing psychosocial care needs in children with new-onset epilepsy and their parents. J Neurosci Nurs 41:244-50
Fastenau, P S; Johnson, C S; Perkins, S M et al. (2009) Neuropsychological status at seizure onset in children: risk factors for early cognitive deficits. Neurology 73:526-34
Kalnin, Andrew J; Fastenau, Philip S; deGrauw, Ton J et al. (2008) Magnetic resonance imaging findings in children with a first recognized seizure. Pediatr Neurol 39:404-14
Byars, Anna W; Byars, Kelly C; Johnson, Cynthia S et al. (2008) The relationship between sleep problems and neuropsychological functioning in children with first recognized seizures. Epilepsy Behav 13:607-13
Austin, Joan K; Shore, Cheryl P; Dunn, David W et al. (2008) Development of the parent response to child illness (PRCI) scale. Epilepsy Behav 13:662-9
Byars, Anna W; deGrauw, Ton J; Johnson, Cynthia S et al. (2007) The association of MRI findings and neuropsychological functioning after the first recognized seizure. Epilepsia 48:1067-74

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