Psychiatric symptoms in Norwegian children with epilepsy aged 8–13 years: Effects of age and gender?

摘要: Summary Purpose:  In this population-based study we wanted to assess the prevalence and impact of psychiatric symptoms in children with epilepsy compared controls, investigate possible age gender differences. Methods:  Data were collected using Strengths Difficulties Questionnaire-Parent report (SDQ-P) as part a more extensive questionnaire. A total 14,699 parents aged 8–13 years (response rate 78%) participated. Associations between SDQ scores epilepsy, other chronic disease, age, gender, socioeconomic factors explored logistic regression analysis. Key Findings:  Children (CWE) (n = 110) had significantly higher frequency (37.8% vs. 17.0% p < 0.001). Gender differences found several subscales SDQ; girls emotional problems, whereas boys regarding peer relationship hyperactivity/inattention problems. Male low status (family income below poverty limit living single parent home), disease (asthma/diabetes) independent risk developing symptoms, along epilepsy. Having or having was, however, much stronger factor for than [odds ratio (OR) 4.2 OR 2.3]. minor effect was seen only an increased group 10–13 years (OR 1.28 scoring borderline/abnormal on SDQ-total difficulties). Borderline/abnormal 31.8% CWE 13.0% controls (p < 0.001). Significance:  Multiple contribute high CWE, perhaps differently girls. Awareness complex interaction may help target intervention toward groups thus prevent serious problems from arising.