Behavioral Problems Associated with Epileptic children in Comparison with their Healthy Siblings

Article Title: Behavioral Problems Associated with Epileptic children in Comparison with their Healthy Siblings

Author(s): Nadia Afzal, Toseef Najeeb and Iram Batool

Institute(s): Department of Applied Psychology, Lahore College for Women University

Journal: Pakistan Journal of Social Sciences (PJSS) Vol. 36, No. 2 (2016), pp. 1101-1115

Correspondence Address: i.batool@bzu.edu.pk

Abstract

The major aim of the study was to measure behavioral problems such as ADHD, conduct disorder, aggression, oppositional defiant disorder, overall stress and emotional problems associated with epileptic children and compare them with their healthy siblings. Another purpose was to measure the effect of demographic features on children having behavioral problems. One hundred children aged between 4 and 14 years was included (n=50 epileptic children and n= 50 their healthy siblings) from different hospitals of Lahore. Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire and Disruptive Behavior Disorder Rating Scales were used to collect data about behavioral problems of children from their parents/care givers. Chi square statistics was used in order to find out the effect of different variables on epileptic children and their healthy siblings. Results revealed that epileptic children experienced more behavioral problems than their healthy siblings. Results also showed that demographic factors such as gender, education of parents, living areas and socioeconomic status had minimal effect on behavioral problems of epileptic children. It was concluded that clinicians should also consider psychological and social factors within the neurological factors as well to resolve the behavioral problems associated with epileptic children.

Keywords: Epilepsy, Behavioral problems, Healthy Siblings

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