Effects of Therapeutic Agents on Psychiatric and Behavioral Comorbidities in Children and Adolescents with Epilepsy

Tracy A. Glauser, MD
Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center

Abstract:

Physicians involved in the medical management of epilepsy in children and adolescents frequently encounter coexisting behavioral and psychiatric problems, including depression, aggression, anxiety, ADHD, and, less commonly, psychosis. Typical signs and symptoms of psychiatric disorders and behavioral abnormalities seen in children and adolescents with epilepsy are often different from those seen in adults with epilepsy.

This presentation will offer an in-depth discussion of the medical management of epilepsy, with a focus on the interaction between epilepsy, antiepileptic medications, and coexisting behavioral and psychiatric problems. It will stress the mechanisms of action of specific therapeutic agents, where known, and quality of life issues.