Using the child behavior checklist to evaluate behavioral problems in children with epilepsy.

BACKGROUND: Childhood epilepsy is commonly associated with behavioral problems. In this study, we used the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) to determine a behavioral profile for children with chronic epilepsy.

METHODS: Fifty-six children with epilepsy and 45 aged-matched healthy controls were evaluated by analyzing the clinical variables of all study participants. Scores of the CBCL were markedly higher in patients than those in healthy controls for both internalizing and externalizing behaviors, which consisted of subscales of aggressive behavior, anxiety/depression, attention problems, thought problems, withdrawal, and somatic complaints.

RESULTS: We found behavioral disturbances in 42% (n=24) of the epileptic patients and in 8% (n=4) of the controls. No significant differences were found between patients with and without behavioral problems on the clinical variables.

CONCLUSIONS: Behavioral problems deserve special attention in children with epilepsy. CBCL can be used as a screening instrument with these children.