Neuropediatrics 2005; 36 - P78
DOI: 10.1055/s-2005-868063

Behavior problems in patients with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME)

B Plattner 1, J Kindler 2, G Pahs 3, L Urak 3, H Mayer 4, M Feucht 3
  • 1Univ Klinik für Neuropsychiatrie des Kindes- und Jugendalters, Wien
  • 2Universitätsklinik für Psychiatrie, Wien
  • 3Universitätsklinik für Kinder- und Jugendheilkunde, Wien
  • 4St Anna Kinderspital, Wien

Objective: In clinical practice patients suffering from JME often present as a difficult to treat population. Compliance with medication and lifestyle is very low. Often patients present behavioral problems and very low insight concerning their disorder. So far no study is available that looks at possible mechanisms of maladaptive behavior in this population.

Participants: Patients are recruited at the outpatient department for neuropediatrics. Age ranges between 14–19. Inclusion criterion is the diagnosis of JME. Patients that suffer from a diagnosed co-morbid psychiatric disorder are excluded.

Measures: We use screening instruments to assess life events (Zürcher Life Event List), internalizing and externalizing behavior (YSR), negative stress and self restraint (WAI), family functioning (FAD). All tests are validated and standardized in juvenile populations.

Discussion: We intend to optimize treatment approaches in patients suffering from JME by outlining patterns of behavioral problems that might lead to low compliance and decreased quality of life.