Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a neural disorder marked by irregular electrical activity in the brain, resulting in recurrent seizures and other symptoms. Epilepsy affects youth and their families across the United States and is the most common neurological disorder among children and adolescents, with prevalence rates estimated at .5% to 1% of children in the general population (i.e., 1 in 500 children have epilepsy in the United States). This rate represents a highly heterogeneous population, with the disorder varying in its severity, functional impact, and treatment needs.

More than a decade of research has established that children and adolescents with epilepsy are at greater risk for developing psychiatric disorders and demonstrating behavioral problems. Many of the internalizing and externalizing behaviors these children and adolescents demonstrate have been attributed ...