Family predictors of psychopathology in children with epilepsy.

Full Abstract

PURPOSE:
To examine the contribution of epilepsy-related factors, proximal (parent-child relationship quality), distal (parental characteristics), and contextual (quality of other family relationships) family factors to psychopathology (both broad-band and narrow-band syndromes) in children with epilepsy and normal intelligence.

METHODS:
Parents of 91 children (mean, 8.5 years) participated by filling out questionnaires about family factors and child psychopathology. Regression analyses were used to analyze the unique and combined predictive power of family factors in relation to psychopathology.

RESULTS:
In contrast to epilepsy-related factors, family factors, especially those related to the quality of the parent-child relationship, appeared to be strong predictors of psychopathology. The results supported the mediational model:
Distal and contextual factors affect child psychopathology by affecting proximal factors.

CONCLUSIONS:
In treating children with epilepsy, clinicians should be aware of the importance of the parent-child relationship quality. Strengthening the relationship quality may prevent or reduce psychopathology.

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Author information

Author/s: Rodenburg, Roos (R); Marie Meijer, Anne (A); Dekovic, Maja (M); Aldenkamp, Albert P (AP);

Affiliation: Department of Educational Studies, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam. H.R.Rodenburg(-atsign-)uva.nl/roos

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Comparative Study; Journal Article

Journal: Epilepsia (Epilepsia), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2006-Mar; vol 47 (issue 3) : pp 601-14

Dates: Created 2006/03/13; Completed 2006/05/10; Revised 2006/11/15;

PMID: 16529629, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 12/26/2008)

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Adult
Child
Comorbidity
Epilepsy - diagnosis; epidemiology; psychology
Family Health
Family Relations
Female
Humans
Male

Mental Disorders - diagnosis; epidemiology; psychology
Netherlands - epidemiology
Parent-Child Relations
Probability
Quality of Life - psychology
Questionnaires
Regression Analysis
Risk Factors
Severity of Illness Index

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