QUALITY OF LIFE IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS WITH EPILEPSY

Resumo

Introduction: Epilepsy is a chronic disorder that occurs mainly in childhood and adolescence. This study aimed to analyze the influence of epilepsy on quality of life (QL) of children and adolescents. Literature Review: The literature indicated that there are numerous factors that may affect the quality of life of children with epilepsy, not only the factors directly related to epilepsy (type and frequency of seizures, treatment, medications, medical care), as well as the psycho-socio-cultural (behaviors, family and school relationships, beliefs and emotions). The interaction between parents and children is responsible for behavior problems and the skills of the child at home and at school. Children with epilepsy have a higher prevalence of abnormal behavior and learning difficulties that appear related to interactional difficulties between parents and children. The social and emotional development impaired, thus affecting QL of children, their adaptation to treatment and adjustment in society. The simple fact of having a neurological disease of the magnitude of epilepsy is already an aggravating factor in QL. In addition to the aspects already mentioned, one can note also polytherapy, anti-epileptic drugs and their side effects (from cognitive to the aesthetic, such as obesity, changes in hair, gums and teeth, for example) and the limitations as expectations of a future life. Conclusion: In this literature review we can say that often, lapses in explanations of epilepsy may be affected by lack of information about the disease, generating beliefs and feelings of insecurity, worry, fear and parental overprotection in dealing with epileptic children. From these reactions of parents, children thus learn that there is something wrong with them and have addictive behaviors, insecurity, anger and immaturity. Thus, the stigma is perpetuated in the family, causing it to have reduced QL and more restrictions on activities and communication.