S. Pula
Pediatrična klinika, Univerzitetni klinični center Ljubljana, Ljubljana

A. Čelofiga
Univerzitetni klinični center Maribor, Oddelek za psihiatrijo, Maribor

I. M. Ravnik
Center za epilepsije otrok in mladostnikov, Klinični oddelek za otroško, mladostniško in razvojno nevrologijo, Pediatrična klinika, Univerzitetni klinični center Ljubljana, Ljubljana

Abstract

Children and adolescents with epilepsy, refractory to treatment (ERT), have a high prevalence of psychiatric comorbid disorders. The most common psychiatric disorders in children are: attention–deficit-hyperactivity disorder, autistic spectrum disorders, behavioural disorders, phobic disorders and mental retardation, while in adolescents, depression, mood disorders, anxiety, psychosis and a higher suicide risk are also found. The presence of psychiatric disorders in these patients is associated with worse seizure outcomes when treated medically and/or surgically. Early identification (also using screening instruments) and multidisciplinary management of psychiatric disorders are of paramount importance.

Key words: refractory epilepsy, psychiatric comorbidity, children and adolescents, antiepileptic drugs.