Anxiety disorders are prevalent in children with epilepsy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy, adaptability, and feasibility of a manual-based, computer-assisted cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) intervention for anxiety disorders in children with epilepsy. Fifteen anxious youth (aged 8–13 years) with epilepsy completed 12 weeks of manualized computer-assisted CBT. Children and parents completed a semi-structured interview at baseline, and questionnaires assessing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and behavior problems were completed prior to treatment, at treatment midpoint, after treatment completion, and three months post treatment. There were significant reductions in symptoms of anxiety and depression reported by the children at completion of the intervention and at the three-month follow-up. Similarly, parents reported fewer symptoms of anxiety and a reduction in behavior problems. No adverse events were reported. This CBT intervention for children with epilepsy and anxiety disorders is safe, effective, and feasible with a promising future.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) anxiety intervention on social phobia, social skill development, and self-concept. Method Fifteen children with epilepsy and a primary anxiety disorder participated in a CBT intervention for 12 weeks plus a 3-month follow-up visit. Children were assessed at baseline, week 7, week 12, and 3 months post treatment to measure changes in social phobia using the Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders (SCARED). Self-concept was also assessed by using the Piers-Harris Children's Self-Concept Scale II (Piers-Harris 2). Results There was a significant reduction in symptoms of social phobia and improved self-concept at the end of the 12-week intervention and at the 3 month follow-up. Repeated measures ANOVA's of child ratings revealed significant change over time on the SCARED-Social Phobia/Social Anxiety subscale score (p = 0.024). In terms of self-concept, significant change over time was detected on the Piers-Harris 2-Total score (p = 0.015) and several subscale scores of Piers-Harris 2, including: Physical Appearance and Attributes (p = 0.016), Freedom from Anxiety (p = 0.005), and Popularity (p = 0.003). Conclusion This pilot investigation utilized an evidenced based CBT intervention to reduce symptoms of social phobia, which in turn provided a vehicle to address specific social skills improving self-concept in children with epilepsy.

Background At three time points, this study examined long-term psychosocial life outcomes of individuals who underwent anterior temporal lobectomy (ATL) compared to individuals with temporal lobe epilepsy that were medically managed. Objective Participants were on average 17 years post-surgery. Seizure frequency, employment, driving, independent living, financial independence, mental health, and quality of life were examined at each follow-up assessment, and predictors of outcomes were examined. Methods All participants were diagnosed with medically intractable complex partial seizures of temporal lobe origin with or without secondary generalization. A structured clinical interview was utilized at all three time points. Information was obtained regarding seizure frequency, anti-epilepsy medications, employment, driving status, financial assistance, and independent living. Additionally, questions regarding quality of life, satisfaction with surgery, and presence of depression or anxiety were included. Results Surgery resulted in significantly improved and sustained seizure outcomes. At the first, second, and third follow-ups 67%, 72%, and 67% of participants in the surgery group remained seizure free in the year prior to follow-up interview. At each follow-up, 97%, 84%, and 84% reported that they would undergo surgery again. Seizure freedom predicted driving outcomes at all three time points, but was not a significant predictor for employment, independent living or financial independence. Psychosocial life outcomes in the surgical group were improved and maintained over time when compared to the medically managed group. Conclusion This systematic long-term investigation provides strong support for the positive impact of ATL on psychosocial life outcomes including driving, employment, independent living, and financial independence.

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