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The academic achievement scores of 122 children with epilepsy were examined in relation to demographic and clinical seizure variables. As a group, these children were making less academic progress than expected for their age and IQ level. Academic deficiencies were greatest in arithmetic, followed by spelling, reading, comprehension, and word recognition. Results of the multiple regression analyses indicated a modest combined predictive significance of the demographic and clinical seizure variables for academic performance. In addition, the magnitude of these relationships varied by academic area. Among the individual variables examined the strongest correlates of academic performance were age of the child, age of seizure onset, lifetime total seizure frequency, and presence of multiple seizures (absence and tonic-clonic). These results are discussed in relation to developing an understanding of the factors which underlie academic vulnerability in children with epilepsy.

To examine the effectiveness of a cognitivebehavioral pain management program for patients with rheumatoid arthritis, three patient groups were studied: a cognitive-behavioral group (CB), an attention-placebo group, and a control group. The CB group received a comprehensive, 12-month pain management program that taught coping strategies such as problem-solving techniques, relaxation training, strategies for attention diversion, and training in family dynamics and communication. Dependent measures included pain, coping strategies, psychological status, functional status, and disease status. Data analysis at 12 months revealed benefits for the CB group in the area of enhanced coping strategies. Specifically, the CB subjects showed significantly greater use of coping strategies and significantly more confidence in their ability to manage pain. The findings are discussed in terms of the importance of enhanced self-efficacy and personal control for patients with rheumatoid arthritis.