High Rate of Psychopathology in Parents of Children with Epilepsy

Abstract

Background: Mental health status of the parents and children are associated. Objectives: The aim of the present study was to compare the psychopathology of parents of children with epilepsy with healthy children in an Iranian sample. Methods: A total of 288 parents of children with epilepsy attending the Pediatric Neurology Clinic of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Northwest of Iran, were matched with 154 parents of normal children and evaluated using the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory-III. Results: Parents of children with epilepsy scored higher in all subscales, except for dependent personality pattern. Mothers of children with epilepsy scored higher in all clinical syndrome scales. The same pattern was observed for fathers of the children with epilepsy. Conclusions: A high rate of psychiatric disorders was observed in Iranian parents of children with epilepsy. This pattern was not limited to mothers but was applicable to fathers, as well.