A prospective study of teachers' ratings of behavior problems in children with new-onset seizures.

The purpose of this study was to explore the association between seizures and behavior problems in children with new-onset seizures using teachers' ratings of behavior. Subjects were 209 children with new-onset seizures and 93 children with asthma. Teacher ratings of behavior were collected prospectively over 24 months to determine differences between children with recurrent seizures, children without recurrent seizures, and children with asthma. During the 2-year period, 155 (74%) children had at least one recurring seizure. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance both with and without covariates. Controlling for covariates, children experiencing recurrent seizures had higher Total (P=0.002) and Internalizing (P=0.018) Behavior Problems scores across all times than those not experiencing recurrent seizures. Children with asthma were similar to children not experiencing recurrent seizures. The association between seizures and behavioral problems was supported using behavioral ratings from teachers.