Evidence-Based Intervention for Families of Children with Epilepsy

The purpose of this paper is to propose an evidence-based intervention guideline to increase effective coping and positive adaptation in families with a preschool age child who has epilepsy. This population was chosen because there is a lack of research regarding interventions for families of preschool age children with epilepsy. Relevant literature was reviewed to summarize the effects of childhood epilepsy on families, and to assess the effectiveness of interventions to improve coping and adaptation in these families. The main stressors caused by epilepsy are knowledge deficits about epilepsy, knowledge deficits about treatments for epilepsy, increased seizure frequency, and emotional disturbances caused by epilepsy. Prior interventions for families of children with epilepsy included psychoeducational programs, support groups, education programs, family counseling groups, and therapeutic alliance. All interventions in the studies reviewed had positive outcomes for families of children with epilepsy. However, psychoeducational programs tended to address all of the common stressors, whereas other interventions did not. This paper provides an evidence-based intervention guideline for families affected by epilepsy. The significance and limitations of the program are discussed, and recommendations for future research in this area are presented