Epileptic seizures and infantile states: some thoughts from psychodynamic therapy

Epilepsy: a study of adolescence and groups

We report a 2-year study of 'psychological support' of a group of seven adolescents (five female and two male) with both non-symptomatic generalized and partial epilepsy with onset before puberty. Two child neuropsychiatrists, supervised by a Freudian psychoanalyst specializing in group therapy, conducted the sessions. Sessions were aimed at improving comprehension and acceptance of the condition and its consequences through comparison of thoughts, fantasies, and preoccupations regarding epilepsy, including significance of epileptic seizures and their possible effects on sexuality, pregnancy, mental state, patient resistance to drug therapy, speaking openly about illness, and social and job-related problems. Group dynamics were also examined to improve subject interaction and self-identification. This method varies from the 'self-help' type of intervention which uses an interpretative and reflective approach to interaction of group members.