Identifier

etd-04022007-171744

Degree

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Psychology

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

Prevalence rates of epilepsy in individuals with intellectual disability (ID) are much higher than in the general population. Although antiepileptic drug (AED) therapy is considered the first line of treatment, a significant number of individuals on AEDs still do not achieve total seizure control. Further, many individuals experience side effects (SE) from long-term AED use. The assessment of AED SE in individuals with ID and epilepsy is an important aspect of treatment. The present study focused on the Scale for the Evaluation and Identification of Seizures, Epilepsy, and Anticonvulsant Side Effects-B (SEIZES-B), developed to assess SE from AED use in adults with ID and epilepsy. The purpose of this study was two-fold. First, the psychometric properties of the SEIZES-B were investigated. Interrater reliability of direct observations was explored using a licensed epileptologist and registered nurse as informants. Interrater reliability between observers was poor. The SEIZES-B was then compared to the epileptologists’ direct observation rating to provide an estimate of convergent validity. Correlational analyses were low and non-significant. Second, 45 participants were compared across three groups (those with epilepsy taking AEDs, those with a diagnosis of epilepsy not taking AEDs, and those without epilepsy taking antipsychotic medications) on SE profiles of the SEIZES-B. Significant differences were not found across the groups. Results and implications of these data are discussed.

Date

2007

Document Availability at the Time of Submission

Release the entire work immediately for access worldwide.

Committee Chair

Johnny L. Matson, Ph.D.

DOI

10.31390/gradschool_theses.3166

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