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Behavioral Issues

Fri, 02/14/2020 - 10:51
Hello - I am a parent of an adult son whose has had epilepsy since he was six years old. All his life he exhibited behavioral problems. The question in my mind has always been how much is he in control of and how much is damage that he has suffered from countless tonic clonic seizures. The doctors don't have any answers for me as to what it is I can do. I always say if he cannot control his agitation, aggression, etc. then please tell me how our family can manage it. I don't get any answers. He's an adult now and we are still experiencing these things. Has anyone else dealt with these types of behavioral problems and if so, do you have any suggestions for me? Thank you so much - Den

Comments

Hi, Thank you for posting,

Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 2020-02-14 - 15:26
Hi, Thank you for posting, and we understand your concerns. Your son’s difficulties regulating moods and behaviors that you describe him experiencing may be related to a number of things including his seizures, the cause of his epilepsy, side effects of medications, or a separate problem. It’s important that you all are continuing to follow-up with his healthcare team to address these challenges, as well as if he experiences in changes in seizure types/frequency, symptoms, moods &behaviors. Be open and honest with his doctors about the impact of his behavioral problems and how they affect you,your family and daily life. If you feel like you can’t talk openly with his healthcare team, or you aren’t working towards the same goals, it may be time to get a second opinion: https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/diagnosis/you-and-your-healthcare-team/second-opinionsOr ask his doctors to refer you to other members of the healthcare team, such as neuropsychologists, psychiatrists, or social workers, who specialize in helping people with epilepsy and their families to improve their lives. There are many different types of counseling that can be very helpful. Traditional psychotherapy helps people gain insight into their feelings, what may be causing them, and how to make changes. Psychoeducational therapy includes educating patients and families about moods and behaviors and ways to address these. Cognitive behavior therapy, (CBT) helps people understand and learn new ways of thinking about their problems and changing how they respond or cope with the situation or issues at hand. Explore our pages on moods and behaviors, this section will help you understand the challenges related to thinking and behavior for people with epilepsy : https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/challenges-epilepsy/moods-and-behavior   You all may want to consider keeping a journal or a diary. My Seizure Diary: https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/epilepsy-foundation-my-seizure-diaryis a great tool for recognizing and tracking seizures, setting reminders, managing medications & side effects, recording medical history, moods, behaviors, triggers, and other therapies or personal experiences, that may affect seizures and wellness, which can be shared with his healthcare team. It’s common for those who are in caregiver role to feel overwhelmed. It’s important to remember that you are not alone, and that you're and making your health and overall well-being a priority. https://www.epilepsy.com/sites/core/files/atoms/files/Caregivers%20factsheet.pdf It may also be helpful to connect with other parents who may have similar experiences, to ask questions, find & give support to each other,by visiting: https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/parents-and-caregivers/parents-helping-parents  Additionally, you may always contact our 24/7 Helpline, where trained information specialists are available to answer your questions, offer help, hope, support, guidance, and access to national and local resources. 1-800-332-1000, or contactus@efa.org. epilepsy.com/helpline  Or contact your local Epilepsy Foundation: https://www.epilepsy.com/affiliates , find support groups, events, and programs in your community. 

I myself at times have had

Submitted by Plan-To-Succeed on Tue, 2020-03-17 - 22:35
I myself at times have had these issues and did not even know what was going on and the meditations and so many types did it and I'm now like 37 years old but don't keep your son around because of a check that is helping around the house and now I feel like that is what happened to me and group homes and all the housing choices threw the DHS and CMH would help him like me if I knew when I was young and knew what was going on so please don't ever say you did things for him if the state of mind is that bad and their is so many other sources' to care for him and -Den I have live with the memory of getting told these things about my past and now you reminded a person you said this and I might be this susesfule it Connors them and makes them want to stay in doors, so just think if it is like I had to deal with before you completely judge all things.

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