Epilepsy and intelligence. II. Correlation among 13 variables

In a group of 215 ambulatory adult patients the authors assessed links with full-scale IQ, verbal IQ, performance IQ and different Wechsler-Bellevue sub-tests. They revealed marked correlations in particular with the frequency of grand mal seizures, invalidity and the onset of the disease. More important than the close correlation of IQ and education is the finding that an earlier onset of the disease markedly reduces the opportunities of good education. Less marked but still significant are correlations with the known aetiology of the disease, the duration of the disease, the frequency of other seizures than grand mal and the course of the disease. Dramatically increased correlations with the frequency of other seizures than grand mal were recorded in a sub-group of 77 men whose data on the disease can be considered valid (in WPSI, the Washington Psychosocial Seizure Inventory, values of scale L within the range of 0-3). No marked correlations were found with seizures in relatives. The position of bachelors is often adverse also as far as intellectual performance is concerned. Patients with a history of contact with psychiatry have lower intellectual performance. Patients who admit subjective needs of psychiatric or psychological assistance have a markedly better performance. It is probable that rehabilitation procedures which improve the collaboration and adherence to the therapeutic regime, in particular as regards taking prescribed drugs may promote also better cognitive performance.