Association between Psychiatric Symptoms, Vitamin D serum level and Parental Stress in Children and Adolescents with Epilepsy

Background: Cognitive impairment, vitamin D inadequacy, and psychiatric comorbidities are often linked to epilepsy in children and adolescents. Parental stress levels and quality of life can be greatly impacted by these factors. Although previous studies have examined how epilepsy affects behavior and cognition, little is known about how vitamin D functions in these relationships. So, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between vitamin D status, cognitive function, psychiatric symptoms, and parental stress in children and adolescents with epilepsy. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Al Ahrar Teaching Hospital, including 100 children and adolescents (aged 6–18 years) diagnosed with epilepsy. Participants underwent neurocognitive assessment using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-III) and behavioral evaluation via the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Parental stress was assessed using the Parental Stress Index (PSI). Vitamin D levels were measured. Results: Vitamin D deficiency was observed in 79% of participants, with a mean level of 20.78 ± 10.63 ng/ml. Behavioral problems were significantly more prevalent in the vitamin D-deficient group, with higher total Problems, Anxiety/Depression, and ADHD Problems scores. Parental stress was also significantly higher in parents of vitamin D-deficient children, particularly in total stress and Difficult Child scores. Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent among children with epilepsy and is associated with impaired cognitive function, increased psychiatric symptoms, and heightened parental stress.