Art therapy focus groups for children and adolescents with epilepsy

Children with epilepsy are at risk for numerous psychological and social challenges. We hypothesized that art therapy focus groups would enhance the self-image of children and adolescents with epilepsy. Sixteen children with epilepsy, ages 7-18 years, were recruited from pediatric neurology clinics at the University of Wisconsin to participate in four art therapy sessions. Pre-group assessments included psychological screens (Piers-Harris Children's Self-Concept Scale; Childhood Attitude Toward Illness Scale; Impact of Childhood Neurologic Disability Scale) and art therapy instruments (Formal Elements Art Therapy Scale; Seizure Drawing Task; Levick Emotional and Cognitive Art Therapy Assessment). Developmental levels of drawings were significantly below age-expected standards. Following completion of focus groups, a repeat Childhood Attitude Toward Illness Scale showed no differences between pre- and post-test scores on any measure of this scale. However, subjects and parents were uniformly positive about their group experiences, suggesting a qualitative benefit from participation in art therapy focus groups.

► Children and adolescents participated in 4 weekly art therapy focus groups. ► Art projects were designed to explore aspects of their epilepsy diagnosis. ► Developmental ages of seizure drawing revealed lag in artistic maturity. ► No differences in pre/post scores on the Childhood Adjustment to Illness Scale. ► Enthusiasm about group participation suggests positive benefit on self-image.