Iatrogenic behavioral and psychiatric symptoms in children with partial complex seizures.

Reports are presented of two children with partial complex seizures (PCS) who had a variety of behavioral and psychiatric symptoms that were related to toxic serum levels of anticonvulsants. Anticonvulsant toxicity should be considered in the differential diagnosis of psychiatric symptoms in all children with convulsive disorders. The traditional view that the psychomotor spells have behavioral and psychiatric components increases the complexity of the differential diagnosis. PCS in children present differences in symptomatology and more difficulties in diagnosis and treatment compared with adults.