Depression amongst epileptic patients

ABSTRACT

To evaluate the proportion of depression amongst epileptic patients. Cross-sectional study. The study was carried out in CMH Pano Aqil September 2003 to September 2004. One hundred consecutive cases of primary epilepsy from the outpatient department were included in the study sample. Patients with severe physical or mental disability were excluded from the study. Standardized translated Urdu version of Beck Depression Inventory was used to evaluate depression. ICD-10 criteria for depression was used for such patients. Statistical significance was calculated by using SPSS computer software programme. Out of 100 epileptics, 36 patients were found to be depressed. There is very significant depressive morbidity in epileptic patients and is under diagnosed and hence under treated. There is need to address this aspect very seriously