EPILEPSY;

ASSOCIATION WITH DEPRESSION AND GENDER DISTRIBUTION

Abstract

Introduction: Epilepsy is among most frequent disorders visiting for neurology consultations while depression is documented as comorbidity with epilepsy that further disturbs the social life of such patients. Objectives: To find out the frequency of depression and difference in severity, age and gender among known epileptic patients visiting for neurology consultations at tertiary care hospital. Material and Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted in neurology outpatient clinic and neurology ward LUMHS from August 2017 to January 2018. Epileptic patients (129) fitting into the inclusion criteria were selected for study under informed consent on proforma using SSDS (Siddiqui Shah Depression Scale). Results: Mean age of study population was 26.2 ±11.1 (range15 to 60) years and Male, Female ratio was 1.6: 1. Depression was found in 77 (59.7%) patients with 34 (44.1%) mild21 (27.3%) moderate and 22 (28.6%) had severe depression. Conclusion: High prevalence of depression is seen in epileptic patients. There was male preponderance distribution in the study. There is no significant difference among the genders and age groups regarding severity depression.