DEPRESSION AMONGST EPILEPTIC PATIENTS

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the proportion of depression amongst epileptic
patients. Study design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: The study was carried out in CMH Pano Aqil Period:
September 2003 to September 2004. Material and Methods: 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. Results: Out of 100 epileptics, 36 patients were found to be depressed.
Conclusion: 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.