Objectives: To determine the prevalence of depression among epileptic patients in Phramongkutklao Hospital and to find the factors associated with depression.

Material and Method: One hundred and ten epileptic patients were enrolled and 60 patients met the inclusion criteria. These subjects were screened with Thai Geriatric Depressive Scale (TGDS) and were interviewed. Demographic data that effect depression were evaluated.

Results: During the 1-year study period, 60 of 110 patients diagnosed epilepsy were eligible. Prevalence of depression was 38.3%, which is similar to previous studies. Mild depression was found in 65.2% and moderate 34.8%, without severe depression. Comparing between male and female, there was no statistical significant difference (p = 0.75). The age group that compared between age equal or less than 25 years and more than 25 years had no statistical significant difference (p = 0.77). Other variables were not found to be significant risk factors of depression among epileptic patients including duration of seizures [equal or less than 5 and more than 5 per year (p = 0.43)], type of seizures [generalized tonic-clonic seizures and partial seizures (p = 0.69)], and number of antiepileptic drugs [monotherapy and polytherapy (p = 0.44)].

Conclusion: Prevalence of depression among epileptic patients was 38.3%, divided between mild (65.2%) and moderate (34.8%). There were no significant risk factors correlated with depression. Epileptic patients should be made aware of this and seek prompt treatment for depression.

Keywords: Depression, Epileptic patient, Prevalence