Prevalence of Depression among Epileptic Patients at Phramongkutklao Hospital
Samart Nidhinandana MD*, Yotin Chinvarun MD, PhD*, Pasiri Sithinamsuwan MD*, Chesda Udommongkol MD*, Jithanorm Suwantamee MD*, Wanna Wongmek MD*, Seema Suphakasem MD*
Affiliation : *Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Phramongkutklao Hospital and college
Objectives : To determine the prevalence of depression among epileptic patients in Phramongkutklao Hospi-
tal and to find the factors associated with depression.
Materials and Methods : One hundred and ten epileptic patients were enrolled and 60 patients met the inclu-
sion criteria. These subjects were screened with Thai Geriatric Depressive Scale (TGDS) and were inter-
viewed. 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
