Effect of carbamazepine on emotional intelligence and mindfulness in patients with partial epilepsy

Abstract

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of carbamazepine on emotional intelligence and mindfulness in patients with epilepsy. Method: The repeated-measure case-control study was conducted at the Nishter Hospital, Multan, Bahawal Victoria Hospital, Bahawalpur, and Civil Hospital, Bahawalpur, Pakistan, from April 2017 to March 2018, and comprised of patients with partial epilepsy and healthy controls. Baseline data was collected using BarOn Emotional Quotient Inventory and Cognitive and Affective Mindfulness Scale-Revised. Subsequent data was collected twice in titration and maintenance phases during carbamazepine therapy for patients, while the controls were on no medication. Data was analysed using SPSS 20. Results: Of the 80 subjects, 40(50%) were cases with a mean age of 37.92±9.09 years, and 40(50%) were controls with a mean age of 37.80±9.00 years. The patients had significantly lower emotional intelligence and mindfulness compared to the controls (p<0.001). Patients showed improved emotional intelligence and mindfulness after the therapy compared to their baseline scores (p<0.05). Conclusion: Carbamazepine was found to be effective in improving emotional intelligence and mindfulness in patients with epilepsy.