The impact of a short depression and anxiety screening tool in epilepsy care in primary health care settings in Zambia

9Citations
Citations of this article
55Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.

Abstract

Up to 60% of the 50 million persons with epilepsy (PWE) worldwide have depression and anxiety and 80% of PWE live in low-income regions. Common psychiatric comorbidities are often unrecognized and undertreated. We developed and validated a 10-item screening tool for the detection of depression and anxiety at primary healthcare clinics in Zambia in which the baseline detection rate among PWE was 1%. We trained primary care clinic workers in selected clinics to use this screening tool. A retrospective chart review was conducted for 120 consecutive PWE who received care onemonth after training. Detection improved from 1%to 49%, and treatment was frequently initiated. Of the 120 screened, 59 (49.2%) scored above cutoff point of 18. Of these persons, 43 (73.0%) were positive for depression, 16 (23.0%) were positive for anxiety, 38 (64.4%) received counseling, 18 (30.5%) received antidepressants, and 3 (5.1%) were referred to a psychiatrist. Use of this screening tool resulted in improved mental health care for PWE. Copyright © 2013 by The American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

Mbewe, E. K., Uys, L. R., & Birbeck, G. L. (2013). The impact of a short depression and anxiety screening tool in epilepsy care in primary health care settings in Zambia. American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 89(5), 873–874. https://doi.org/10.4269/ajtmh.13-0062

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free