DEPRESSION AMONGST EPILEPTIC PATIENTS

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the proportion of depression amongst epilepticpatients. 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 fromthe outpatient department were included in the study sample. Patients with severe physical or mental disability wereexcluded from the study. Standardized translated Urdu version of Beck Depression Inventory was used to evaluatedepression. ICD-10 criteria for depression was used for such patients. Statistical significance was calculated by usingSPSS 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 henceunder treated. There is need to address this aspect very seriously.