Are Menopausal Women with Epilepsy at Higher Risk for Mood Disorders and Suicide Risk? (P01.043)

Abstract

Objective: To compare the prevalence of mood and anxiety disorders and suicide risk in premenopausal and menopausal women with epilepsy. Background The risk for mood and anxiety disorders during the menopause period among women with epilepsy have not been systematically investigated. The prevalence of psychiatric disorders in patients with epilepsy is higher than the general population. During the menopausal transition women are at increased risk for depression. Thus, we hypothesize that psychiatric co-morbidities are higher in menopausal women with epilepsy as well. Design/Methods: Women with epilepsy admitted to the Cleveland Clinic Epilepsy Monitoring Unit were invited to participate. Subjects were interviewed by a psychiatrist or neurologist using the Mini-International Neuropsychiatry Interview (MINI), which is a validated and standardized psychiatric diagnostic interview. The study was IRB approved. Statistical analysis was descriptive as the study is on going. Results: Fifty five women with epilepsy participated. Subjects had a mean age of 39 year (19-67); 80% were Caucasian. Epilepsy classification includes temporal lobe (32%), extra temporal (23%), undefined focal epilepsy (36%), generalized (5%), and multifocal (2%). Average seizure frequency was 77 per 6 months and the average age of epilepsy onset was 24. In regards to AED, majority of patients were on polytherapy (84%). Based on MINI, 27% women met criteria for major depressive disorder (MDD), 9% generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and 34.5% had suicidal ideation. Compared to premenopausal women, menopausal women experienced a higher prevalence of MDD (34.7% vs. 22%), GAD (13% vs. 6%), and suicide ideation (39% vs. 31%). Conclusions: This study suggests that menopausal women with epilepsy have a higher prevalence of MDD, GAD, and suicide ideation compared with premenopausal women. Further investigation on the psychiatric effects of menopause in this population is needed to increase awareness and enhance quality of patient care. Disclosure: Dr. Patel has nothing to disclose. Dr. Foldvary-Schaefer has received personal compensation for activities with Jazz Pharma and UCB Pharma. Dr. Foldvary-Schaefer has received research support from UCB Pharma, CleveMed, and Lundbeck. Dr. Jehi has nothing to disclose. Dr. Tesar has nothing to disclose. Dr. Viguera has nothing to disclose.