Depression and anxiety disorder among epileptic people at Amanuel Specialized Mental Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Minale Tareke Tegegne,Andargie Abate Awoke,Desalegn Asmare Eshetu,Belete Temitm Gebrie,Tilahun Belete Mossie,Ashagre Molla Assaye

doi:10.1186/s12888-015-0589-4

Abstract

BackgroundAlthough depression and anxiety disorders are very common in people with epilepsy; there are no studies that assessed the magnitude and associated factors among epileptic people in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study determined prevalence and associated factors of depression and anxiety disorders in people with epilepsy.MethodAn institution based cross-sectional study was conducted from April to May, 2013, among 423 people with epilepsy from the outpatient department of Amanuel Mental Specialized Hospital. Depression and anxiety were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess predictors of depression and anxiety.ResultsThe prevalence of anxiety and depression among epileptic people were 33.5 and 32.8 %, respectively. Monthly income, frequency of seizure and side effects of anti convulsants were found to be significantly associated with both depression and anxiety. Being divorced/widowed was associated with anxiety while using poly-therapy of anti convulsants, perceived stigma, and inability to read or write were associated with depression.ConclusionThe prevalence of co-morbid anxiety and depression was found to be high among people with epilepsy. Early identification of co-morbid depression and anxiety in people with epilepsy and managing epilepsy to become seizure free should be of great concern for health care providers.

Highlights

Depression and anxiety disorders are very common in people with epilepsy; there are no studies that assessed the magnitude and associated factors among epileptic people in Ethiopia
Identification of co-morbid depression and anxiety in people with epilepsy and managing epilepsy to become seizure free should be of great concern for health care providers
The results of the present study revealed that depression is significantly influenced by felt stigmatization about their epilepsy; which is in line with study done in Mangalore city of south India [25]

Summary

Introduction

Depression and anxiety disorders are very common in people with epilepsy; there are no studies that assessed the magnitude and associated factors among epileptic people in Ethiopia. This study determined prevalence and associated factors of depression and anxiety disorders in people with epilepsy. Epilepsy is a common neurological condition characterized by recurrent and unpredictable seizures associated with significant psychological and social consequences. Anxiety is the presence of fear or apprehension that is out of proportion to the context of the life situation. An anxiety disorder can be expressed in different ways such as uncontrollable worry, intense fear (phobias or panic attacks) or upsetting dreams or flashbacks of a traumatic event [4, 5]

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