An analysis of published studies found that in individuals with epilepsy, there is a 20.2% prevalence of anxiety disorders and a 22.9% prevalence of depression. Investigators also found no differences in the prevalence of either depression or anxiety based on the severity of illness.
An analysis of published studies found that in individuals with epilepsy, there is a 20.2% prevalence of anxiety disorders and a 22.9% prevalence of depression. Investigators also found no differences in the prevalence of either depression or anxiety based on the severity of illness.
Improving our understanding, detection, and management of both anxiety and depressive disorders in people with epilepsy is crucial to providing optimal care for affected patients.
“It is often thought that depression is more common than anxiety in people with epilepsy. Our results suggest that in clinical practice depression is more often diagnosed than anxiety disorders; however, in studies using structured interviews, depression and anxiety were equally common,” said Dr. Louise Sharpe, co-author of the Epilepsia analysis. “This suggests that people with epilepsy who have anxiety may be under-diagnosed in practice. We need to understand more about anxiety in epilepsy so that it can be identified more readily and effective treatments can be developed.”
Additional Information
Link to Study: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/epi.13769/full
About Journal
Epilepsia is the leading, most authoritative source for current clinical and research results on all aspects of epilepsy. As the journal of the International League Against Epilepsy, subscribers every month will review scientific evidence and clinical methodology in clinical neurology, neurophysiology, molecular biology, neuroimaging, neurochemistry, neurosurgery, pharmacology, neuroepidemiology and therapeutic trials.
Penny Smith
+44 (0) 1243 770448
sciencenewsroom@wiley.com