Current study results from the report, 'Depression in epilepsy is associated with lack of seizure control,' have been published. According to recent research from the United States, 'Depression is common in patients with epilepsy and the strongest predictor of poor quality of life. Few studies have assessed the association of uncontrolled seizures with depression.'
'We used the Neurological Disorders Depression Inventory for Epilepsy (NDDI-E), a validated six-item self-report questionnaire, to assess the relationship between depression, seizure control, and antiepileptic drug (AED) and antidepressant drug usage. Two hundred ninety-eight patients were studied. Twenty percent of patients with any epileptic seizures over a 6-month period had NDDI-E scores >15, consistent with major depression. Higher NDDI-E scores were associated with higher seizure frequency (p <0.0002). The prevalence ratio of NDDI-E scores >15 in patients with no seizures versus any seizure in the past 6 months was 0.48 (95% CI=0.26-0.88). Higher NDDI-E scores were associated with the number of AEDs taken (p=0.0023),' wrote R. Dias and colleagues, University of California, Department of Public Health Sciences (see also Epilepsy).
The researchers concluded: 'Major depression is associated with uncontrolled seizures, with a prevalence double that of patients whose seizures are controlled.'
Dias and colleagues published their study in Epilepsy & Behavior (Depression in epilepsy is associated with lack of seizure control. Epilepsy & Behavior, 2010;19(3):445-7).
For additional information, contact R. Dias, University of California, University of California, Dept. of Public Health Sciences, Davis, CA 95817 USA.
Keywords: City:Davis, State:CA, Country:United States, Brain Diseases, Central Nervous System Diseases, Epilepsy, Neurologic Manifestations, Seizures.
This article was prepared by Biotech Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2011, Biotech Week via NewsRx.com.
