Comparison of the Levels of Anxiety, Depression and Hopelessness of Patients with Epilepsy and Healthy Individuals

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Epilepsy is characterized by sudden seizures and loss of control in patients; it leads to constantly be under stress. Psychiatric disorders, particularly depressive disorders are more frequent in patients with epilepsy than in the whole of society. In this study; we aimed to compare depression,anxiety and desperation levels between epileptic patients and healthy ones.

METHODS: 34 patients and 34 healthy controls were enrolled to the study. Demographic features of all subjects were also recorded. Neurologic examination, Electroencephalography (EEG) and cranial magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) of patients were also evaluated. State-Trait Anxety Inventory (STAI) is for anxiety, Beck Depression Inventory (BDE) is for depression, Beck Hopelessness Scale (BUO) is for hopelessness were evaluated.

RESULTS: Epileptic patients were with mean age of 24.56 ± 8.49, healthy subjects were with the mean age 27.44 ± 5.66 years. 13 of patients were female(38.2%) and 21 patients were male(%38.2) in all groups.There was no significant difference about demographic features(p>0.05). When continuous and instant anxiety levels of epileptic and healthy groups were compared, no significant difference was observed between instant anxiety levels(p> 0.05); but there was difference between continuous anxiety levels (p <0.05). Also, hopelessness and depression levels were similar between groups (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION: The results of the study showed that depression, anxiety and hopelessness levels were higher in epileptic patients when compared to healthy people. In addition, patients with seizure control with less drug use will reduce the level of trait anxiety was concluded.