Epileptics twice as likely to be depressed

Washington, March 17: People suffering from epilepsy are at two-fold risk of developing depression, says a new study. While prevalence of depression is twice as high in epileptic patients, racial minorities are seven times more likely to develop depression.

The researchers analysed the data from the 2000-2001 Canadian Community Health Survey to determine prevalence of epilepsy and depression. The analysis showed that 13 percent of those with epilepsy suffered from depression, compared to 7 percent of those without the disorder. Epilepsy was also associated with 43 percent higher odds of depression when adjusting for demographic factors. The odds were higher not only for minorities, but also for females, older adults and individuals experiencing food insecurity. The findings also showed that 40 percent of depressed respondents with epilepsy were not accessing mental healthcare services. “Individuals with epilepsy are vulnerable to depression, yet we have identified an important gap in mental health service provision,” says Esme Fuller-Thomson of the University of Toronto, co-author of the study. “Routine screening and targeted interventions for depression are needed to help serve those with epilepsy,” Fuller-Thomson added. This study is published in journal Epilepsia. ANI