DEPRESSION IN PATIENTS WITH EPILEPSY

Depression is the most common psychiatric co morbidity in people with epilepsy, but often remains unrecognized. The aims of the study were to investigate differences in level and severity of depression between patients with epilepsy and healthy control group. We explored knowledge about specific socio economic factors that might contribute to depression and compare differences among patients with epilepsy and control group. The sample consisted of 100 adult patients with epilepsy from University Clinical Centre Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina and 100 adult volunteers without any diagnosis. Level of depression was measured by Beck depression inventory (BDI). The questionnaire about demographic and specific socio economic data (gender, employment, education, marital status) was used. Patients with epilepsy showed significantly higher Beck’s depression inventory than controls. The minimal depression was less frequent, but mild, moderate and severe depression was more frequent in subjects with epilepsy. In both group females and males showed similar distribution of Beck’s depression inventory. Females and males with epilepsy showed significantly higher Beck’s depression inventory than in control group. Patients with epilepsy showed similar distribution among subject regarding education. Employed and unemployed subjects among patients with epilepsy showed similar distribution of Beck’s depression inventory. In control group, unemployed subjects showed significantly higher Beck’s depression inventory. Beck’s depression inventory had similar distribution regarding marital status in both groups. The subjects that are married, in relationship or without relationship showed significantly lower Beck’s depression inventory. There are statistically significant difference in level and severity of depression between epileptic patients and healthy subjects in control group. Hypothesis that there are statistically significant differences in specific socio economic factors that are related to depression among patients with epilepsy and control group is partially confirmed