“DEPRESSION PREVALENCE IN PATIENTS WITH NON-EPILEPTIC SEIZURES”
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Keywords
Non-epileptic seizures; Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures; Depression; Psychiatric comorbidity; Quality of life; Tertiary care hospitals
Abstract
Background: Non-epileptic seizures, more specifically psychogenic non-epileptic seizures, are in most cases linked to depression and a variety of other psychiatric disorders, with depression being the most common and significant condition from the clinical perspective. Quality of life, work capacity, and response to treatment are compromised by depression, which is poorly recognized in everyday neurology, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
Objective: Depression prevalence in patients with non-epileptic seizures was estimated, and its correlation with some clinical features was investigated.
Materials and Methods: The researchers carried out a cross-sectional study at Hamdard University Hospital and Dr Ziauddin University Hospital between April, 2025 and September, 2025. The study involved 120 patients with non-epileptic seizures, and these patients were chosen using consecutive sampling. The diagnosis of the patients was confirmed after clinical evaluation and a thorough review of the medical records. Depressive symptoms were evaluated through a standardized and validated screening instrument. A structured proforma was used to collect socio-demographic and clinical data. Descriptive statistics served the purpose of prevalence determination, and the links between depression and clinical variables were checked with the help of the most suitable statistical methods.
Results: In 60% of patients with non-epileptic seizures, depression was found. Out of these, 24.2% were depressed mildly, 25.8% were moderately depressed, and 10.0% were severely depressed. Depression was more pronounced among female patients, patients with longer seizure duration, frequent seizure episodes, and those who had been admitted to the hospital before.
Conclusion: Depression is very common in patients with non-epileptic seizures and is closely linked to major clinical features. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out screening regularly and provide a combination of psychiatric care to these patients if we want to increase their quality of life and outcomes.
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Dr Marium Akhtar
Department of Psychiatry, Hamdard University Hospital Karachi
Dr Qurat ul ann Zafar
Psychiatry Department, Dr Ziauddin University and Hospital Karachi
Dr Raja Khetpal
Psychiatry Department, Dr Ziauddin University and Hospital Karachi
