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Help-seeking and treatment preferences for depression in epilepsy
Kerrie L Margrove1, Ajay K Thapar, Seth A Mensah
1Department of Mental Health and Learning Disabilities, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, UK. kerrie.margrove@anglia.ac.uk
Epilepsy & Behavior : E&B
|October 25, 2011
Summary
Many people with epilepsy experience depression but often do not seek help. When they do seek care, they prioritize rapid treatment over specific therapies for depression.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Psychiatry
- Public Health
Background:
- Depression is prevalent in epilepsy patients, yet often overlooked and inadequately treated.
- The underlying causes for underrecognition and undertreatment of depression in epilepsy remain poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate help-seeking behaviors, treatment preferences, and current depression symptoms in individuals diagnosed with epilepsy.
- To identify barriers and facilitators to mental health support for epilepsy patients.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey was administered to 86 individuals with epilepsy recruited from primary care settings.
- The questionnaire assessed psychological distress, help-seeking attitudes, depression treatment preferences, and current depressive symptoms using the Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2).
Main Results:
- A significant proportion (44%) of participants indicated they would not seek help for psychological distress impacting daily life.
- Nearly 40% screened positive for current depression, with PHQ-2 scores remaining stable over an 8.6-month follow-up.
- The preferred treatments for depression were advice from general practitioners or social support from family and friends.
Conclusions:
- A substantial number of people with epilepsy are reluctant to seek help for depression, contributing to its underrecognition.
- Individuals with epilepsy prioritize the speed of depression treatment over specific therapeutic modalities.
- Findings highlight the need for improved mental health screening and accessible, timely interventions within epilepsy care pathways.
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