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[Epilepsy at a psychiatric hospital]
P C Trevisol-Bittencourt1, N Becker, C M Pozzi
1Departamento de Neurologia, Hospital Universitário, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Brasil.
Arquivos De Neuro-Psiquiatria
|September 1, 1990
Summary
A study in Brazil found that 15.2% of psychiatric hospital patients had epilepsy. Most did not require psychiatric hospitalization and were over-sedated, highlighting the need for better epilepsy care.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Psychiatry
- Public Health
Context:
- The study surveyed epilepsy prevalence in the largest psychiatric hospital in Santa Catarina, Brazil.
- The hospital housed 1126 inpatients, exceeding its capacity, with diagnoses ranging from anxiety to schizophrenia.
- Patients with epilepsy, with or without psychiatric symptoms, were admitted and analyzed.
Purpose:
- To determine the prevalence of epilepsy within a large psychiatric hospital.
- To analyze seizure types, antiepileptic drug treatment, and psychiatric diagnoses among epileptic patients.
- To assess the appropriateness of psychiatric institutionalization for epilepsy patients.
Summary:
- Epilepsy prevalence was found to be 15.2% (171 patients).
- Generalized tonic-clonic seizures were the most common type, and polytherapy was the standard treatment.
- A significant number of epilepsy patients (at least 85) did not require psychiatric hospitalization and were often over-sedated.
Impact:
- The findings indicate a substantial need for improved psychiatric care for epilepsy patients.
- A multidisciplinary approach and outpatient services are crucial for better patient outcomes.
- Current practices may lead to prolonged, inappropriate psychiatric institutionalization and over-sedation.