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Depression in epilepsy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Kirsten M Fiest1, Jonathan Dykeman, Scott B Patten
1Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Canada.
Neurology
|November 24, 2012
Summary
Depression is highly prevalent in people with epilepsy (PWE), with active depression affecting 23.1%. Epilepsy significantly increases the odds of depression, underscoring the need for integrated care.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Psychiatry
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder associated with various comorbidities.
- Depression is a common and serious mental health condition.
- The relationship between epilepsy and depression requires further epidemiological investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of depression in individuals with epilepsy (PWE).
- To quantify the association between epilepsy and depression.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review and meta-analysis of population-based studies.
- Searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PsycINFO databases (1948-2012).
- Included original research reporting on epilepsy and depression, extracting prevalence data and odds ratios (ORs).
Main Results:
- Analyzed 23 articles from 14 unique data sources.
- Prevalence of active depression in PWE was 23.1% (95% CI 20.6%-28.31%).
- PWE had a significantly higher odds of active depression (OR 2.77, 95% CI 2.09-3.67) and lifetime depression (OR 2.20, 95% CI 1.07-4.51).
Conclusions:
- Epilepsy is significantly associated with a high prevalence of depression.
- Effective identification and management of depression are crucial for PWE.
- This highlights the need for integrated mental health care within epilepsy management.
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