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Standardized Screening for Depression in Pediatric Epilepsy
Insights
A new screening tool, the Neurological Disorders Depression Inventory-Epilepsy-Youth (NDDI-E-Y), effectively identified depression in 15% of pediatric epilepsy patients. This highlights the need for routine depression screening in youth with epilepsy.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Clinical Psychology
- Quality Improvement Science
Background:
- Depression frequently co-occurs with epilepsy in youth, often remaining undiagnosed.
- Under-recognition of depression in pediatric epilepsy patients can negatively impact quality of life and seizure management.
- Effective screening tools are crucial for timely identification and intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To implement and evaluate the effectiveness of the Neurological Disorders Depression Inventory-Epilepsy-Youth (NDDI-E-Y) for depression screening in a pediatric epilepsy clinic.
- To assess the feasibility and impact of standardized depression screening in youth aged 12-17 with epilepsy.
- To improve the recognition and management of depression in this vulnerable population.
Main Methods:
- A pre-post quality improvement study design was employed.
- The NDDI-E-Y tool was administered to youth (12-17 years) diagnosed with epilepsy.
- Positive screens (scores > 32) triggered social work evaluation and mental health resource referrals; educational materials were provided.
Main Results:
- Out of 176 evaluated patients, 112 completed the NDDI-E-Y.
- A significant 15% (n=17) of patients screened positive for depression risk.
- The screening process identified a notable prevalence of depression in the study cohort.
Conclusions:
- Standardized depression screening using the NDDI-E-Y is feasible and recommended in outpatient pediatric epilepsy settings.
- Early identification of depression through routine screening can lead to timely interventions, potentially improving patient outcomes.
- Addressing depression is essential for comprehensive epilepsy management in youth.
Introduction:
Depression is a common comorbidity of epilepsy that is under-recognized and under-diagnosed. To improve recognition, a brief screening tool, the Neurological Disorders Depression Inventory-Epilepsy-Youth (NDDI-E-Y) was implemented in a level-IV pediatric epilepsy clinic.
Method:
This quality improvement is a pre-post design measuring the impact of standardized depression screening, via the NDDI-E-Y tool, in youth 12-17 years with epilepsy. Those with positive screens, scores > 32, received social work evaluation and mental health resources. Education was provided to all patients in standard discharge paperwork.
Results:
Of N = 176 patients evaluated, n = 112 met criteria to complete the NDDI-E-Y. Fifteen percent (n = 17) of patients had positive screens, suggesting that they are at risk for depression.
Discussion:
Depression is a challenge when managing patients with epilepsy and may impact their quality of life and seizure control. Routine depression screening is recommended and feasible in the outpatient setting with a standardized work process.
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