Suicidal ideation among Nigerian patients with epilepsy

Patients with epilepsy are at increased risk of suicide which is often preceded by suicidal ideation. Suicidal ideation is rarely assessed in Nigerian patients with epilepsy and there are limited studies on prevalence and determinants.

Two-hundred and seventy patients with epilepsy attending the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Abeokuta were recruited. Suicidal ideation was assessed with item 9 of the BDI-II. QOLIE-31, MINI-PLUS, and a sociodemographic questionnaire were also administered to the participants.

Twenty-four patients reported having suicidal ideation with a prevalence of 8.9 %. Suicidal patients were younger, more likely to have a current or history of a mood disorder, and had a lower quality of life scores on all domains. In the multivariate analysis, current major depression (OR=26.26, p < 0.0001, CI= 8.51 - 81.05) and a lower score on the cognitive functioning subscale of the QOLIE-31 (OR=0.97, p = 0.003, CI=0.96 - 0.99) were the only independent predictors of suicidal ideation.

Suicidal ideation is common among Nigerian patients with epilepsy. Comorbid depression and poor cognitive functioning are risk factors for suicidal ideation among them. Clinicians should screen for suicidal ideation and comorbid mood disorders among patients with epilepsy and identify patients at increased risk of suicide.