Comorbidity Among Adults With Epilepsy - United States, 2021-2022
Ying Zhou1,2, Rosemarie Kobau1, Daniel M Pastula1,3
1Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, Division of Population Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia.
Preventing Chronic Disease
|December 19, 2024
Summary
Adults with active epilepsy experience significantly more nonpsychiatric health conditions and chronic conditions. This highlights the need for comprehensive care and screening for individuals with epilepsy.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Neurology
Background:
- Epilepsy is frequently associated with psychiatric disorders, but nonpsychiatric comorbidities are less understood.
- Understanding the full spectrum of health conditions in epilepsy is crucial for comprehensive patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of nonpsychiatric comorbidities in US adults with active epilepsy.
- To determine the association between active epilepsy and the likelihood of having multiple chronic conditions.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of the 2021 and 2022 National Health Interview Survey Sample Adult data.
- Comparison of comorbidity prevalence between adults with and without active epilepsy.
Main Results:
- Approximately 1.2% of US adults (3.0 million) have active epilepsy.
- Adults with active epilepsy showed a higher prevalence of almost all 21 examined conditions.
- Individuals with active epilepsy were more likely to have four or more co-occurring chronic conditions.
Conclusions:
- Active epilepsy is linked to a broad range of nonpsychiatric health issues.
- Healthcare providers should implement targeted screening and management strategies for comorbidities in epilepsy patients.
- Improving access to care and self-management programs is essential for this population.
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