Risk of anxiety disorders after epilepsy diagnosis: A nationwide retrospective cohort study

To evaluate the long-term psychiatric consequences of an epilepsy diagnosis on the incidence of anxiety disorders among patients in South Korea.

This study utilized data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service spanning 2002-2013 to analyze longitudinal risks and contributing factors for anxiety disorders among 2109 patients with epilepsy compared to 21,090 matched controls.

Patients with epilepsy demonstrated a significantly higher risk of developing anxiety disorders, with an incidence rate of 65.38 per 1000 person-years (95 % CI, 59.61-71.28) versus 33.13 per 1000 person-years (95 % CI, 31.89-34.38) for controls. The incidence rate ratio (IRR) was 1.97 (95 % CI, 1.79-2.18), indicating nearly double the risk relative to the control group. This risk was particularly pronounced in males and individuals under 60, underscoring age and male sex as key risk factors for anxiety post-epilepsy diagnosis.

The findings underscore the critical need for prompt psychological evaluations and interventions in the management of epilepsy. Addressing these psychological impacts early can significantly enhance outcomes and quality of life for patients, particularly among those at greater risk such as males under the age of 60.