The Impact of Social Support on Anxiety and Depression in Persons with Epilepsy (PWE)

Epilepsy is a serious chronic neurological disorder affecting more than 50 million people globally. Social support has been consistently linked to improved health outcomes in a variety of chronic illnesses.

The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of perceived social support on anxiety/depression among persons with epilepsy (PWE).

The sample of the study consisted of 100 PWE visiting an outpatient clinic of a public hospital in Greece. Data were collected via interviews using the scales "Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MPSS)" and "The Hospital Anxiety And Depression Scale (HADs)" for the evaluation of social support and anxiety/depression, respectively, which also included participants' characteristics.

According to the results, at least 50% of the sample scored over 19, 18, and 19 (median) in perceived social support from significant ones, family, and friends, respectively. These values in relation to the possible range of scores (4-28) indicate moderate social support of participants. There was a statistically significant association between social support either by significant ones or family or friends and participants' anxiety-depression (p < 0.001). Participants who reported anxiety or depression had lower support scores than patients who did not. Furthermore, anxiety and depression were statistically significant associated with PWE who reported not to receive their medicine strictly (p = 0.002, p = 0.002), concealed epilepsy (p = 0.044, p = 0.025), faced financial difficulties due to epilepsy (p = 0.034, p = 0.001), and had insomnia (p = 0.001, p = 0.001), respectively.

Findings underscore the need to enhance social support as an important component of PWE management. It is essential for health professionals to encourage PWE to express their feelings and address their needs, in order to enjoy social support and confront with the psychological burden of the disease.