Individual, seizure-related, and psychosocial predictors of depressive symptoms among people with epilepsy over six months

• Authors: Elizabeth L. Reisinger, Emory University; Colleen K Diiorio, Emory University
• Journal Title: Epilepsy and Behavior
• Volume: Volume 15, Number 2
• Publisher: Elsevier | 2009-06, Pages 196-201
• Type of Work: Article | Post-print: After Peer Review
• Publisher DOI: http://doi.org/10.1016/j.yebeh.2009.03.012
• Subjects: Health Sciences, Public Health; Psychology, Behavioral
• Keywords: epilepsy; depression; stigma; social support; employment

Abstract

Depression is the most frequently diagnosed psychiatric disorder among people with epilepsy. A variety of risk factors for depression among people with epilepsy have been identified, however, few studies have examined these risk factors over time. The primary purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between demographic characteristics, seizure-related factors, and psychosocial factors and depressive symptoms over 6 months. Three hundred and nineteen adults with epilepsy completed three surveys at three-month intervals. Multiple linear regression was used with the baseline variables to predict depressive symptoms at baseline, 3-months, and 6-months. Employment status, social support, and stigma emerged as predictors of depressive symptoms at all three timepoints. Other factors that predicted depression symptoms in one or two timepoints were self-management, financial strain, and activity restriction due to seizures. The results indicate that multiple factors influence depressive symptoms among people with epilepsy.