Prospective case-control study of interictal depression and suicidal ideation in Nigerians with epilepsy.
Date
2007-09
Authors
Okubadejo, N.U.
Danesi, M.A.
Aina, O.F.
Ojini, F.I.
Adeyemi, J.D.
Olorunshola, D.A.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Co-morbid depression and suicidal ideation in people with epilepsy (PWE) in developing countries are under-recognised, and so may be consequently undertreated. This study was designed to determine the frequency and clinical correlates of interictal depression and suicidal ideation in PWE.
PATIENTS AND METHODS:
Using a prospective design, we evaluated 96 PWE and two groups of controls (103 age- and sex-matched population controls and 13 persons with DSM - IV diagnosis of major depression (controls with depression - CWD) without epilepsy. Depression was assessed using Zung Self-rating depression scale (scores =40 indicating depression).
RESULTS:
Depression was more prevalent in PWE (25/96 i.e. 26.0%) than normal controls (10/103 i.e. 9.7%) (P = 0.004). Suicidal ideation scores were similar for depressed PWE and depressed normal controls (1.7 +/-1.0 v. 1.5 +/- 1.0; P>0.05), but significantly higher in CWD (2.61.3; P=0.04). Among PWE, mean duration of epilepsy (years) was the only variable significantly related to depression (i.e. 12.7 8.8 in depressed PWE v. 8.3 6.6 in non-depressed PWE (P=0.01).
CONCLUSION:
Depressive symptomatology is a frequent co-morbidity in our tertiary care population of PWE. However, suicidal ideation is less common in contrast to persons with major depression.
Description
Keywords
Epilepsy , Depression , Suicidal ideation , Psychopathology
Citation
Okubadejo NU, Danesi MA, Aina OF, Ojini FI, Adeyemi JD, Olorunshola DA. Prospective case-control study of interictal depression and suicidal ideation in Nigerians with epilepsy. Niger Postgrad Med J. 2007 Sep;14(3):204-8.