Journal of Clinical Case Reports

Psychosocial Correlates of Depression in Children and Adolescents with Epilepsy in a Nigeria Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital

Abstract

Ogun OC, Gbiri CA, Akinola OA, Akinola OE, Ajirotutu OF, Fasesan OA and Oye AO

Background: Depression is mostly reported psychiatric disorders in children with epilepsy.
Aim: To investigate prevalence of depression among Nigeria children and adolescents with epilepsy and explore associated variables.
Methods: Study involved 57 participants between 7-18years, diagnosed of epilepsy in a Nigeria mental-healthinstitution. Depression and illnesses-perception were assessed using Child-Attitude-towards-Illness-Scale and Center-for-Epidemiology-Study-Depression-Scale respectively. Data was analysed using Spearman’s Correlation Coefficients and multiple regression (p < 0.05).
Results: Participants were aged 13.8 ± 3.3years with onset of seizure between 1-17 years (mode = 9years) and presentation in the clinic between 2-17 years (mode = 11years). About 40% were diagnosed of depression. About 44% had varied educational problems. There was significant correlation between depression and each of educationallevel and seizure frequency at presentation. Seizure frequency predicted depression and felt-stigma. Parent’s socioeconomic status predicted seizure frequency.
Conclusion: There is high prevalence of depression in Nigeria children and adolescents with epilepsy. Epilepsy has negative impact on the psycho-social status of its sufferers.