Prevalence and Clinical Characteristics of Depression in Children with Focal Epilepsy

Abstract

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological diseases of childhood and has a serious impact on patients’ psycho-emotional state and quality of life. Timely detection of depressive disorders, especially in children with focal epilepsy, is of great importance in terms of social adaptation, educational activity, and adaptation to treatment. Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the frequency, severity, and clinical characteristics of depression in children with focal epilepsy. Material and methods: The study included children aged 12–17 years with a confirmed diagnosis of epilepsy. The patients’ clinical-neurological indicators, form of epilepsy, and emotional state were analyzed. The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale was used to assess depressive symptoms. During the examinations, mild, moderate, and severe forms of depression were evaluated separately in the patients. The obtained results were subjected to statistical analysis. Results: As a result of the assessment, it was determined that signs of mild depression were observed in 52.4% of patients diagnosed with G40.0 focal epilepsy. Moderate depression was detected in 11.1% of patients, while severe depression was found in 1.6% of patients. Overall, depressive disorders were recorded in 38.7% of patients with focal epilepsy. Depressive symptoms were found to be more often accompanied by emotional tension, difficulties in social adaptation, and reduced quality of life. Conclusion: The results of the study show that depressive disorders are widespread among children with focal epilepsy, and their early diagnosis is of great importance. Therefore, alongside neurological examination of children with epilepsy, regular assessment of their psycho-emotional state is also recommended. Timely detection and correction of depression may help improve children’s quality of life, enhance their social adaptation, and increase treatment effectiveness.