Epilepsy and quality of life: socio-demographic and clinical aspects, and psychiatric co-morbidity

Arq Neuropsiquiatr. 2013 Jun;71(6):385-91. doi: 10.1590/0004-282X20130044.

Abstract

Objective To study socio-demographic and clinical aspects, as well as psychiatric co-morbidity that influence the quality of life of adult epileptic patients. Methods One hundred and thirty-two individuals diagnosed with epilepsy were evaluated from neurological/clinical and psychiatric points of view and by the Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory (QOLIE-31). Predictive factors for the QOLIE-31 scores were studied. Results The regression analyses indicated the existence of psychiatric co-morbidity (total score, seizure worry, emotional well-being, energy/fatigue, social function and cognitive function) and a greater seizure frequency (total score, cognitive function and energy/fatigue) as predictive factors for lower scores in the total QOLIE-31 score and in various dimensions. Abnormalities in the neurological exam and poly-therapy with anti-epileptic drugs were negative factors limited to one of the dimensions cognitive function and social function, respectively. Conclusion The presence of psychiatric co-morbidity and a greater seizure frequency were the main factors influencing the quality of life in epileptic patients as evaluated by QOLIE-31.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cognition / physiology
  • Comorbidity
  • Depression / psychology
  • Epidemiologic Methods
  • Epilepsy / physiopathology
  • Epilepsy / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Personality Inventory
  • Quality of Life / psychology*
  • Reference Values
  • Socioeconomic Factors