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Shi W, Sun H, Peng W, Chen Z, Wang Q, Lin W, Ding M, Sun H, Wang X, Wang T, Wang X, Liu Y, Chen Y, Zhu G, Zhou D, Li J. Prevalence and risk factors of anxiety and depression in adult patients with epilepsy: a multicenter survey-based study. Ther Adv Neurol Disord 2023; 16:17562864231187194. [PMID: 37663409 PMCID: PMC10469248 DOI: 10.1177/17562864231187194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Depression and anxiety are the most common psychiatric comorbidities in patients with epilepsy (PWE). However, they are often unrecognized and consequently untreated. Objective The study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors of anxiety and depression among Chinese adult PWE. Design Cross-sectional study. Methods Adult PWE were recruited from 13 tertiary epilepsy centers from February to September 2022. Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 and Neurological Disorders Depression Inventory for Epilepsy were applied to evaluate anxiety and depression, respectively. Both univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses models were performed to explore the risk factors of anxiety and depression. Results A total of 1326 PWE were enrolled in this study. The prevalence of anxiety and depression was 31.45% and 27.30%, respectively. Being female [odds ratio (OR) = 1.467, 95% CI: 1.134-1.899; p = 0.004], focal and focal to bilateral tonic-clonic seizures (TCSZ) (OR = 1.409, 95% CI: 1.021-1.939; p = 0.036), and seizure occurrence in the last 3 months (OR = 1.445, 95% CI: 1.026-2.044; p = 0.036) were the risk factors for anxiety. Focal and focal to bilateral TCSZ (OR = 1.531, 95% CI: 1.094-2.138; p = 0.013) and seizure occurrence in the last 3 months (OR = 1.644, 95% CI: 1.130-2.411; p = 0.010) were the risk factors for depression. In addition, for every 1-year increment of age, the odds of developing depression were decreased by 3.8% (p = 4.12e-5). Nevertheless, up to 70% of PWE did not receive any treatment for comorbidity. Conclusion There were approximately 30% of PWE screened positive for anxiety or depression. Both focal and focal to bilateral TCSZ and seizure occurrence in the last 3 months were estimated as risk factors for anxiety and depression. However, the current status of treatment was not optimal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyan Shi
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hanlin Sun
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wei Peng
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ziyi Chen
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qun Wang
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Weihong Lin
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Meiping Ding
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hongbin Sun
- Department of Neurology, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiangqing Wang
- Department of Neurology, Chinese People’s Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Tiancheng Wang
- Department of Neurology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xuefeng Wang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yonghong Liu
- Department of Neurology, Air Force Medical University Xijing Hospital, Xi’an, China
| | - Yangmei Chen
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Guoxing Zhu
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dong Zhou
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37 Guoxue Lane, Wuhou District, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Jinmei Li
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37 Guoxue Lane, Wuhou District, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
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Ongchuan Martin S, Sadeghifar F, Snively BM, Alexander H, Kimball J, Conner K, O'Donovan CA, Munger Clary HM. Positive anxiety or depression screen despite ongoing antidepressant prescription in people with epilepsy: A large cross-sectional analysis. Epilepsy Behav Rep 2022; 20:100572. [PMID: 36411879 PMCID: PMC9674492 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebr.2022.100572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose While antidepressants are recommended to manage anxiety or depression in epilepsy, limited effectiveness data exist in real-world epilepsy samples, and prior work indicated frequent positive screens despite antidepressant prescription. In response, this study evaluates factors associated with positive anxiety or depression screen during ongoing antidepressant prescription. Methods Clinical and sociodemographic characteristics were collected among consecutive adult epilepsy clinic patients completing validated anxiety and depression instruments. The sample was divided by presence vs absence of existing antidepressant prescription at time of screening. Among those on an antidepressant, multivariable logistic regression was performed on pre-selected characteristics to evaluate for association with positive anxiety and/or depression screen. Pre-selected characteristics included: antidepressant dose, antidepressant prescriber specialty, antiseizure medications (number, potential psychotropic effects), seizure frequency, employment, visit no-shows, and medical insurance. Results Of 563 people with epilepsy, 152 had evidence of antidepressant prescription at time of screening and 73/152(48%) had positive anxiety and/or depression screen. Multivariable modeling demonstrated low antidepressant dose and no-show visit(s) were associated with positive screens (adjusted OR 2.29, CI 1.00-5.48 and 3.11, 1.26-8.22 respectively). Conclusion Low antidepressant dose and factors potentially associated with adherence (visit no-shows) may contribute to persistent anxiety and/or depression among epilepsy patients on an antidepressant.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fatemeh Sadeghifar
- Department of Neurology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Beverly M Snively
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Halley Alexander
- Department of Neurology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - James Kimball
- Department of Psychiatry, Wake Forest Unversity School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Kelly Conner
- Department of Neurology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Cormac A O'Donovan
- Department of Neurology and Internal Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Heidi M Munger Clary
- Department of Neurology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
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Disability and life satisfaction in neurological disorders: The role of depression and perceived cognitive difficulties. Gen Hosp Psychiatry 2021; 73:16-23. [PMID: 34508992 DOI: 10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2021.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study assessed factors associated with disability and life satisfaction in a large cohort of 2246 Australian adults with neurological disorders who completed an online survey of mental health and wellbeing. It was hypothesised that depressive symptoms and perceived cognitive difficulties would be significantly associated with both outcomes, even after controlling for significant demographic/medical covariates (e.g., age, marital-status, employment, multi-morbidity, medication). Differences in profiles of four neurological subgroups (i.e., multiple sclerosis; n = 738, epilepsy; n = 672, Parkinson's disease; n = 263, and Acquired Bran Injury; n = 278) were explored. METHODS Multiple hierarchical linear regressions were run using cross-sectional data. RESULTS Depressive symptoms made a significant and large unique contribution to higher levels of disability (β = 0.333, p < .001), and poorer life satisfaction (β = -0.434, p < .001), in the overall sample and across all four neurological subgroups (β = 0.349 to 0.513, p < .001) Greater perceived cognitive difficulties were associated with disability in the overall sample (β = 0.318, p < .001) and across all neurological subgroups (β = 0.231 to 0.354, p < .001), but only life satisfaction in epilepsy (β = -0.107, p = 006). CONCLUSIONS The findings underscore the importance of managing psychological/neuropsychiatric comorbidities in neurological disorders.
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4
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Munger Clary HM, Croxton RD, Snively BM, Brenes GA, Lovato J, Sadeghifar F, Kimball J, O'Donovan C, Conner K, Kim E, Allan J, Duncan P. Neurologist prescribing versus psychiatry referral: Examining patient preferences for anxiety and depression management in a symptomatic epilepsy clinic sample. Epilepsy Behav 2021; 114:107543. [PMID: 33246893 PMCID: PMC7855561 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2020.107543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Anxiety and depression symptoms in epilepsy are common, impactful and under-recognized and undertreated. While prior survey data suggests equipoise among epileptologists for managing anxiety and/or depression via prescribing in the epilepsy clinic versus psychiatry referral, patient preferences are unknown and should potentially influence practice habits among epileptologists. Thus, the primary objective of this study was to determine patient preference for anxiety and/or depression prescribing by neurologists versus psychiatry referral among an adult epilepsy clinic sample of symptomatic patients. METHODS Management preferences for anxiety and/or depression were surveyed in an adult tertiary care epilepsy clinic. Individuals who screened positive for anxiety and/or depression symptoms on validated instruments during a routine care-embedded learning health system study were recruited. Demographics, social variables, psychiatric treatment history, and treatment priorities and preferences were surveyed. Preference was defined as a slightly greater than 2:1 ratio in favor neurology prescribing or psychiatry referral. The study was powered to assess this primary objective using a two-sample binomial test. Multinomial logistic regression examined an a priori multivariable model of treatment preference (secondary objective). RESULTS The study sample included N = 63 symptomatic adults, with 64% women and mean age 42.2 years. Most reported past or current treatment for anxiety and/or depression, and treatment for these symptoms was a high or moderate priority among 65.1% of the sample. Neurologist prescribing was preferred in 83.0% (nearly 5:1) over psychiatry referral among those who chose neurology or psychiatry (as opposed to neither of the two; p < 0.001, 95% CI 0.702-0.919). Overall, 69.8% of the total study sample preferred neurology prescribing. Multivariable modeling indicated preference for neither management option (compared with neurologist prescribing) was associated with low overall treatment prioritization and having never received neurologist medication management. None of the factors examined in the a priori multivariable model were associated with selecting psychiatry referral (compared to neurologist prescribing). CONCLUSION In this sample, most patients indicated a preference for neurologists to prescribe for anxiety or depression symptoms in the epilepsy clinic. Care models involving neurologist prescribing for anxiety and depression symptoms merit further investigation and potential adoption in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi M Munger Clary
- Department of Neurology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.
| | - Rachel D Croxton
- Department of Neurology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.
| | - Beverly M Snively
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.
| | - Gretchen A Brenes
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section on Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.
| | - James Lovato
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.
| | - Fatemeh Sadeghifar
- Department of Neurology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.
| | - James Kimball
- Department of Psychiatry, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.
| | - Cormac O'Donovan
- Department of Neurology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.
| | - Kelly Conner
- Department of Neurology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.
| | - Esther Kim
- Department of Neurology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.
| | - Jonathan Allan
- Department of Psychiatry, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.
| | - Pamela Duncan
- Department of Neurology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.
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5
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Puka K, Bax K, Andrade A, Devries-Rizzo M, Gangam H, Levin S, Nouri MN, Prasad AN, Secco M, Zou G, Speechley KN. A live-online mindfulness-based intervention for children living with epilepsy and their families: protocol for a randomized controlled trial of Making Mindfulness Matter©. Trials 2020; 21:922. [PMID: 33176853 PMCID: PMC7657360 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-020-04792-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epilepsy extends far beyond seizures; up to 80% of children with epilepsy (CWE) may have comorbid cognitive or mental health problems, and up to 50% of parents of CWE are at risk for major depression. Past research has also shown that family environment has a greater influence on children's and parents' health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and mental health than epilepsy-related factors. There is a pressing need for low-cost, innovative interventions to improve HRQOL and mental health for CWE and their parents. The aim of this randomized controlled trial (RCT) is to evaluate whether an interactive online mindfulness-based intervention program, Making Mindfulness Matter (M3), can be feasibly implemented and whether it positively affects CWE's and parents' HRQOL and mental health (specifically, stress, behavioral, depressive, and anxiety symptoms). METHODS This parallel RCT was planned to recruit 100 child-parent dyads to be randomized 1:1 to the 8-week intervention or waitlist control and followed over 20 weeks. The intervention, M3, will be delivered online and separately to parents and children (ages 4-10 years) in groups of 4-8 by non-clinician staff of a local community epilepsy agency. The intervention incorporates mindful awareness, social-emotional learning skills, and positive psychology. It is modeled after the validated school-based MindUP program and adapted for provision online and to include a parent component. DISCUSSION This RCT will determine whether this online mindfulness-based intervention is feasible and effective for CWE and their parents. The proposed intervention may be an ideal vector to significantly improve HRQOL and mental health for CWE and their parents given its low cost and implementation by community epilepsy agencies. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04020484 . Registered on July 16, 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klajdi Puka
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Western University, Kresge Building, Room K201, 1151 Richmond Street, London, ON, N6A 5C1, Canada. .,Children's Health Research Institute, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Karen Bax
- Children's Health Research Institute, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada.,The Mary J. Wright Research and Education Centre, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrea Andrade
- Children's Health Research Institute, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada.,Paediatrics, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.,Children's Hospital at London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Margo Devries-Rizzo
- Children's Hospital at London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada.,Health Sciences, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Hema Gangam
- Paediatrics, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Simon Levin
- Children's Health Research Institute, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada.,Paediatrics, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.,Children's Hospital at London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Maryam N Nouri
- Children's Health Research Institute, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada.,Paediatrics, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.,Children's Hospital at London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Asuri N Prasad
- Children's Health Research Institute, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada.,Paediatrics, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.,Children's Hospital at London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mary Secco
- Epilepsy Southwestern Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Guangyong Zou
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Western University, Kresge Building, Room K201, 1151 Richmond Street, London, ON, N6A 5C1, Canada.,Robarts Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kathy N Speechley
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Western University, Kresge Building, Room K201, 1151 Richmond Street, London, ON, N6A 5C1, Canada.,Children's Health Research Institute, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada.,Paediatrics, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
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A feasibility trial of an internet-delivered psychological intervention to manage mental health and functional outcomes in neurological disorders. J Psychosom Res 2020; 136:110173. [PMID: 32623193 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2020.110173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Mental health and cognitive difficulties are highly prevalent across neurological disorders and significantly contribute to poorer patient outcomes. Unfortunately, access to effective psychological services for these comorbidities are limited. To determine whether a novel transdiagnostic internet-delivered psychological intervention, the Wellbeing Neuro Course, was feasible, acceptable and efficacious a single-group feasibility open trial was employed. METHODS The Wellbeing Neuro Course, targets mental health and cognitive difficulties, across a variety of neurological disorders. It is comprised of six online lessons, based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Compensatory Cognitive Rehabilitation, delivered over 10 weeks and provided with weekly support from a mental health professional via email and telephone. 105 adults with diagnoses of either epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease and/or acquired brain injury, underwent the intervention. RESULTS The intervention was found to be highly acceptable with high intervention completion and levels of satisfaction (>95%). There was evidence of clinically significant improvements in primary outcomes (within-group Cohen's d; average reductions) of depression (d = 0.93; avg. reduction ≥36%), anxiety (ds = 0.66, avg. reduction ≥36%), and disability (ds ≥ 0.49; avg. reduction ≥23%) at post-intervention, maintained at 3-month follow-up. For secondary outcomes there were significant improvements in fatigue severity and perceived cognitive difficulties of attention, planning and prospective memory. Findings were achieved with minimal clinician time, highlighting its public health potential. CONCLUSION This open trial provides preliminary evidence the Wellbeing Neuro Course is acceptable and reduces symptoms of depression, anxiety and disability in neurological disorders. Future controlled trials of the intervention are now needed. TRIAL REGISTRATION ACTRN12617000581369.
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Early communication is key - Designing a new communication tool to immediately empower people with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures. Epilepsy Behav 2019; 100:106518. [PMID: 31665693 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2019.106518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2019] [Revised: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Patient empowerment and shared decision-making has been increasingly recognized as key factors for a favorable prognosis. This is particularly true in complex brain disorders such as psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) which go along with several challenges. People with PNES (PW-PNES) often feel lost in the healthcare system. Early clear communication is one of the few favorable prognostic variables. Our goal was to design a new ultrashort user-friendly communication tool allowing immediate patient empowerment. METHODS We conceptualized a design thinking process with patient engagement of PW-PNES. Together with a larger group of PW-PNES, we developed a comprehensive user-friendly 1-page document summarizing the key features of PNES. We applied document engineering (DE) as a cognitive science-based new methodology. Document engineering is well established in the aviation, oil, and mining industries and measurably reduces comprehension and performance errors. RESULTS The design thinking process encompassed 5 phases (empathize, ideate, define, prototype, and test). A prototype of a 1-page document, the 1-Pager-PNES, was created which contained the essential 7 domains organized in a simple structure such as a promise-question-answer (PQA) format. Information was kept poignant, complete, easy-to-read integrating cognitive principles to optimize navigation. The prototype "1-Pager-PNES" was subsequently tested in a 7-member focus group. All patients expressed significant improvement in understanding their disease and felt immediately empowered. Implementing their specific feedbacks, reiterative testing, and involving PNES experts resulted in the final version of the "1-Pager-PNES". CONCLUSION A promising new communication tool reduced to 1-page only is introduced which improves patient guidance and enables better coping mechanisms with this complex disease. The patient/user is empowered quickly through finding answers to pressing questions. Our study is unique for three reasons: 1) it engaged patients in the developing process, 2) it produced a tool for immediate communication for PW-PNES, which follows principles of human behavior and cognitive science, and 3) it used cross-industry thinking. Despite all limitations, we consider our small pilot study an inspiration for future studies with focus on patient empowerment through user-friendly documents.
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Kanner AM. Obstacles in the treatment of common psychiatric comorbidities in patients with epilepsy: What is wrong with this picture? Epilepsy Behav 2019; 98:291-292. [PMID: 31126824 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2019.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this special issue is to highlight a major problem that plagues the management of patients with epilepsy (PWE): the failure to identify and treat relatively frequent psychiatric comorbidities, in particular, depression and anxiety disorders. The causes are multiple, starting from the neurologists' failure to investigate the existence of these common comorbidities during the initial evaluation or even throughout the course of treatment of these patients. Does this phenomenon reflect a lack of curiosity, ignorance, or both? The problem is compounded by the limited or lack of access to treatment once the psychiatric comorbidity has been identified. This special issue tries to analyze the causes of this very serious problem that not only has serious implications in the comprehensive management of PWE but also raises serious questions on the lack of communication between neurologists and psychiatrists… truly a "bizarre phenomenon". This article is part of the Special Issue "Obstacles of Treatment of Psychiatric Comorbidities in Epilepsy".
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Affiliation(s)
- Andres M Kanner
- Comprehensive Epilepsy Center and Epilepsy Division, Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States of America.
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Munger Clary HM, Salpekar JA. Should adult neurologists play a role in the management of the most common psychiatric comorbidities? Practical considerations. Epilepsy Behav 2019; 98:309-313. [PMID: 30471892 PMCID: PMC6614011 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2018.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2018] [Revised: 10/10/2018] [Accepted: 10/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Despite the high prevalence and negative impact of psychiatric comorbidities on the life of adults with epilepsy, significant unmet mental health care need exists because of a variety of factors, including poor access to mental health care providers. A potential solution to address access barriers is neurologist-driven diagnosis and management of common psychiatric conditions in epilepsy, of which mood and anxiety disorders are the most common. In this manuscript, patient selection criteria and practical treatment strategies are outlined for common mood and anxiety disorders that can be safely managed by neurologists. This article is part of the Special Issue "Obstacles of Treatment of Psychiatric Comorbidities in Epilepsy".
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi M Munger Clary
- Department of Neurology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States of America.
| | - Jay A Salpekar
- Departments of Psychiatry and Neurology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
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10
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Lopez MR, Schachter SC, Kanner AM. Psychiatric comorbidities go unrecognized in patients with epilepsy: "You see what you know". Epilepsy Behav 2019; 98:302-305. [PMID: 31027939 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2019.01.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Revised: 01/14/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Patients with epilepsy (PWE) have a significantly higher prevalence of psychiatric comorbid disorders involving depression, anxiety, psychotic, and attention-deficit disorders compared with the general population or patients with other chronic medical conditions. Currently, there is no systematic approach in the evaluation and management of psychiatric comorbidities in these patients. In addition, neurologists are not trained to recognize these disorders, and consequently, they remain undertreated. Despite the high prevalence of psychiatric comorbidities in patients evaluated for epilepsy surgery, most epilepsy centers in North America do not include a psychiatric evaluation as part of the presurgical work-up. Despite the intimate relationship between psychiatric comorbidities and epilepsy, collaboration between epileptologists and psychiatrists is sparse at best and nonexistent at worse. The purpose of this paper was to highlight and try to understand the causes behind the persistent lack in communication between neurologists and psychiatrists, the gap in the training of neurologists on psychiatric aspects of neurologic disorders and vice versa and to propose new initiatives to fix the problem. This article is part of the Special Issue "Obstacles of Treatment of Psychiatric Comorbidities in Epilepsy".
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria R Lopez
- Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA; Department of Veteran Medical Affairs Epilepsy Center of Excellence, Miami, FL, USA.
| | | | - Andres M Kanner
- Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
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Puka K, Widjaja E, Smith ML. The influence of patient, caregiver, and family factors on symptoms of anxiety and depression in children and adolescents with intractable epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav 2017; 67:45-50. [PMID: 28088680 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2016.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2016] [Revised: 12/07/2016] [Accepted: 12/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective was to evaluate the association of caregiver and family factors with symptoms of anxiety and depression in children and adolescents with medically refractory localization-related epilepsy (i.e., failed at least two epilepsy medications). METHOD Forty-four children (ages 6-11years) and 65 adolescents (ages 12-18years) and their parents participated in this multicentered, observational, cross-sectional study. Univariable and multivariable linear regressions were used to evaluate the influence of multiple patient, caregiver, and family characteristics on self-reported symptoms of anxiety and depression in the children and adolescents. RESULTS Among children, depressive symptoms were associated with a lower proportion of life with seizures (β=.344, p=.022), caregiver depression (β=.462, p=.002), poorer family relationships (β=.384, p=.010), and poorer family mastery and social support (β=.337, p=.025); in multivariable analysis, proportion of life with epilepsy and parental depression remained significant. No significant predictors of anxiety were found among children. Among adolescents, depressive symptoms were associated with caregiver unemployment (β=.345, p=.005) and anxiety (β=.359, p=.003), low household income (β=.321, p=.012), poorer family mastery and social support (β=.334, p=.007), and greater family demands (β=.326, p=.008); in multivariable analysis, caregiver unemployment and anxiety remained significant. Greater anxiety symptoms among adolescents were associated with females (β=.320, p=.009) and caregiver depression (β=.246, p=.048) and anxiety (β=.392, p=.001) and poorer family mastery and social support (β=.247, p=.047); in multivariable analysis, female sex and caregiver anxiety remained significant. SIGNIFICANCE These findings highlight the central role of caregiver psychopathology, which is amenable to intervention, on children and adolescents' symptoms of anxiety and depression. Addressing caregiver psychopathology may improve children and adolescents' quality of life even if seizure control is not attained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klajdi Puka
- Department of Psychology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Elysa Widjaja
- Division of Neurology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Diagnostic Imaging, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mary Lou Smith
- Department of Psychology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Neurosciences and Mental Health Program, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.
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Osman A, Seri S, Cavanna AE. Clinical characteristics of patients with epilepsy in a specialist neuropsychiatry service. Epilepsy Behav 2016; 58:44-7. [PMID: 27057744 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2016.02.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2016] [Revised: 02/21/2016] [Accepted: 02/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Neuropsychiatry services provide specialist input into the assessment and management of behavioral symptoms associated with a range of neurological conditions, including epilepsy. Despite the centrality of epilepsy to neuropsychiatry and the recent expansion of neuropsychiatry service provision, little is known about the clinical characteristics of patients with epilepsy who are routinely seen by a specialist neuropsychiatry service. This retrospective study filled this gap by retrospectively evaluating a naturalistic series of 60 consecutive patients with epilepsy referred to and assessed within a neuropsychiatry setting. Fifty-two patients (86.7%) had active epilepsy and were under the ongoing care of the referring neurologist for seizure management. The majority of patients (N=42; 70.0%) had a diagnosis of localization-related epilepsy, with temporal lobe epilepsy as the most common epilepsy type (N=37; 61.7%). Following clinical assessment, 39 patients (65.0%) fulfilled formal diagnostic criteria for at least one psychiatric disorder; nonepileptic attack disorder (N=37; 61.7%), major depression (N=23; 38.3%), and generalized anxiety disorder (N=16; 26.7%) were the most commonly diagnosed comorbidities. The clinical characteristics of patients seen in specialist neuropsychiatry settings are in line with the results from previous studies in neurology clinics in terms of both epilepsy and psychiatric comorbidity. Our findings confirm the need for the development and implementation of structured care pathways for the neuropsychiatric aspects of epilepsy, with focus on comorbid nonepileptic attacks and affective and anxiety symptoms. This is of particular importance in consideration of the impact of behavioral symptoms on patients' health-related quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Osman
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Stefano Seri
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Aston Brain Centre, Aston University, Birmingham, UK; Children's Epilepsy Surgery Programme, The Birmingham Children's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Andrea E Cavanna
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK; School of Life and Health Sciences, Aston Brain Centre, Aston University, Birmingham, UK; Sobell Department of Motor Neuroscience and Movement Disorders, Institute of Neurology and UCL, London, UK.
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Puka K, Smith ML, Moineddin R, Snead OC, Widjaja E. Health resource utilization varies by comorbidities in children with epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav 2016; 57:151-154. [PMID: 26953845 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2016.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2015] [Revised: 01/12/2016] [Accepted: 02/06/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Comorbidities in adults with epilepsy have been shown to significantly increase health resource utilization (HRU). The current study aimed to determine whether a similar association exists among children with epilepsy in a universal health insurance system. METHODS Health administrative databases in Ontario, Canada were used to evaluate the frequency of neurologist visits, emergency department (ED) visits, and hospitalizations. We evaluated the association between HRU and comorbidities, including depression, anxiety, learning disability, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), adjusting for age, sex, residence, and socio-economic status. RESULTS The frequency of neurology visits was increased by comorbid depression, ASD, and learning disability (adjusted relative risk [aRR]=1.29-2.07; p<.01). The frequency of ED visits was increased by all comorbidities (aRR=1.26-2.83; p<.0001). The frequency of hospitalizations was increased by comorbid depression, anxiety, ASD, and learning disability (aRR=1.77-7.20; p<.0001). Learning disability had the largest impact on HRU. For each additional comorbidity, the frequency of neurology visits, ED visits, and hospitalizations increased by 1.64 to 3.16 times (p<.0001). CONCLUSIONS Among children with epilepsy, mental health and developmental comorbidities were associated with increased HRU, and different comorbidities influenced different types of HRU. In addition, we highlight the importance of identifying and managing these comorbidities, as they increased the risks of costly HRU such as ED visits and hospitalizations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klajdi Puka
- Department of Psychology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mary Lou Smith
- Department of Psychology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Rahim Moineddin
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - O Carter Snead
- Division of Neurology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Elysa Widjaja
- Division of Neurology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; Diagnostic Imaging, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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Pohlmann-Eden B, Aldenkamp A, Baker GA, Brandt C, Cendes F, Coras R, Crocker CE, Helmstaedter C, Jones-Gotman M, Kanner AM, Mazarati A, Mula M, Smith ML, Omisade A, Tellez-Zenteno J, Hermann BP. The relevance of neuropsychiatric symptoms and cognitive problems in new-onset epilepsy - Current knowledge and understanding. Epilepsy Behav 2015; 51:199-209. [PMID: 26291774 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2015.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2015] [Accepted: 07/03/2015] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Neurobehavioral and cognition problems are highly prevalent in epilepsy, but most research studies to date have not adequately addressed the precise nature of the relationship between these comorbidities and seizures. To address this complex issue and to facilitate collaborative, innovative research in the rising field of neurobehavioral comorbidities and cognition disturbances in new-onset epilepsy, international epilepsy experts met at the 3rd Halifax International Epilepsy Conference & Retreat at White Point, South Shore, Nova Scotia, Canada from September 18 to 20, 2014. This Conference Proceedings provides a summary of the conference proceedings. Specifically, the following topics are discussed: (i) role of comorbidities in epilepsy diagnosis and management, (ii) role of antiepileptic medications in understanding the relationship between epilepsy and neurobehavioral and cognition problems, and (iii) animal data and diagnostic approaches. Evidence to date, though limited, strongly suggests a bidirectional relationship between epilepsy and cognitive and psychiatric comorbidities. In fact, it is likely that seizures and neurobehavioral problems represent different symptoms of a common etiology or network-wide disturbance. As a reflection of this shared network, psychiatric comorbidities and/or cognition problems may actually precede the seizure occurrence and likely get often missed if not screened.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Pohlmann-Eden
- Division of Neurology, Dalhousie University of Halifax, Canada; Brain Repair Center, Dalhousie University of Halifax, Canada.
| | - A Aldenkamp
- Epilepsiecentrum Kempenhaeghe, The Netherlands
| | - G A Baker
- Division of Neurosciences, University of Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - C Brandt
- Bethel Epilepsy Center, Mara Hospital, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - F Cendes
- Department of Neurology, University of Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - R Coras
- Department of Neuropathology, University of Erlangen, Germany
| | - C E Crocker
- Division of Neurology, Dalhousie University of Halifax, Canada
| | | | - M Jones-Gotman
- McGill University, Montreal Neurological Institute, Montreal, Canada
| | - A M Kanner
- Epilepsy Center, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, USA
| | - A Mazarati
- Children's Discovery and Innovation Institute, D. Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, USA
| | - M Mula
- Epilepsy Group, Atkinson Morley Regional Neuroscience Centre, St. George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Institute of Medical and Biomedical Sciences St. George's University of London, United Kingdom
| | - M L Smith
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Canada
| | - A Omisade
- Division of Neurology, Dalhousie University of Halifax, Canada
| | | | - B P Hermann
- Department of Neurology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, USA
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Valente KD. Epilepsy & behavior: congratulations on your "sweet fifteen". Epilepsy Behav 2014; 40:121. [PMID: 25453551 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2014.09.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2014] [Accepted: 09/13/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kette D Valente
- Psychiatric Department, Clinic's Hospital, University of São Paulo, Brazil; Clinical Neurophysiology Laboratory, Clinic's Hospital, University of São Paulo, Brazil.
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