Adults with epilepsy aged over 55 years are vulnerable to depression, despite it often being “unrecognised”, according to a new US study, published in Epilepsy & Behavior.
Researchers Elaine Kiriakopoulos and colleagues analysed data from 198 adults aged 55 years and older from 13 epilepsy self-management studies, looking at quality of life and rates of depression in this group.
On average, the participants in the study were 60.8 years of age (ranging between 55 and 79) with three fifths female (60.6%) and more than two thirds white (68.7).
Around a third of participants had had a seizure in the past 30 days, with the average number of seizures in that time being 14.4. In this group, around two thirds (66.3) of people reported having focal seizures.
“Unrecognised” depression in older adults
Two fifths of people (40%) reported having an additional psychiatric diagnosis as well as their epilepsy.
Test scores showed that the average severity of depression in the group was mild, but for over a third (36.3%), it was in the moderate to severe range.
The researchers said: “Depression in OAWE [older adults with epilepsy] is particularly complex; although it is among the most common comorbidities in this group, it frequently remains unrecognised.
“Further, other patient centered outcomes are also understudied in OAWE. Understanding and identifying predictors of QOL is essential for directing screening, resources and supports to match the desired health and wellbeing outcomes of OAWE.”
Impact on quality of life
The study found that worse depressive symptoms were significantly associated with worse quality of life in the research group. This was especially with cognitive symptoms of depression, affecting things like focus, memory and thinking, and somatic (physical) symptoms, which could include fatigue, sleep problems, digestive issues and pain.
The study authors note that older adults with epilepsy are more likely to be taking more medications, which can affect quality of life. Nearly two fifths of people (39.4%) were unable to work, which also lead to a lower quality of life.
While the study looked at suicidal ideation, this didn’t seem to be high in this group, who was looking to improve their wellbeing through taking part in epilepsy self-management programmes, the researchers said.
The researchers concluded that there is a strong link between depressive symptoms and quality of life in adults aged 55 years and older, adding that the findings “underscore the importance of integrated mental health screening and intervention” for this group.
If you are struggling, Epilepsy Action has tips and advice to help you boost your wellbeing as well as offering more information on depression and epilepsy.
More articles
