Separation anxiety and depression in caregivers of epileptic patients

F. Yavlal, A. Cetin

Department of Neurology, Medicana International Istanbul Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey. figenyavlal@hotmail.com

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• Psychiatry
• Public Health

OBJECTIVE: Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder affecting both the patients and the caregivers psychologically. Caregivers of these patients might have to face several challenges throughout the course of the disease. This study examines the correlations between the separation anxiety and depression of caregivers of adult and child epileptic patients according to their relation to the patients (parent vs. partner).

PATIENTS AND METHODS: 50 participants (caregivers of epileptic patients) were included. A sociodemographic form, Beck Depression (BDI) and Anxiety (BAI) Scales, and Adult Separation Anxiety (ASA) Scale were applied to the participants.

RESULTS: 54% of the patients in the study had generalized seizures, whereas 46% had focal seizures. Our study has found the BAI of woman caregivers was higher compared to male caregivers. BAI and ASA were significantly higher for caregivers of patients with an illness duration lower than 5 years who were on multiple medications than for caregivers of patients who had an illness duration of more than 5 years who were on single medication (p<0.05). BDI, BAI and ASA scores were significantly higher in the generalized epilepsy group than in the focal epilepsy group (p<0.05). The ASA score was significantly higher in females than in males (p<0.05). The ASA score was significantly higher in the group with a low educational level than in the group with a high educational level (p<0.05)

CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study inform healthcare professionals regarding the needs of caregivers of epilepsy patients, especially around emotional problems. Results of this study demonstrate significant association between epilepsy seizure type, and separation anxiety and depression. Our study is the first study focused on the separation anxiety of the caregivers of epileptic patients. Separation anxiety has a negative impact on the personal independence of the caregiver.

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