title: A study to assess depression, its correlates and suicidal behaviour in epilepsy.
abstract: Fifty subjects with seizure disorder were compared with thirty subjects with bronchial asthma and assessed for depression and suicidal behaviour. 34% of the epilepsy group had a diagnosis of major depressive episode compared to 13.3% of Bronchial Asthma group, which demonstrated a significant difference. Complex partial seizures and use of phenobarbitone had significant association with depression. 16% of the epilepsy group had a history of atleast one suicidal attempt in the previous year with 88% using anticonvulsants. 20% of the group also expressed current suicidal ideation, which correlated with Hamilton Depression Rating Scale total scores.
authors.affiliation: RAJESH JACOB, M.D., Lecturer, Department of Psychiatry Unit II, Mental health Centre, Christian Medical College, Bagayam, Vellore-632006.
authors.forename: Rajesh
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Jacob
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Suresh Kumar
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Rajkumar
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Palaniappun