Depression and anxiety disorder among epileptic people at Amanuel Specialized Mental Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
BACKGROUND
Although depression and anxiety disorders are very common in people with epilepsy; there are no studies that assessed the magnitude and associated factors among epileptic people in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study determined prevalence and associated factors of depression and anxiety disorders in people with epilepsy.


METHODS
An institution based cross-sectional study was conducted from April to May, 2013, among 423 people with epilepsy from the outpatient department of Amanuel Mental Specialized Hospital. Depression and anxiety were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess predictors of depression and anxiety.


RESULTS
The prevalence of anxiety and depression among epileptic people were 33.5 and 32.8%, respectively. Monthly income, frequency of seizure and side effects of anti convulsants were found to be significantly associated with both depression and anxiety. Being divorced/widowed was associated with anxiety while using poly-therapy of anti convulsants, perceived stigma, and inability to read or write were associated with depression.


CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of co-morbid anxiety and depression was found to be high among people with epilepsy. Early identification of co-morbid depression and anxiety in people with epilepsy and managing epilepsy to become seizure free should be of great concern for health care providers.
College of Medicine and Health Science, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia. minale23@gmail.com.
Minale Tareke
MT
Tegegne
College of Health Science, Nursing Department, Psychiatry Unit, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia. tilahunbe100@gmail.com.
Tilahun Belete
TB
Mossie
College of Medicine and Health Science, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia. andargie_abate@yahoo.com.
Andargie Abate
AA
Awoke
College of Public Health and Medical Sciences, Department of Nursing, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia. ashagremolla@yahoo.com.
Ashagre Molla
AM
Assaye
Amhara National Regional State Health Bureau, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia. beletetemtim@yahoo.com.
Belete Temitm
BT
Gebrie
Debre-Birhan Referral Hospital, Debre-Birhan, Ethiopia. desalegnasmare23@gmail.com.
Desalegn Asmare
DA
Eshetu
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017668:Age of Onset; D000368:Aged; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D005002:Ethiopia / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006778:Hospitals, Psychiatric / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D057545:Social Stigma; D055815:Young Adult