Background and aim of the study: Psychological disorders especially depression and anxiety occurs
more commonly in epileptic patients than non-epileptics. We aim in this study to determine frequency and
factors implicated in the development of depression and anxiety in patients with epilepsy.
Patients and Methods: A total of 100 consecutive patients with epilepsy attending outpatient clinic and
epilepsy clinic at Sohag university hospital were included in this study.
Results: Depression was present in 71 patients (71%) and was significantly higher in females; younger
age at onset of epilepsy; longer duration of epilepsy; patients on poly therapy; patients with uncontrolled
seizures and patients with epileptic discharges on EEG. anxiety was present 70 patients (70%) and was
significantly higher in females; younger age at onset of epilepsy; longer duration of epilepsy; patients with
uncontrolled seizures and patients with epileptic discharges on EEG.
Conclusion: Screening for depression and anxiety in patients with epilepsy is mandatory especially in
females; younger age at onset of epilepsy; longer duration of epilepsy; patients on polytherapy; patients
with uncontrolled seizures and patients with epileptic discharges on EEG.