Identifying Anxiety and Depression in Youth with Epilepsy (P3.216)

Objective: To assess risk factors for depression and anxiety in a large, clinic-referred sample of youth with epilepsy. Background: Depression and anxiety are common comorbidities among youth with epilepsy, and are often underdiagnosed and undertreated. Symptoms of depression and anxiety can complicate treatment of epilepsy and can have a greater effect on quality of life than seizures themselves. Design/Methods: Youth with epilepsy (N=200), ages 5–18 years, who were referred for comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation due to behavioral or learning problems comprised the sample. As part of the test battery, parents and teachers completed a broadband behavior rating scale (BASC-2) that included assessment of internalizing symptoms. Behavior rating scale data, seizure characteristics, and demographic information were obtained via archival record review. Parent and teacher report were compared via mixed model approach. Results: Parents reported higher levels of anxiety ( p =0.0182) and depression ( p =0.0519) for youth with epilepsy compared to teacher report, irrespective of seizure type (partial, generalized, or unclassified). Parents also reported higher rates of anxiety for females compared to males ( p =0.0125). No gender differences were found for depression, according to both parent and teacher report. Number of anti-epilepsy drugs prescribed demonstrated a significant, positive association with symptoms of anxiety ( p =0.0110) and depression ( p =0.0156), according to parent report. Duration of time living with epilepsy demonstrated a significant, inverse association with depression ( p =0.0421), according to parent report. Conclusions: No gender differences were found for depression among youth with epilepsy, whereas females are at particular risk for anxiety. Polypharmacy increases the risk of depression and anxiety for males and females. Males and females also are at increased risk for depression during the early stages of treatment for epilepsy, perhaps reflecting a difficult adjustment to chronic illness. These findings identify risk factors and critical periods that warrant screening for internalizing problems in youth with epilepsy. Disclosure: Dr. Lally has nothing to disclose. Dr. Kral has nothing to disclose. Dr. Boan has nothing to disclose.