Depression and stigma among a sample of Egyptian adolescents with epilepsy and their impact on antiseizure medications adherence

Background

The lifetime prevalence of epilepsy varies between 3.5 and 10.7 per 1000 individuals in developed countries, and from 0.9 to 74.4 per 1000 individuals in Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, and Latin America. In adolescents, the prevalence of epilepsy is estimated to be 1.5 to 2%.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine the clinical characteristics of adolescents with epilepsy (AWE) and highlight the differences between childhood-onset epilepsy and adolescent-onset epilepsy. Additionally, the study aimed to assess the level of self-stigma and depression, as well as their impact on adherence to antiseizure medication (ASMs).

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Epilepsy Clinic at Kasr Al-Ainy Hospitals. Patients underwent a thorough evaluation of their seizure history, as well as completed the Adherence to Refills and Medications Scale (ARMS), Kilifi Stigma Scale for Epilepsy (KSSE), and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) to assess depression.

Results

A total of 136 AWE were included in the study, consisting of 82 males and 54 females with a median age of 15 and an interquartile range of 13–17. Most patients (54 %) had focal onset seizures, while the remaining 46 % had generalized onset seizures. Of the total sample, 87 (64 %) achieved seizure control for at least one year and are currently taking ASMs. However, only 60 % of the patients were found to be adherent to their ASMs. Fourteen patients (17.2 %) met the criteria for drug-resistant epilepsy. Interestingly, patients with adolescent-onset epilepsy were significantly more adherent to their ASMs compared to those with childhood-onset epilepsy (P=0.01). Additionally, the adherent group had significantly lower scores on KSSE and PHQ-9 compared to the non-adherent group (P=<0.0001 for each). Furthermore, there was a positive correlation between scores on the KSSE and PHQ-9 (P<0.001).

Conclusion

Depression and self-stigma are significant barriers to adherence among adolescents with epilepsy. These findings highlight the need to involve psychiatrists and epileptologists in epilepsy transition programs.