Symptoms of depression and anxiety in pediatric epilepsy patients

Purpose: We assessed rates of symptoms of anxiety and depression among pediatric patients with epilepsy. Methods: We administered the Revised Child Manifest Anxiety Scale (RCMAS), and Child Depression Inventory (CDI) to 44 epilepsy patients aged 7-18 years (mean age 12.4 years). Demographic, socioeconomic, and epilepsy-related information was examined in relation to depression and anxiety scores. Results: No patients had been previously identified to have depression or anxiety. However, 26% had significantly increased depression scores and 16% met criteria for significant anxiety symptomatology. Conclusions: Symptoms of depression and anxiety are common among pediatric patients with epilepsy and appear to be overlooked by care providers.