Cross-sectional study finds no gender differences in anxiety and depression among epilepsy patients, highlighting the need for age-specific management strategies.
Background and Objectives: Individuals with epilepsy frequently experience psychological and sexual health challenges that impact overall well-being. This study evaluated anxiety, depression, and sexual dysfunction among individuals with epilepsy. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 160 patients (80 males and 80 females) aged 18 years or older who had been receiving antiepileptic drugs for at least one year were recruited. Participants completed three standardized assessments: the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 for depression, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 for anxiety, and the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale for sexual function. Results: No significant gender differences were observed in anxiety (males: 3.69 ± 3.86; females: 3.73 ± 4.54, P = 0.955), depression (males: 2.81 ± 3.70; females: 2.94 ± 3.88, P = 0.835), or sexual dysfunction scores (males: 13.16 ± 9.99; females: 12.93 ± 10.14, P = 0.882). Age demonstrated a significant correlation with sexual dysfunction across all domains ( r = 0.440, P < 0.001). Additionally, both epilepsy duration and medication duration were significantly associated with sexual dysfunction in females. Conclusions: Male and female patients with epilepsy exhibit similar psychological and sexual health outcomes. Age is the primary determinant of sexual dysfunction, emphasizing the importance of age-specific assessment and management strategies in epilepsy care.
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Jain et al. (2026) studied this question.
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