Cross-sectional survey reveals reduced quality of life and higher depression symptoms in people with epilepsy, highlighting the need to address treatment burdens and mental health.
Key Points
To evaluate the impact and burden of epilepsy and antiseizure treatments on the daily activities, mental well-being, and overall quality of life in affected individuals.
A 30-minute online survey was conducted across five European countries (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK).
Assessed 500 individuals with epilepsy receiving >1 antiseizure medication and 500 matched controls using the 12-Item Short Form Survey (SF-12) and the Neurological Disorders Depression Inventory for Epilepsy (NDDI-E).
A significantly greater proportion of individuals with epilepsy screened positive for major depressive disorder symptoms (NDDI-E score 15–24) compared to matched controls (54% vs 35%; p < 0.0001).
Participants with epilepsy reported significantly lower total SF-12 scores across both physical and mental components, with higher rates of self-reported 'poor' or 'fair' health and activity limitations.
Part-time employment was significantly higher among participants with epilepsy than controls (15% vs 11%; p = 0.03), and those receiving ≥3 antiseizure medications experienced greater functional limitations than those on two medications.