Prevalence and correlates of generalized anxiety disorder and depression among caregivers of children and adolescents with seizure disorders

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and correlates of anxiety and depression among caregivers of children with seizure disorders. Method: Two hundred and two caregivers of children with seizure disorder were administered socio-demographic questionnaires at the child and adolescent outpatient clinic between October 2011 and March 2012. The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM – IV axis 1 Diagnosis (SCID) was used for diagnosis of Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Major Depression. Results: One hundred and forty six (72%) of the carers were females, with mothers of patients accounting for 66% of respondents. The prevalence of generalized anxiety among the respondents was 12%, while that of major depressive disorder was 50.5%. The socio-demographic characteristics of carers associated with psychiatric morbidity included older age range (2 =18.67, p=0.001), being employed (2 =10.41, p=0.015), longer duration of care (2 =18.07, p=0.001) and being patients’ mother (2 =10.17, p=0.032). Conclusion: Depression and anxiety are common among caregivers of children with seizure disorders. Caregivers’ socio-demographic characteristics and patients’ clinical variables are associated with prevalence of anxiety and depression. These findings suggest the need to adopt a holistic approach to the detection of these disorders and developing adequate intervention for these caregivers.