Controlled Study of Distress in Parents of Children with Epilepsy

Abstract

BackgroundChildhood epilepsy can have a significant impact on family functioning with high rates of patent anxiety and depression being reported.ObjectivesTo demonstrate the frequency of depression, anxiety and distress among the parents of epileptic children.Patients and MethodsA cross sectional study design was carried out on 100 children and their parents attending the outpatient clinics in Minia University Hospital, arranged in two groups, Group (A) consisted of 50 epileptic children and their caregivers. On the other hand, Group (B) consisted of 50 age- and sex matched controls. Comprehensive Assessment was carried out. A well-prepared sheet had been used for the evaluation of subjects of the study. Twenty-one item Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21), Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM - A) and Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD) were used for interviewing the parents of the epileptic children to screen for depression, anxiety, stress in those parents. This process preceded by full explanation of all the previous tools.There was statistically significant difference between the parents of the epileptic group and the control group regarding DASS score, and HAM-A score. There was no statistically significance between the 2 groups regarding the HRSD. The parents group of generalized fits shows to have a higher score of DASS (9.5±4.7), HDRS (5.1±3.3). In contrast to the focal fits group. On the other hand, the parents of group of generalized fits shows to have lower score of HAM-A (6.7±4) in contrast to the focal fits group but not statistically significant.Compliant group shows to have higher score of HAM-A, HDRS score in contrast to non-compliant group. These correlations were not statistically significant.ConclusionsParents of the epileptic children had more anxiety, depression and stress than the control. Lower parental education was associated with more distress and anxiety.Ploy-therapy increased parent anxiety and depression. Compliance on treatment decreased parent distress but increased parent anxiety and depression.