Evaluation of a group of epilepsy patients in terms of sleep quality, fatigue and depression

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between clinical features, sleep quality, fatigue and mental symptoms in epileptic patients. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at epilepsy outpatient clinic of Bozyaka Training and Research Hospital. 81 patients who were followed up for the diagnosis of epilepsy were included in the study. The patients were administered a sociodemographic data form, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Beck Depression Inventory, Fatigue Severity Scale. Results: The median age of the patients included in the study was 37.42 (51.9%) were women and 39 (48.1%) were men with an education period of 8 years. There was no previous family history of psychiatric illness. Seizure control was achieved in 34 (42%) patients. 53 (65.4%) patients were observed for focal type, 28 (34.6%) patients were for generalized type seizures. The median duration of epilepsy was 13 years. The median Beck Depression Inventory score of the patients was 13, and the number of patients with a Beck Depression Inventory score higher than 19 was 25 (30.9%). There was mild tiredness in 47 (58%) and chronic fatigue in 16 (19.8%) patients. The median of Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index total score was 4 and 18.5% (15) had poor sleep quality. Chronic fatigue was higher in epilepsy patients without seizure control compared to those with seizure control (p = 0.001). Conclusion: The rate of patients with moderate and severe depression is high in our study. This indicates the significance of evaluating the diagnosis of depression in epilepsy patients. In the follow-up of these patients, it is crucial to investigate the causes of fatigue and depression carefully. Especially psychiatric expert opinion and multidisciplinary follow-up should be carried out without ignoring the presence of depression.