Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety in Pediatric Epilepsy Patients

We assessed rates of symptoms of anxiety and depression among pediatric patients with epilepsy.We administered the Revised Child Manifest Anxiety Scale (RCMAS), and Child Depression Inventory (CDI) to 44 epilepsy patients aged 7-18 years (mean age 12.4 years). Demographic, socioeconomic, and epilepsy-related information was examined in relation to depression and anxiety scores.No patients had been previously identified to have depression or anxiety. However, 26% had significantly increased depression scores and 16% met criteria for significant anxiety symptomatology.Symptoms of depression and anxiety are common among pediatric patients with epilepsy and appear to be overlooked by care providers.