Background and aim of the study: Psychological disorders especially depression and anxiety occurs more commonly in epileptic patients than non-epileptics. We aim in this study to determine frequency and factors implicated in the development of depression and anxiety in patients with epilepsy.

Patients and Methods: A total of 100 consecutive patients with epilepsy attending outpatient clinic and epilepsy clinic at Sohag university hospital were included in this study.

Results: Depression was present in 71 patients (71%) and was significantly higher in females; younger age at onset of epilepsy; longer duration of epilepsy; patients on poly therapy; patients with uncontrolled seizures and patients with epileptic discharges on EEG. anxiety was present 70 patients (70%) and was significantly higher in females; younger age at onset of epilepsy; longer duration of epilepsy; patients with uncontrolled seizures and patients with epileptic discharges on EEG.

Conclusion: Screening for depression and anxiety in patients with epilepsy is mandatory especially in females; younger age at onset of epilepsy; longer duration of epilepsy; patients on polytherapy; patients with uncontrolled seizures and patients with epileptic discharges on EEG.

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Alaaeldin Sedky Bekhit

Department of Neuropsychiatry, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt