Epilepsy and depression

People with epilepsy are almost twice as likely to suffer from depression, according to a study by researchers from the University of Toronto who used data from the 2000/2001 Canadian Community Health Survey. The survey found that 13% of people with epilepsy suffered from depression compared to only 7% of people who did not have epilepsy. Once other factors had been taken into account it was found that people with epilepsy were 43% more likely to suffer from depression. Among people with epilepsy those from ethnic minorities were seven times more likely to have depression than White people. Women, older people and those struggling to buy food were all more likely than other people with epilepsy to become depressed. The study also found that 40% of depressed people with epilepsy were not using mental-health services.

You can find out more about this research at

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090316133431.htm