The frequency of depressive and anxiety-related symptoms among children and adolescents with epilepsy was determined in 44 patients, aged 7-18 years, at the State University of New York at Stony Brook, NY. Depression scores on a Child Depression Inventory and anxiety symptoms on a Child Manifest Anxiety Scale were significantly increased in 26% and 16%, respectively. No patient was previously diagnosed with a mood disorder, none was mentally retarded, and few had intractable seizures. [1]
COMMENT. Neuropsychological testing for depression and anxiety disorders can be important in the long-term management of children with epilepsy.