Impact of JME on quality of life: Does a well-controlled epilepsy also hamper the psychological wellbeing?

• Published in: Epilepsy research 2023-08, Vol.194, p.107184-107184, Article 107184
• Main Authors: Roshan, Sujata, Shukla, Tanvi, Todi, Vineet Kumar, Gupta, Swapan, Duggal, Ashish Kumar, Khwaja, Geeta Anjum, Dhamija, Kamakshi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Comorbidity; Cross-Sectional Studies; Epilepsy - epidemiology; Humans; JME; Psychopathology; QOL; QOLIE 31P score; QOLIE–AD-48; Quality of Life - psychology; Seizures - psychology; Surveys and Questionnaires
• ISSN: 0920-1211; 1872-6844
• DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2023.107184

Epilepsy is a stigmatizing disorder and its diagnosis can have important psychosocial consequences on individuals, severely impacting their quality of life(QOL). There are numerous studies which have seen an adverse impact on the psychosocial aspects of life in patients with intractable epilepsy. The aim of this study was to assess the QOL in adult and adolescent patients with JME, which is largely a well-controlled form of epilepsy. This was a hospital based cross-sectional observational study comprising of 50 JME patients. QOLIE-31-P and QOLIE–AD-48 questionnaires were used to assess QOL in adults & adolescents(11–17 years) respectively. The Mini international neuropsychiatric interview-version 7.0.2 and Brief psychiatric rating scale were used for screening of underlying psychopathology and if, the screening tests were positive then they were further evaluated and classified using DSM V and ICD 10. The mean QOLIE-31-P score was 64.65 ± 15.74. Majority of the adult patients had fair QOL (poor, fair and good QOL scores in 18 %, 54 % and 28 % respectively). Subscale scores in poor category were for the medication effects and pertaining to seizure worry.Among adolescent patients, the mean QOLIE 48 AD score was 69.15 ± 13.13. 50 % had fair QOL. Amongst those with poor QOL, majority of poor scores were for the attitude towards epilepsy. The QOL scores were significantly poorer in patients with uncontrolled seizures. 78 % of the patients had comorbid anxiety and depression, however syndromic psychiatric diagnosis was seen in 10.25 % and 2.56 % for anxiety and depression respectively. Presence of psychiatric symptoms did not influence QOL scores. QOL, in well controlled JME, is fair in majority of patients. QOL might improve if seizure worry is addressed and patients are educated about medication effects at the time of initial diagnosis. Vast majority of patients may experience minor psychiatric issues, which do need addressal for formulating a holistic and individualized treatment plan. •A cross-sectional study on 50 JME patients assessing the quality of life (QOL) and psychosocial impact of epilepsy.•QOLIE − 31- P and QOLIE–AD-48 questionnaires were used separately to assess QOL in adult & adolescents respectively.•Underlying psychopathology was screened with M.I.N.I version 7.0.2 and BPRS scales; further confirmed with DSM V & ICD 10.•QOL in well controlled JME was majorly fair and good. However 18 % of patients had poor QOL owing to seizure worry and cultur