Depression, Hopelessness and Suicide Risk Among Patients Suffering From Epilepsy

In this pilot study a sample of 103 patients with a diagnosis of temporal lobe epilepsy were collected from 3 clinics. 26% of the patients had scores of 9 or greater on the Beck Hopelessness Scale suggesting they should be evaluated for suicidal inclinations. These patients were significantly older & had higher levels of depression & anxiety, but they did not differ in gender, age of onset of epilepsy or responsiveness to medication. The study results add support for the need for screening for suicide risk in patients with epilepsy. (43 refs.)