Death anxiety in patients with epilepsy.
Author: Otoom S, Al Jishi A, Montgomery A, Ghwanmeh M, Atoum A.
Source:
Seizure, 16(2), 142-146.
PURPOSE: Whereas the relationship between epilepsy and anxiety has received much
attention, less is known about the relationship between death anxiety and this
disorder. The objective of this study was to assess death anxiety among epileptic
patients who attended the outpatient neurology clinic at the Salmaniya Medical
Complex, Kingdom of Bahrain. METHODS: Ninety-two patients (48 males and 44
females) completed a death anxiety scale. The scale items were adopted from
already published surveys and adjusted to suit epilepsy patients. RESULTS:
Results showed that the mean death anxiety score was moderate (2.75+/-1.35), with
26.09% of patients reporting high levels of death anxiety. Period of illness and
educational level were significant predictors of death anxiety. Female patients,
generalized type of epilepsy, the short duration of the illness and low level of
education were associated with higher death anxiety scores. CONCLUSION: This
study highlights the need for developing treatment strategies, counseling
therapies and social support for people with epilepsy to decrease their death
anxiety and improve their quality of life.