Interictal psychopathology in epilepsy: prevalence and pattern in a Nigerian clinic

Article Abstract:

In Black Africa the prevalence of epilepsy is much greater than in Western cultures. To assess types of psychiatric disturbances associated with epilepsy in Black Africa, 204 consecutively admitted epileptic patients at a Nigerian neurology clinic (aged 13 years or older, with an average age of 22 to 25) were studied. Electroencephalography (EEG; a recording of the electric potential differences between brain regions) determined the type of epilepsy each patient had. On the basis of EEG results, the patients were divided into three groups: (1) primary generalized epilepsy (PGE), in which there were no localized neurological signs; (2) temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), in which recordings showed disturbances of the anterior or mid-temporal areas; and (3) partial seizures of non-temporal origin (partial non-TLE), demonstrated by disturbances originating outside the temporal lobe. Psychiatric assessment was accomplished by using a standardized semistructured clinical interview schedule. EEGs revealed that 99 patients (59 males and 40 females) had PGE, 82 (61 males and 31 females) had TLE, and 23 (13 males and 10 females) had partial non-TLE. The interview schedule scores showed that the TLE group rated as more highly impaired in terms of depressive neurosis, psychosis, schizophrenia and conduct disorder. The partial non-TLE group tended to have more manic disturbance than the TLE group. Patients with partial non-TLE were found to be the least impaired group. Psychiatric differences between groups were statistically significant. Neurotic disorders (anxiety or depressive neurosis) accounted for 53 percent of the total psychiatric morbidity. About 29 percent were related to various psychotic disorders. TLE patients accounted for 68 percent of the psychotic cases. Irritability, slowness and lack of spontaneity were significantly linked to younger age, while obsessive concerns with bodily functions were linked to age increases. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Epileptics, Africa, Central

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Psychosocial predictors of psychopathology in epilepsy

Article Abstract:

It is generally agreed that epileptics as a group display a higher rate of psychopathology than the general population. It is not known why this is so, but speculation has focused on the physiological aspects of the disease. Possible psychosocial predictors of psychopathology in this population have been virtually ignored by researchers. Biological, social, pharmacological, and demographic measures were performed on 102 epileptic adults in an effort to make a more comprehensive evaluation of epilepsy. Data were collected in four primary areas: neurological variables such as age of onset, duration, and physiological measures; psychosocial variables including perceived stigma, limitations, and adjustments to seizures; demographics; and medications used. Among the questionnaires completed by subjects was the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), which in this version included 30 items that assess overall psychiatric status. Seven variables were found to be significant predictors of psychopathology in epileptics on the GHQ: increased perceived stigma, a high number of stressful life events in the past year, poor adjustment to epilepsy, poor vocational adjustment, financial stress, external locus of control (interpretation of life events as external, or out of one's direct control), and earlier onset. Of these, six were psychosocial and one, age at onset, was neurological. This provides direct evidence of the importance of including psychosocial factors when assessing risk of psychiatric illness in epileptics, and the evidence underscores the need to consider all aspects of a patient's life when making such assessments. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Complications and side effects, Mental illness, Mental disorders

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Redefining the growth of the heterosexual HIV/AIDS epidemic in Chicago

Article Abstract:

This study found that the increase of HIV/AIDS from heterosexual contact is much slower than previously believed. This can influence funding for research in terms of use of resources.

Statistical Data Included, HIV infection, HIV infections, Disease transmission, AIDS (Disease), Heterosexuals

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