Quality of life in drug-resistant epilepsy: relationships with negative affectivity, memory, somatic symptoms and social support

Negative affectivity (including anxiety-trait and depression), social support, neurosensory symptoms, and long-term verbal memory were significantly related to QOL composite score (for all, p < .009), subscales of QOL showing different sensitivities to them. Even after controlling for negative affectivity, neurosensory symptoms and long-term verbal memory significantly contribute to QOL composite score (p = .0001). Conclusion: Results suggest that clinical management of patients with drug-resistant epilepsy should consider the treatment of verbal memory impairments at an early stage. Recognition of negative affectivity, poor social support and high somatic symptoms would also lead health professionals to develop different strategies to improve the QOL of patients with drug-resistant epilepsy.