Study of DSM-IV Axis I psychiatric disorders in patients with refractory complex partial seizures using a short structured clinical interview

Psychiatric disorders are a source of significant comorbidity in patients with refractory epilepsy, yet are often underrecognized. We assessed the prevalence of DSM-IV Axis I psychiatric disorders using a short structured clinical interview (Mini-International Psychiatric Interview [MINI]) in patients with medically refractory complex partial seizures. Consecutive patients with refractory epilepsy being evaluated with video/EEG monitoring and imaging for seizure focus localization and lateralization underwent MINI evaluation to assess for the presence of psychiatric disorders. Among 117 patients (74 male, 43 female) studied, 57 (48.7%) had at least one psychiatric disorder; 19 (16.2%) had depression, 10 (8.5%) dysthymia, 27 (23.0%) anxiety disorder, and 11(9.4%) other disorders. Most clinical features and epilepsy-related variables had no significant association with psychiatric disorder on logistic regression analysis. Almost half of the patients with refractory focal seizures have a coexistent psychiatric disorder, and its presence or absence cannot be predicted by their clinical profiles. All patients should be assessed and treated for psychiatric comorbidity to improve overall quality of life.