Psychiatric-Medical ComorbiditySuicide risk among adults with epilepsy in Kaduna, Nigeria

ObjectiveThere is paucity of information on epilepsy and suicide in Nigeria. The objective of this study therefore was to assess the prevalence and determinants of suicide risk among adults with epilepsy (AWE) in Kaduna, Nigeria.MethodWe administered the suicidality module of the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview, the three-item Oslo Social Support Scale and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale to 170 consecutive AWE attending the outpatient clinic of Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Kaduna, between January and June 2011 to determine the prevalence of suicide risk, the level of social support and the psychological symptoms, respectively. We also recorded the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of the subjects.ResultsThere are 99 males and 71 females. The subject's mean age was 28.7±12.1 years. The prevalence of suicide risk was 20.0%. Short seizure-free periods (χ2= 4.658, P= .031), previous suicide attempts (χ2= 12.216, P< .001), anxiety symptoms (χ2= 5.075, P= .024) and depressive symptoms (χ2= 5.093, P= .016) were significantly associated with suicidal tendencies. However, after a logistic regression analysis, none of the above variables predicted suicide risk.ConclusionSuicide risk is common among AWE. Poor seizure control, previous suicidal attempts and emotional distress are associated factors.