Journal of Behavioral Health and Psychology. 0201;
3(2):(108-345)
Prevalence and correlates of generalized anxiety disorder and depression among caregivers of children and adolescents with seizure disorders
Emmanuel Olatunde Babalola, Timothy Olaolu Adebowale, Peter Onifade, Adegoke Oloruntoba Adelufosi
Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and correlates of anxiety and depression among
caregivers of children with seizure disorders. Methods: Two hundred and two caregivers of children with
seizure disorders were administered socio-demographic questionnaires at the Child and Adolescent Outpatient
Clinic between October 2011 and March 2012. The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM – IV axis 1 Diagnosis
(SCID) was used for diagnosis of Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Major Depression. Results: One hundred
and forty six (72%) of the carers were females, with mothers of patients accounting for 66% of respondents.
The prevalence of generalized anxiety among the respondents was 12%, while that of major depressive
disorder was 50.5%. The socio-demographic characteristics of carers associated with psychiatric morbidity
included older age range (χ2=18.67, p=0.001), being employed (χ2=10.41, p=0.015), longer duration of
care (χ2=18.07, p=0.001) and being patients’ mother (χ2=10.17, p=0.032). Conclusion: Depression and
anxiety are common among caregivers of children with seizure disorders. Caregivers’ socio-demographic
characteristics and patients’ clinical variables are associated with prevalence of anxiety and depression. These
findings suggest the need to adopt a holistic approach to the detection of these disorders and developing
adequate intervention for these caregivers.
