Psychiatric disorders in patients with epilepsy in the Japanese Hospital and the Dr. Mario Ortíz Suárez Children's Hospital of Santa Cruz, Bolivia

Abstract

Introduction: Epilepsy is an important neurological disease characterized by stigma, high psychiatric comorbidity, and considerable economic costs. Globally, it is ranked as the second most serious neurological disorder in terms of disability-adjusted life years. In Bolivia, no epidemiological studies have been carried out on psychiatric comorbidity in patients with epilepsy in this context. 
Objective: To analyze the sociodemographic variables, identify the most frequent psychiatric disorders and determine the association between these disorders and the type of epilepsy, in patients with epilepsy treated in outpatient clinics in tertiary hospitals in Santa Cruz.
Methods: This study is observational, descriptive, analytical, retrospective, cross-sectional and multicenter. The study population included all patients with a diagnosis of epilepsy seen in an outpatient Neurology clinic, with a concurrent diagnosis of psychiatric disorders. A non-probabilistic sample was used to collect data, which was obtained through the review of medical records and statistical records, using a structured data collection form.
Results and discussion: 
According to the data obtained, an equitable distribution is observed between both sexes. Regarding age, adults predominate followed by children. Regarding education, the majority of participants have primary education, followed by secondary education. The other educational levels (preschool, middle/higher technical, university, and special education) have smaller representations. The relationship between education and age shows that the majority of adults have primary education. Regarding the etiology of epilepsy, the unknown cause predominates, followed by the structural cause and the genetic cause. Regarding the type of epilepsy, the most common is generalized, followed by seal and combined. In psychiatric diagnosis, the most common disorder is mental retardation.
Conclusions: The results highlight the high prevalence of mental retardation in its different degrees and depressive disorder among patients with epilepsy. The etiology of epilepsy, the unknown cause predominates, followed by the structural cause and the genetic cause. In psychiatric diagnosis, the most common disorder is mental retardation. More epidemiological studies are required to further evaluate psychiatric comorbidity in patients with epilepsy, which could inform better clinical management and intervention strategies.