High prevalence of depression among Iranian patients with first onset pseudoseizures

BACKGROUND: Pseudoseizures are common and can pose a significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Exploring the role of psychiatric disorders can be helpful. The aim of this study was to evaluate depression in patients with first onset pseudoseizure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Consecutive patients with pseudoseizure (DSM IV) in an emergency room (Tabriz, northwestern Iran) were evaluated with beck depression inventory (BDI) and were compared to age- and sex-matched patients with other neurologic disorders. RESULTS: Forty-two patients with pseudoseizure (52% male; age: 25.7 ± 6.4) were compared to 50 patients with other neurologic disorders (55.1% male; age: 27.2 ± 5.7) by BDI. Marriage status and educational level were almost similar between two groups. The mean (±SD) score of BDI in patients with pseudoseizures and controls was 23.6 ± 7.4 and 14.14 ±10.5, respectively. Depression was more common and more severe among patients with pseudoseizures (96% vs. 60%). CONCLUSION: Depression is common among patients with pseudoseizure even in patients with first onset attacks.