Victoria Gaudin, BMSc '18, MSc Candidate
Victoria Gaudin
Anxiety symptoms in youth 10 years after the onset of epilepsy
-Project supervised by Kathy Speechley, PhD and completed in 2018
Abstract
Objectives: The objectives of this study were to examine self-reported anxiety symptoms in youth with epilepsy 10 years after diagnosis, and to examine clinical, family, and child well-being factors at baseline associated with anxiety symptoms 10 years after diagnosis.
Methods: Data came from the Health-Related Quality of Life in Children with Epilepsy Study (HERQULES) completed at The University of Western Ontario, a prospective cohort study in children aged 4-12 with newly diagnosed epilepsy who were followed for 10 years. Sample size was 387 at baseline and 128 at the end of 10 years. Anxiety symptoms at 10 years were measured using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Y-6 (STAI Y-6). Linear regression analyses of clinical, family, and child well-being factors at baseline on STAI Y-6 scores at 10 years were completed.
Results: Mean, median, and mode STAI Y-6 scores (range 20-80) measuring anxiety symptoms at 10 years were 37.1, 35.0, and 20.0, respectively. In linear regression analysis, convulsive status epilepticus and behavioural problems at the time of diagnosis were significantly associated with greater anxiety symptoms at 10 years. Family functioning, anxiety, and overall quality of life at the time of diagnosis were significantly associated with fewer anxiety symptoms at 10 years.
Conclusion: Physicians should pay attention to clinical factors that may be associated with anxiety when treating children with epilepsy. Research into treatment options for anxiety as a comorbidity with epilepsy in clinical practice is required to determine the most effective treatment options. Support and resources should be provided to families in order to increase coping and resiliency as a step to reduce later anxiety symptoms that may be associated with family functioning.
About Victoria
Victoria Gaudin, BMSc '18, is currently an MSc Candidate in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, supervised by Dr. Sisira Sarma.
