Neuro-Cognitive Functioning and Depression among Epileptic Children

Abstract

Epilepsy leads to neurocognitive impairment and might lead to various psychological co-morbidities. The aim of the study was to bring out the relationship between one of such co-morbidities- Depression and Neurocognitive functioning among epileptic children (8-15 years). Only epileptic children with normal IQ were included in the study (N=74) among which 49 are male and 25 are female. Center for Epidemiological studies Depression Scale for Children (CES-DC) was used to assess depression and NIMHANS Neuropsychological Child Battery was used to evaluate the cognitive function which emphasize on executive functions. Each test included under the battery assesses a known specific function and has well established constructive validity. The statistical analysis was done using Pearson product moment correlation, Step wise Regression and ANOVA. Results indicated that there is significant positive relationship between Depression and logical memory, focused attention, divided attention and visuo-spatial abilities. There is negative relationship between depression and new learning, susceptibility for interference, recognition and immediate memory span. There is 80% of effect of depression on the performance of logical memory test.  The future studies could bring out more information related to this association.