Investigation of anxiety, depression, and adjustment disorder in mothers of children with a seizure disorder in the Georgian population
Mariam Alavidze1, Marilyn Dias1, tinatin tkemaladze2, Sofia Kasradze3
1Tbilisi state medical university, 2Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Tbilisi state medical university, 3neurology, Institute of Neurology and Neuropsychology (INN),
Objective:
Our study aimed to investigate the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and adjustment disorder in mothers of children with seizure disorders and to find the risk factors contributing to developing these diseases.
Background:
Around fifty million people worldwide have a seizure disorder, making it one of the most common neurological diseases globally. Studies have shown that caregivers of patients often experience mental health issues. However, there are few studies about the risk factors contributing to mental and adjustment disorders in mothers of children with seizures leading to chronic depression.
Design/Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted. Fifty-nine mothers of children with seizures aged 0-18 years were investigated in Georgia using questionnaires including information about sociodemographic, financial, and personal issues, as well as Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ9), General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD7), and Adjustment Disorder–New Module-7 (ADNM7).
Results:
Out of fifty-nine participants, fifty-five had one or more mental disorders. 37/59 had depression, 16/59 had adjustment disorder and 45/59 had GAD. The most common risk factor was financial issues. GAD and depression had a strong association with lack of family support. Adjustment disorder was mainly associated with patients’ mothers being aware of the disease before diagnosis. Stigma was primarily associated with depression, while conflicts within the family were associated with depression and adjustment disorder.
Conclusions:
Results of the study suggest that the most common risk factors causing mental distress are financial issues and lack of family support. This opens new avenues to develop preventive and management strategies for these diseases.