Manic/hypomanic symptoms and quality of life measures in patients with epilepsy

Abstract Purpose Although several studies pointed out an association between depression and quality of life (QoL) of patients with epilepsy, data about manic/hypomanic symptoms (MHS) remain scanty. In this study, we sought to investigate their relationship with social and health-related QoL measures in patients with epilepsy. Methods Consecutive adult outpatients with epilepsy were assessed using the M.I.N.I. Plus version 5.0.0 and the QOLIE-31. Results Among 117 evaluated patients, 17 fulfilled DSM-IV criteria for manic/hypomanic episodes. Patients with MHS, as compared to those without, showed lower scores in emotional well-being, energy and fatigue, medication effects, social function and total QOLIE score. However, there was no between-groups difference in educational achievements, employment status, living situation, comorbid psychiatric disorders, history of suicide or abuse of illicit drugs. Conclusions MHS are associated with poor QoL measures in patients with epilepsy, though without differences in educational achievements, employment status and independent living.