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Caregiver Burden and Anxiety Disorders in Epilepsy Patients

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A new study conducted at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences (NIMHANS) in India has highlighted the significant burden that caregivers of epilepsy patients face, particularly in terms of anxiety disorders. Despite the considerable impact of caregiving, evidence from resource-limited settings remains sparse. The study aimed to assess caregiver burden and its associated factors among caregivers of epilepsy patients in a tertiary care setting.

Researchers conducted a hospital-based cross-sectional study, collecting data from primary caregivers of adult epilepsy patients through interviews. The results showed that 35% of participants had moderate-to-severe caregiver burden, with a mean caregiver burden score of 36.8 (SD = 11.8). The study found a positive correlation between caregiver burden and anxiety (r = 0.7, p < 0.001). The research concluded that targeted interventions addressing caregiver mental health and stigma may reduce burden and improve comprehensive epilepsy care.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study aimed to assess caregiver burden and its associated factors among caregivers of epilepsy patients in a resource-limited setting.
  • Among 306 completed interviews, the mean caregiver burden score was 36.8 (SD = 11.8), and 35% of participants had moderate-to-severe burden.
  • Caregiver burden correlated positively with anxiety (r = 0.7, p < 0.001).
  • The study found a significant impact of caregiving on caregivers' mental health, particularly in terms of anxiety disorders.
  • Targeted interventions addressing caregiver mental health and stigma may reduce burden and improve comprehensive epilepsy care.
  • The study was conducted at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences (NIMHANS) in India.
  • The research was peer-reviewed and published in the journal Epilepsy & Behavior.
  • The study highlights the need for targeted interventions to support caregivers and improve the overall care of epilepsy patients.

Statistics:

  • Prevalence of moderate-to-severe caregiver burden: 35%
  • Mean caregiver burden score: 36.8 (SD = 11.8)
  • Correlation between caregiver burden and anxiety: r = 0.7, p < 0.001

Sources:

  • Prevalence and associated clinico-psychosocial factors of caregiver burden among family caregivers of adults with epilepsy: A cross-sectional study from a Tertiary Care Centre in India. Epilepsy & Behavior, 2025;173:110789.
  • National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. Center for Public Health, Dept. of Epidemiology. (Source)
  • Epilepsy & Behavior, published by Academic Press Inc Elsevier Science, 525 B St, Ste 1900, San Diego, CA 92101-4495, USA. (Source)

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