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

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.