Self‐Help Epilepsy Groups: An Evaluation of Effect on Depression and Schizophrenia

Abstract

The general prevalence of depression and schizophrenia was determined in a random outpatient population (n = 67) of refractory epileptic patients by Minnesota Multiphasic Personality inventory (MMPI) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Of those patients 25% showed scores of moderate or severe depression. Self-help group intervention modifies significantly (p < 0.001) general mean depression rates, especially dystimia. Male and female differences emerged in our study for previous prevalence and pattern of recovery.

The Efficacy of an Educational Treatment Program for Patients with Epilepsy (MOSES): Results of a Controlled, Randomized Study

“…Despite the relatively small numbers, the data indicated a tendency that contact with a self-help group at follow-up enhanced the effect of the educational program not only in Coping with Epilepsy, but also reduced more clearly Perceived Restrictions to Epilepsy and Depressive Mood. This is in accordance with a previous study that demonstrated that self-help groups are a "highly positive factor in rehabilitation, diminishing depression significantly regardless of their type of seizure and medications" (36).…”

“…Our data confirmed that depressive mood disorders are frequent in patients with epilepsy (25,26,36). Regarding severe emotional disturbances, it is not unexpected that a weekend seminar had only a limited effect, but an educational program could give hints about how and where patients with such problems can get support and professional help.…”

Why is self-help neglected in the treatment of emotional disorders? A meta-analysis

“…Reason for exclusion by absence of 1 Becu et al 1993 Randomized controlled design 2 Jerrell et al 1994 Anxiety or depression symptom measures 3 Kassinove et al 1980 Anxiety or depression symptom measures 4 Katon et al 1995 Self-help comparison condition 5 Keller et al 1975 Assessment of a diagnosis or cut-off score to establish caseness 6 Kelly et al 1993 Self-help comparison condition 7 Kuhns, 1997 Assessment of a diagnosis or cut-off score to establish caseness 8 Lang et al 1970 Assessment of a diagnosis or cut-off score to establish caseness 9 McClaskey, 1970 Anxiety or depression symptom measures 10 Monti et al 1979 Anxiety or depression symptom measures 11 Robinson et al 1997 Self-help comparison condition 12 Salaberria & Echeburua, 1998 Self-help comparison condition 13 Schmidt, 1980 Assessment of a diagnosis or cut-off score to establish caseness 14 Schmidt & Miller, 1983 Self-help comparison condition 15 Schulze et al 1997 Self-help comparison condition 16 Scogin et al 1985 Assessment of a diagnosis or cut-off score to establish caseness 17 Telch et al 1995 Self-help comparison condition 18 Tyrer, 1996 Anxiety or depression symptom measures…”

Support Groups in Psychiatry: An Untapped Resource

“…of the Journal (1), provides one example of the effective, if sometimes unheralded, role support groups can play in assisting individuals and families cope with the sequelae of a wide variety of psychiatric disorders (2)(3)(4)(5). While support groups may offer a wide variety of activities, they can be loosely divided into 2 broad categories: those that involve a professional or an "external" expert (support groups), and those which rely exclusively on individuals who have had frrsthand experiences ofthe problem or illness to organize and run activities (self-help groups).…”