Subjective memory complaints in patients with epilepsy: The role of depression, psychological distress, and attentional functions

While objective memory dysfunctions have been thoroughly investigated in patients with epilepsy, assessment of subjective memory complaints (SMC) remains challenging. Former studies have demonstrated an impact of patients ’ depressive mood on SMC. However, the impact of more general psychological distress and cognitive functioning in non-memory domains on SMC has only received little attention so far. We therefore sought to determine the factors which may particularly predict SMC in a sample of patients with focal epilepsy (n=99) who accomplished (1) a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment, (2) a subjective memory questionnaire, and (3) scales of self-rated depressive mood and psychological distress.
Source: Epilepsy Research - Category: Neurology Authors: Source Type: research