Tracking psychosocial health in adults with epilepsy—Estimates from the 2010 National Health Interview Survey

Abstract Objective This study provides population-based estimates of psychosocial health among U.S. adults with epilepsy from the 2010 National Health Interview Survey. Methods Multinomial logistic regression was used to estimate the prevalence of the following measures of psychosocial health among adults with epilepsy and those without epilepsy: 1) the Kessler-6 scale of serious psychological distress; 2) cognitive limitation, the extent of impairments associated with psychological problems, and work limitation; 3) social participation; and 4) the Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System Global Health Scale. Results Compared with adults without epilepsy, adults with epilepsy, especially those with active epilepsy, reported significantly worse psychological health, more cognitive impairment, difficulty in participating in some social activities, and reduced health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Conclusions These disparities in psychosocial health in U.S. adults with epilepsy serve as baseline national estimates of their HRQOL, consistent with Healthy People 2020 national objectives on HRQOL.