SELF-HELP EPILEPSY GROUPS - AN EVALUATION OF EFFECT ON DEPRESSION ANDSCHIZOPHRENIA

The general prevalence of depression and schizophrenia was determined in a random outpatient population (n = 67) of refractory epileptic pat ients by Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) and Beck D epression Inventory (BDI). Of those patients 25% showed scores of mode rate or severe depression. Self-help group intervention modifies signi ficantly (p < 0.001) general mean depression rates, especially dystimi a. Male and female differences emerged in our study for previous preva lence and pattern of recovery.