On Mental Health Awareness Week (13-19 May), Epilepsy Scotland is calling on health boards across Scotland to implement routine screening of mental health issues in epilepsy clinics with immediate referral to mental health support where required. 

Last year, the Scottish epilepsy charity published its Epilepsy On The Mind Report which showed that 1 in 3 respondents people living with epilepsy had depression. 

The report also found that 46% of people living with epilepsy surveyed said they had anxiety and 54% felt the condition had a significant impact on their mental health. 

Epilepsy Scotland is calling on health boards across Scotland to set up routine mental health screening schemes similar to the PAVES project for children in NHS Lothian. 

PAVES is a type of mental health screening which allows medical professionals in epilepsy clinics know more about a child or young person’s mental health when they attend epilepsy clinic appointments. 

Each child’s lead epilepsy doctor or nurse can access a ‘pyramid’ of stepped interventions, which vary according to the level of mental health need and any concerns identified in clinic. 

Potential destinations of mental health referrals, beyond recognised clinical routes, could include programmes such as Epilepsy Scotland‘s Wellbeing Service and similar programmes run by other epilepsy or mental health charities. 

Epilepsy Scotland’s Chief Executive, Lesslie Young, said: “The findings of our report last year, presented some shocking statistics. It highlighted the enormous psychological impact the diagnosis has on so many people living with epilepsy and they face that every day of their lives.  

“We are calling on health boards to consider steps for routine screening of mental health issues in epilepsy clinics.  This will aid earlier identification of the specific mental health needs of people living with epilepsy and provide the resources for those needs to be met. 

“I urge government, health boards and stakeholders to work together with us to ensure we provide that vital support to people living with epilepsy.”