| Abstract | Subjective memory complaints are frequently reported in patients with epilepsy (PWE). However, studies have shown that perceived cognitive deficits are often weakly and/or inconsistently associated with objective test performance. Instead, mood disturbance (e.g., anxiety, depression) is commonly a strong predictor of subjective cognitive impairment. The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between subjective memory complaints, objective cognitive performance, and mood in PWE using the Memory Assessment Clinics Scale for Epilepsy (MAC-E), Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS), and Beck inventories. Participants included 66 English-speaking adults (61% female; 83% White; mean age = 47.0, SD = 18.2) who underwent an inpatient or outpatient neuropsychological evaluation in the context of treatment for their epilepsy syndrome. A multiple regression showed that Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) scores significantly predicted MAC-E Ability ratings [F(3,52) = 4.86, p < .05, R2 = .22]; the greater depression severity, the lower one’s perceived memory abilities. RBANS index and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) scores were not predictive of subjective memory complaints. These preliminary results have important implications for understanding perceived cognitive difficulties in PWE, and for treating and referring such patients in order to optimally manage symptoms and maximize functional outcomes. |
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| First Author | Taylor A. Liberta |
| Second Author | Margaret Miller |
| Third Author | Robyn M. Busch |
| Fourth Author | Daniel Friedman |
| Fifth Author | Lilian Salinas |
| Sixth Author | Chris Morrison |
| Seventh Author | Stephan Schuele |
| Eighth Author | Katia Lin |
| Ninth Author | William B. Barr |
