[Rapid detection of a depressive disorder in persons with epilepsy. Validation of a German version of the NDDI-E].

The prevalence of psychiatric disorders in people with epilepsy is high. Depression and anxiety disorders are especially frequent. These comorbid disorders are, however, easily overlooked. The neurological disorders depression inventory for epilepsy (NDDI-E) was developed and validated as a screening instrument with six questions. The aim of the present study was to validate a German version of the NDDI-E. After translation into German and back translation into English, the NDDI-E was presented to 144 patients at the Bethel Epilepsy Center. The Beck depression inventory II (BDI-II), the revised symptom check list by Derogatis (SCL-90-R) and the state-trait anxiety inventory (STAI) were also used. The patients were examined using the mini international neuropsychiatric interview plus (MINI Plus). The German version of the NDDI-E proved to be valid, internally consistent and easy to use.