Abstract: ObjectiveTo explore the effect of the social support, coping styles and self-efficacy on depression of adults with epilepsy. Methods84 patients with epilepsy were evaluated with Zung's self rating depression scale (SDS), general conditions questionnaire, Social Support Scale, Coping Styles Questionnaire, General Self-efficacy Scale. Based on the SDS, they were divided into the depression group and the epileptic group.Results52 patients suffered from depression (61.2%). There were significant differences in general self-efficacy, coping styles and social support between the depression group and the epileptic group （P<0.05）. The score of SDS was positively correlated with the frequency of seizure, duration of epilepsy, fantasy, self-accusation and avoiding （P<0.05）, and negatively correlated with the economic status, total support, objective support, subjective support, utilization of support, problem solving, help seeking, rationalizing and self-efficacy （P<0.05）. Multiple regression analysis showed that the score of SDS was correlated with the self-efficacy, help seeking, self-accusation, economic status and frequency of seizure.ConclusionThe depression of adults with epilepsy are affected by the social support，coping styles and self-efficacy.

Key words: epilepsy, depression, social support, coping styles, self-efficacy