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Depression in epilepsy: a common but often unrecognized comorbid malady
1Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush Medical College, Chicago, Illinois; Rush Epilepsy Center, Rush Presbyterian St. Luke's Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois.
Epilepsy & Behavior : E&B
|March 1, 2003
Summary
Depressive disorders (DDs) are common in epilepsy but often missed. This review explores why DDs in epilepsy go unrecognized and untreated, impacting patient quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Depressive disorders (DDs) are the most common psychiatric comorbidity in epilepsy.
- Despite high prevalence, DDs in epilepsy patients are frequently unrecognized and untreated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the reasons for the underdiagnosis and undertreatment of DDs in epilepsy.
- To highlight key aspects for evaluating epileptic patients for DDs.
- To review relevant treatment issues for DDs in epilepsy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on epidemiologic, etiopathogenic, and clinical aspects of DDs in epilepsy.
- Analysis of factors contributing to the failure in recognizing and treating DDs.
- Review of current treatment modalities for DDs in the context of epilepsy.
Main Results:
- DDs significantly impact the quality of life for individuals with epilepsy.
- There are substantial barriers to the recognition and treatment of DDs in this population.
- Current treatment strategies for DDs in epilepsy require further investigation.
Conclusions:
- Addressing the underdiagnosis and undertreatment of DDs in epilepsy is crucial.
- Comprehensive evaluation of epileptic patients must include assessment for depression.
- Further research is needed to establish rigorous treatment protocols for DDs in epilepsy.