The Behavioral Aspects of Epilepsy: An Overview of Controversial Issues

The field of epilepsy and behavior is rich with controversial issues. In anticipation of an upcoming new feature of Epilepsy & Behavior called Controversial Issues in Epilepsy and Behavior, several highly debated issues are reviewed in this article. These include whether epilepsy is a neuropsychiatric disorder, the relationship between epilepsy and depression and the possible "bidirectional" interaction between the two disorders, and the differences in clinical expression of depression and psychotic disorders in epileptic and nonepileptic patients and the associated implications with respect to diagnosis and treatment. In addition, forced normalization and the very limited involvement of psychiatrists in the evaluation and management of patients with epilepsy are discussed.