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Updated: Jun 22, 2026
09:32
Network Analysis of Foramen Ovale Electrode Recordings in Drug-resistant Temporal Lobe Epilepsy Patients
Published on: December 18, 2016
Temporal lobe epilepsy confused with panic disorder: implications for treatment
Stephen I Deutsch1, Richard B Rosse, Indu M Sud
1Mental Health Service Line, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Washington, DC 20422, USA. Stephen.deutsch@med.va.gov
Clinical Neuropharmacology
|June 2, 2009
Summary
This case study highlights how temporal lobe epilepsy can mimic panic disorder, emphasizing the importance of accurate diagnosis for effective treatment. Carbamazepine proved successful where other treatments failed.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Panic disorder is often diagnosed based on recurrent anxiety and dyspnea.
- Depersonalization and derealization symptoms can complicate diagnosis.
Observation:
- A 34-year-old woman experienced escalating anxiety, dyspnea, depersonalization, derealization, internal voices, and suicidal ideation.
- Previous treatment for presumed panic disorder was unsuccessful, leading to psychiatric hospitalizations.
Findings:
- Despite normal electroencephalography and magnetic resonance imaging, temporal lobe epilepsy was suspected.
- The patient showed a dramatic response to carbamazepine, suggesting an epilepsy diagnosis.
Implications:
- Misdiagnosis between panic disorder and temporal lobe epilepsy can delay effective treatment.
- Accurate diagnosis is crucial for selecting appropriate pharmacotherapy.
- Potential environmental factors like carbon monoxide exposure warrant consideration in unusual presentations.
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