Depression and epilepsy: A bidirectional relation?
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 5, 2026

Electroconvulsive Seizures in Rats and Fractionation of Their Hippocampi to Examine Seizure-induced Changes in Postsynaptic Density Proteins
Published on: August 15, 2017
1Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush Medical College at Rush University, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois 60612, USA. akanner@rush.edu
Abstract:
A bidirectional relation between depressive disorders and epilepsy has been suggested by several population-based studies and is supported by experimental studies. This article reviews the potential pathogenic mechanisms operant in both disorders that may explain such a relation. These mechanisms include a hyperactive hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and its neuroanatomic and neuropathologic complications, as well as disturbances in serotonergic, noradrenergic, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic and glutamatergic neurotransmitter systems, all of which may be interrelated.
Related Concept Videos
Epilepsy and Seizures: Overview
Various factors can trigger epilepsy, including genetic factors, brain damage, metabolic causes, and unknown etiology. Diagnosis of epilepsy involves electroencephalography (EEG), which...
Depressive Disorders: Etiology
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
Electroconvulsive Therapy
Depression: Overview
Epilepsy ll: Types
Long-term Depression

