Lamotrigine improves aggression in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Aggression in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) presents complex challenges.
• Heterogeneity in aggression's phenomenology and neurobiology is noted in TLE.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of lamotrigine in mitigating aggression in TLE patients.
• To assess changes in aggression using the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BAQ).

Main Methods:

• Patients with TLE exhibiting aggression were enrolled (n=21).
• The Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BAQ) assessed aggression (Physical Aggression, Verbal Aggression, Anger, Hostility).
• Lamotrigine treatment effects were observed over ten weeks.

Main Results:

• TLE patients showed significantly higher baseline BAQ scores (Total, Physical Aggression, Anger, Hostility) compared to controls (n=115).
• Lamotrigine treatment led to significant improvements in BAQ Total and Anger scores.
• No depressive symptoms were observed in the treated TLE patients.

Conclusions:

• Lamotrigine demonstrates efficacy in reducing aggression, particularly anger, in TLE patients.
• Anger, as an emotional component of aggression, appears responsive to lamotrigine treatment.
• Lamotrigine may be a viable option for managing aggression in TLE.