Psychopathology and limbic epilepsy: relationship to seizure variables and neuropsychological function

Correlations were sought among psychopathologic, neuropsychological, and seizure variables in 21 patients with limbic epilepsy. Observer-based assessments, such as the Bear-Fedio Inventory, and self-report assessments of psychopathology were used. Self-reported psychotic experiences were associated with increased seizure frequency. Increased religiosity was noted in patients whose epileptic focus included the left side. Increased neuropsychological impairment was associated with several measures of psychopathology, including those related to thought disorder, psychoticism, and affective disturbance.