[Anxiety disorder due to epilepsy: a case report]

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Psychiatry
• Clinical Neuroscience

Background:

• Epilepsy is frequently associated with psychiatric disorders, including anxiety.
• Anxiety disorders can be a consequence of epilepsy, particularly focal epilepsy.
• The presentation of anxiety can vary, including phobias and generalized anxiety disorder.

Observation:

• A 41-year-old female patient presented with comorbid epilepsy and severe anxiety, including a swallowing phobia.
• Electroencephalogram (EEG) revealed frontal lobe abnormalities.
• The patient experienced both epileptic seizures and anxiety symptoms.

Findings:

• Initiation of antiepileptic medication led to the cessation of seizures.
• Anxiety symptoms resolved within two weeks of starting antiepileptic treatment.
• The patient remained asymptomatic for two years with continued treatment and psychotherapy.

Implications:

• This case underscores the necessity of considering epilepsy in the differential diagnosis of acute severe anxiety.
• Effective management of the underlying epileptic pathology can lead to the resolution of associated anxiety disorders.
• Antiepileptic drug therapy demonstrates significant efficacy in treating epilepsy-associated anxiety.