Dramatic outcomes in epilepsy: depression, suicide, injuries, and mortality
Boulenouar Mesraoua1,2, Dirk Deleu1,2, Al Hail Hassan1,2
1Neurology Department, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.
Current Medical Research and Opinion
|June 2, 2020
Summary
People with epilepsy face serious risks including depression, suicide, injuries, and higher mortality. Regular screening for depression and suicidal thoughts, alongside improved seizure control, is crucial for better outcomes and reducing epilepsy-related deaths.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Epilepsy significantly impacts quality of life due to associated risks.
- High prevalence of depression and suicidal ideation in people with epilepsy (PWE) requires attention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review significant risks and consequences of epilepsy.
- To recommend strategies for managing depression, suicide, injuries, and mortality in PWE.
Main Methods:
- Narrative review of literature on epilepsy-associated risks.
- Analysis of consequences including depression, suicide, injuries, and mortality.
Main Results:
- PWE have a high risk of depression and suicidal ideation, necessitating regular screening and psychiatric referral.
- Seizure-related injuries pose a moderate risk, higher in specific populations, emphasizing seizure control.
- PWE exhibit a 2-3 times higher mortality rate, linked to epilepsy causes, seizures (including SUDEP), and other conditions.
Conclusions:
- Routine screening for depression and suicidal ideation in PWE is recommended.
- Improved seizure control is key to reducing injuries and mortality, including SUDEP.
- Comprehensive management strategies are vital for addressing the multifaceted risks associated with epilepsy.
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