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Updated: Aug 17, 2025
08:23
A Multimodal Imaging- and Stimulation-based Method of Evaluating Connectivity-related Brain Excitability in Patients with Epilepsy
Published on: November 13, 2016
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Exploring the association between epilepsy and depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Shao-Kun Qin1,2, Zi-Xian Yang2,3, Zhen-Wei Guan2,4
1Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China.
Plos One
|December 15, 2022
Summary
Epilepsy significantly increases the risk of depression. Depression severity is linked to epilepsy severity, highlighting a critical connection between these conditions.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Psychiatry
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Epilepsy and depression frequently co-occur, impacting patient quality of life.
- Understanding the prevalence and risk factors for depression in epilepsy is crucial for effective management.
Approach:
- A comprehensive meta-analysis was conducted, synthesizing data from 48 studies.
- Nine electronic databases and hand searches were utilized, covering English literature up to May 2022.
- Random-effects models were employed to generate pooled prevalence estimates.
Key Points:
- The pooled period prevalence of depression in epilepsy patients was 27% in population-based settings and 34% in clinical settings.
- Epilepsy prevalence ranged from 1% to 6% among individuals with depression.
- Identified risk factors for depression in epilepsy include seizure frequency, socioeconomic factors, stigma, anxiety, and disease characteristics.
Conclusions:
- Epilepsy is associated with an elevated risk of developing depression.
- The severity of epilepsy correlates with the severity of depression, underscoring the bidirectional relationship.
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