Epilepsy and Mental Health: What You Should Know

Depression is the most common psychiatric comorbidity in people with epilepsy*. Moreover, according to today’s guest Dr. Andres Kanner, individuals with epilepsy have a higher risk of developing anxiety and depression, and those with anxiety or depression have a higher risk of developing epilepsy. This “bi-directional” relationship between epilepsy and mental health issues is critical for physicians, patients, and families to consider and monitor from initial diagnosis throughout the course of treatment.
Unfortunately, anxiety and depression are rarely discussed during the initial diagnosis. But given the data we have now, clinicians like Dr. Kanner recommend that these potential psychiatric comorbidities be investigated and monitored in epilepsy patients, especially those who have a personal or family history of mental health issues.
In this episode of Seizing Life, explore the psychological impacts of epilepsy that can result in mood disorders, like depression and anxiety with Dr. Kanner, Director of the International Comprehensive Epilepsy Center and Chief of Epilepsy Division at the University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine. He discusses the importance of considering the psychological impacts of an epilepsy diagnosis on both patients and families. Dr. Kanner recommends that physicians take a patient’s full personal and family psychiatric history during the initial diagnosis and outlines how that information should be utilized in treating the patient.
For more information about epilepsy and what CURE Epilepsy is doing to find a cure, please visit: www.cureepilepsy.org/
*Kanner AM. Depression and anxiety: A new perspective on two closely related disorders. Epilepsy Curr. 2006; 6(5):141-146.

[@jasonbrophy5567]

My ex-girlfriend had epilepsy we broke up during the pandemic. I've study epilepsy a lot I wish I would have found this guy before we broke up it would have helped me understand her more.

[@jasonbrophy5567]

Sorry for the spelling errors hopefully it's understandable

[@nazdalaan]

The intro piano is absolutely relaxing

[@jasper36]

Thank you.
I'm undergoing a week+ long EEG at UCSF. The neurologists here are open to possibilities that *none* of my previous neurologists were willing even to speculate about. I've had two psychiatrists visit my room so far as well a dietician. Here at UCSF they seem more aware of the baffling diversity in this condition.
This video gives me even more confidence and reduces my feelings of hopelessness even more. Dr. Hegde gave you accolades as well when I mention you to him a few minutes ago.

[@busterrainbow8791]

Epilepsy is so hard to live with its like a bolt to your leg

[@juliesmith5567]

I have epileptic seizures and along time so annoying mainly when you just drop on floor without knowing it and then a person you don't know is there helping tells you have then ambulance too

[@letsgoBrandon204]

My seizures hardly feature in my consciousness. I remember very few of them and what I do remember there's no emotion attached to them. They're controlled now.
My memory problems are more problematic, but my anxiety issues are life consuming. There isn't a day goes by that the anxiety doesn't feature in.

[@mkbuhain]

i have the same problem, I had epilepsy since i was 13 been living with it for 30 years, my memory is a mess, cognitive thinking is getting slower, but when depression and anxiety comes into the mix, then all hell breaks loose, I don't what to do anymore. Sometimes, i just want to stay at home and sleep all day but i cannot do that i need to work and be with people, take care of my family and that is where the difficulty is, people dont know what your going through. and if they do, they stray from you. Its hard to live with this condition but it is what it is.

[@jeftro28]

Wish my neurologist was this aware of the inevitable psychological issues that come with a diagnosis. They were only worried about stopping seizures, no consideration of our new reality. “Loss of predictability” is a bitch.

[@faizeljamaluddin5841]

I have religiously practiced mindfulness, this was the only solution that worked for me to control anxiety

[@OffBlackKash]

Suffered from them when I was young stopped for about 8 years now they started back

[@lisamarie6016]

This was absolutely very..very informative. My daughter has Epilepsy since she was 6. This has helped me understand so much. Thank you !!💜

[@CUREepilepsy]

We are honored to be a resource for the epilepsy community.

[@kristinnefertiti8267]

24yrs of epilepsy over here

[@heatherstratta3266]

My epidemiologist gives me my depression medication

[@seleldjdfmn221]

Please remember me at 1000 Subscribers. you must work really hard! #great :o