Overview
Epilepsy is really a nerve condition that triggers seizures. For those who have epilepsy, you’re more prone to develop depression. Depression may have a negative impact on your everyday existence and relationships. That is why it’s essential to obtain strategy to it.
Based on research printed in Epilepsy and Behavior, depression is easily the most common mental health condition to affect individuals with epilepsy. Researchers performing this research estimate that 30 to 35 % of individuals with epilepsy also experience depression.
Keep studying to understand more about what can cause depression in individuals with epilepsy and just how that depression is treated.
What’s epilepsy?
Epilepsy is really a nerve condition that triggers seizures. Seizures happen whenever your brain’s electrical activity becomes abnormal. Other concerns may also cause seizures, for example mind injuries and alcohol withdrawal.
There are various kinds of seizures with assorted signs and symptoms. You may strongly shake, lose awareness, and fall towards the floor. Inside a couple of minutes you will be awake, but feel sleepy and confused. Or you will lose understanding of your surroundings and stare for any couple of seconds.
If you’ve had multiple seizures, your physician might test you for epilepsy. If you are identified as having this problem, they’ll likely prescribe medication to assist manage your signs and symptoms. In some instances, they may recommend surgical procedures or anything else.
What’s depression?
Depression is a very common mood disorder. There are various types of depression.
Many people feel lower every so often. However with depression, the signs and symptoms don’t usually disappear with no treatment. For those who have depression, you might:
- feel sad, scared, angry, or anxious
- find it difficult concentrating or having to pay attention
- sleep an excessive amount of or not enough
- weary inside your usual activities
- be pretty much hungry than normal
- have different pains and aches
Depression can hinder your school or work and private relationships. It may also allow it to be difficult to enjoy existence. For those who have signs and symptoms of depression, see your physician. They are able to provide treatment or recommend a mental medical expert.
When does depression affect individuals with epilepsy?
For many people with epilepsy, signs and symptoms of depression behave as a feeling. A feeling is really a danger signal that the seizure is originating.
You could also be depressed for a few days following a seizure. Or else you can experience lengthy-term depression. Depression could possibly affect you anytime.
What can cause depression in individuals with epilepsy?
The potential reasons for depression in individuals with epilepsy include:
Kind of seizure
With respect to the kind of seizure and also the section of your mind affected, the seizure itself might affect your mood. This may lead to mood disorders, including depression.
Hormones
Your hormonal levels also affects your mood and thinking processes. Based on researchers within the journal Functional Neurology, studies claim that sex hormones affect your chance of developing both epilepsy and depression. These hormones could have a greater impact on women than men.
Negative effects from medications
Antiseizure drugs also affects the atmosphere centers inside your brain, raising your chance of depression. Barbiturates might be more prone to lead to depression than other antiseizure medications. These could also affect your mood:
- benzodiazepines
- levetiracetam (Keppra)
- topiramate (Topamax)
- vigabatrin (Sabril)
If you think your epilepsy medicine is inside your mood, speak to your physician. The signs and symptoms might be temporary, while the body adjusts towards the medication. However your physician might also alter the dose or switch you to definitely another drug.
It’s not easy to handle a lengthy-term medical problem for example epilepsy. For many people, it can result in feeling sad, anxious, embarrassed, or perhaps angry. These negative feelings can result in depression.
How’s depression treated in individuals with epilepsy?
Treating depression and epilepsy simultaneously could be a challenge. Antiseizure and antidepressant medications may affect your signs and symptoms. These medications might also affect one another. This could cause signs and symptoms of either conditions to get worse. For instance, many people shouldn’t take bupropion (Wellbutrin) for depression if they likewise have epilepsy. Bupropion could raise the frequency of seizures.
Experts within the journal Current Treatments in NeurologyTrusted Source encourage doctors and patients to “start low, go slow, and employ the cheapest effective dose.” Your physician might start yourself on the cheapest possible dose of the drug and appearance back with you to view how it’s working. Oftentimes, greater dosages increase the chance of interactions and negative effects.
You might have to try different medications and doses to locate what works well with you. Don’t make any changes for your medications without first speaking for your physician.
Your physician can prescribe medication according to your particular signs and symptoms and requires. Additionally to medications, they might recommend changes in lifestyle, talk therapy, or any other treatments.
What’s the takeaway?
For those who have epilepsy, you’re at greater chance of developing depression. For those who have epilepsy and think you’ve depression, see your physician. They are able to prescribe treatment that is the best for you.