The Correlation Between Epilepsy and Depression

Abstract

The current literature review examines how living with epilepsy affects the quality of a person's life. It has been demonstrated by many researchers that epilepsy is associated with an increased the risk for depression, and this is not only due to living with a disease that interferes with one's ability to control their own body, but also because people with epilepsy may have atypical neurological structures or neurochemical function that could contribute to experiencing both epilepsy and depression. Previous literature has established that people with epilepsy struggle with hopelessness, fear, and suicidal ideation; even PTSD has been observed in people with epilepsy. This paper examines these topics along with ways to cope with these feelings because being put on an SSRI (Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor) does not do enough to fight these feelings. CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) has been tested as a treatment approach—alone and in combination with an SSRI—and was shown to have a positive effect on most people with epilepsy