Epilepsy and Depression (A Comprehensive Guide)

Let’s learn about epilepsy and depression.

Epilepsy is a central nervous system (neurological) disorder in which brain action gets irregular, causing seizures or times of abnormal behavior, sensations, and now and again the loss of mindfulness.

Depression is psychological disorders characterized by low mood, hopelessness, and helplessness. 

Depression can negatively affect your day by day life and relationships. We study epilepsy and depression.

We will discuss epilepsy and depression in this article.

Epilepsy and Depression 

• Epilepsy:

Epilepsy is a central nervous system (neurological) disorder in which brain action gets irregular, causing seizures or times of abnormal behavior, sensations, and now and again the loss of consciousness. 

Many people are at risk of developing epilepsy.

Epilepsy can be diagnosed in both males and females, many ethnic foundations, and in any age. 

Seizure symptoms can differ broadly. A few people with epilepsy essentially gaze vacantly for a couple of moments during a seizure, while others more than once jerk their arms or legs.

Having a solitary seizure doesn’t mean you have epilepsy. In any event two unmerited seizures are commonly required for an epilepsy diagnosis. 

Treatment with drugs or once in a while medical procedure can control seizures for most individuals with epilepsy.

A few people require deep-rooted treatment to control seizures, yet for other people, the seizures in the end leave.

A few kids with epilepsy may grow out of the condition with age. 

• Symptoms 

Since epilepsy is caused by abnormal motion in the brain, seizures can influence any procedure your brain coordinates.

Seizure signs and symptoms may include: 

• Loss of consciousness or awareness
• A staring spell
• Symptoms such as fear, anxiety 
• Temporary confusion
• Uncontrollable jerking movements of the arms and legs

When to see a doctor

• Breathing or consciousness doesn’t return after the seizure stops.

• The seizure lasts more than five minutes.
• You have a high fever.
• You’re experiencing heat exhaustion.
• You’ve injured yourself during the seizure.
• A second seizure follows immediately.
• You have diabetes.
• You’re pregnant.

Causes

Epilepsy has no identifiable cause in about half the people with the condition.

In the other half, the condition might be traced to many factors, including:

• Prenatal injury
• Head trauma
• Genetic influence
• Infection disease
• Developmental  disorders

Before discussing epilepsy and depression we should know about depression.

• What is depression? 

Feeling down, Sadness, and having a loss of pleasure and loss of interest in daily activities are familiar feelings for all of us.

The issue may be depression if they persist and affect our lives substantially.

According to the (WHO) World Health Organization. Depression is the main cause of disability worldwide.

Depression can affect adolescents, adults, and children.

Feeling down every now and then is an ordinary piece of life, yet when feelings, for example, sadness and gloom grab hold and just won’t leave, you may have depression.

Something other than sadness because of life’s setbacks and struggles, depression changes how you think, feel, and capacity in a day by day exercises.

It can meddle with your capacity to work, study, sleep, eat, and appreciate life. Simply attempting to overcome the day can be overpowering. 

While a few people describe depression as “living in a black hole” or having a feeling of approaching fate, others feel lifeless, apathetic, and empty.

Men specifically can feel restless and angry. Any way you experience depression, left untreated it can turn into a serious wellbeing condition.

Yet, recall that feeling of hopelessness and helplessness are side effects of depression—not the truth of your circumstance.  

Regardless of how sad you believe, you can show signs of improvement.

By understanding the reason for your depression and perceiving the various symptoms and kinds of depression, you can find a way to feeling good and defeating the issue.

Signs and symptoms:

The symptoms of depression can include:

• Reduced interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
• A loss of sexual desire
• A depressed mood
• Unintentional weight loss or gain
• Slowed movement and speech
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• Find out more about recognizing the hidden signs of depression.
• Thoughts of death or suicide, or an attempt at suicide
• Fatigue or loss of energy
• Fatigue or loss of energy
• Agitation, restlessness, and pacing up and down
• Difficulty thinking, concentrating or making decisions

Causes OF DEPRESSION:

There are many possible causes are:

• Factors that are likely to play a role include:
• Changes in the brain’s neurotransmitter levels
• Additional conditions, such as bipolar disorder
• Psychological and social factors
• Environmental factors
• Genetic features

Now we are going to discuss epilepsy and depression.

• The Epilepsy and Depression Connection:

Epilepsy and depression

Epilepsy and depression are inter-related. Epilepsy is a neurological condition that causes seizures.

In the event that you have epilepsy, you’re bound to create depression.

Depression can negatively affect your day by day life and connections. That is the reason it’s so essential to get treatment for it. 

As indicated by an examination distributed in Epilepsy and Behavior, depression is the most widely recognized psychological wellness issue to influence individuals with epilepsy.

Researchers his examination gauge that 30 to 35 percent of individuals with epilepsy likewise experience depression.

• When does depression affect individuals with epilepsy? 

For certain individuals with epilepsy, indications of depression go about as an emanation.

Air is an admonition sign that a seizure is coming. You may likewise feel depressed for a few days after a seizure.

Or on the other hand you may encounter long-term depression. Depression can conceivably influence you whenever.

• What causes depression in people with epilepsy?

Depression in people with epilepsy the possible causes include:

Type of seizure:

Depending on the type of seizure and the area of your brain influenced, the seizure itself may affect your mood.

This may lead to mood disorders, including depression.

Hormones:

Your hormone levels can likewise influence your mood and brain function. As per researchers in the diary, Functional Neurology contemplates proposing that sex hormones influence your danger of creating both epilepsy and depression.

These hormones may greatly affect ladies than men. 

Side effects from medications:

Antiseizure medications can likewise influence the state of mood focuses on your brain, raising your danger of depression.

Barbiturates might be bound to add to depression than other anti-seizure medications.

On the off chance that you presume your epilepsy drug is influencing your mood, converse with your primary care physician.

The manifestations might be impermanent, while your body acclimates to the drug.

Be that as it may, your primary care physician may likewise change the portion or change you to another medication. 

Psychosocial factors 

It tends to be difficult to cope with a long-term medical condition such as epilepsy.

For certain individuals, it can prompt feelings sad, embarrassed, anxious, or even angry. These negative feelings can prompt depression.

How is depression treated in people with epilepsy?

Treating depression and epilepsy simultaneously can be a challenge. 

Antidepressant and antiseizure medications may influence your symptoms. These medications may likewise influence one another.

This can make indications of one of the two conditions become more regrettable.

For instance, a great many people ought not to take bupropion (Wellbutrin) for depression on the off chance that they additionally have epilepsy. Bupropion may build the recurrence of seizures.

Specialists in the journal Current Treatment Options in Neurology Trusted Source urge doctors and patients to “start low, go slow, and utilize the lowliest effective dose.”

Your doctor may begin you on the least conceivable portion of a drug and seek out you to perceive how it’s functioning.

Much of the time, higher measurements increment the danger of connections and reactions.

You may need to attempt various medications and portions to discover what works best for you.

Try not to roll out any improvements to your medication without first conversing with your primary care physician. 

Your doctor can recommend a prescription dependent on your particular needs and symptoms.

Notwithstanding medications, they may suggest a way of life changes, talk therapy different treatment.

• What is the relationship between depression and epilepsy?

Now we are going to discuss the relationship between epilepsy and depression.

In a study of adults aged 18 years and older, specialists found that adults with epilepsy were twice as liable to report feelings of depression in the earlier year contrasted with adults without epilepsy.

Likewise, adults with dynamic epilepsy were three times bound to report despondency in the earlier year as adults without epilepsy. 

Researches on Epilepsy and Depression

A portion of the brain area responsible for a specific type of seizures additionally influences mood and can prompt depression.

A strong relationship has appeared between the severity of epilepsy and depression.

The more extreme epilepsy, the more serious the depression. The connection can go the two different ways.

Individuals with depression might be in danger of creating epilepsy. 

Hormone levels can likewise trigger depression, particularly low estrogen levels.

Living with the difficulties of epilepsy, (for example, the unpredictability of seizures, fear of disclosure, stigma, financial troubles, bullying and changes seeing someone, school, or work), can likewise prompt depressive thoughts or feelings.

Seizure prescriptions may add to change in mood. A few medications may support mood, while others may intensify the mood.

In 2008, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gave a general admonition that antiepileptic drugs may expand the risk of suicidal thoughts or suicide.

A 2009 audit found that numerous different components were not tended to, remembering the risk of depression for individuals with epilepsy.

Individuals taking any seizure medicine ought to be informed regarding potential changes in suicidal thoughts, mood, or different changes and talk with their health care group if these occur.

Individuals with epilepsy are bound to create depression and other mood disorders, even before they have their first seizure.

This proposes the adjustments in the brain that make an individual helpless to seizures additionally make them more susceptible to depression than everyone.

Side Note: I have tried and tested various products and services to help with my anxiety and depression. See my top recommendations here, as well as a full list of all products and services our team has tested for various mental health conditions and general wellness.

What we recommend for Depression

Professional counselling

If you are suffering from depression then ongoing professional counselling could be your ideal first point of call. Counselling will utilize theories such as Cognitive behavioural therapy which will help you live a more fulfilling life.

FAQs about Epilepsy and depression 

References:

Goldman, L. (2019, November) “What is depression and what can I do about it?” Retrieved by medicalnewstoday.com:

Helpguide.org: “Your trusted guide to mental health & wellness”

Healthline.com: “Health line”

Epilepsy.com: “Overview of Depression”