Purpose of review: Epilepsy is a common, disabling neurological disorder associated with increased rates of comorbid psychiatric disorders as compared with the general population.
Recent findings: Mood disorders, especially major depression, appear to be more prevalent in persons with epilepsy than in those with the other chronic disorders and the general population. Depression may have more influence on quality of life than do cognitive and seizure factors. Although psychological, social, and vocational disabilities contribute to mood dysfunction in epilepsy, functional neuroimaging studies have consistently shown correlation of presence of cerebral abnormalities with increased severity of symptoms of depression. Most persons with epilepsy are not routinely screened for depression, and depression is subsequently treated in only a minority of patients. Although serotonin receptor density is greatest in brain regions commonly associated with epilepsy, such as the mesial temporal and prefrontal areas, no controlled trials have investigated the efficacy of serotonin reuptake inhibitors in persons with epilepsy. Optimal methods to identify and treat depression in epilepsy require substantial further research.
Summary: Depression is a common comorbid condition with significant negative effects on health status in persons with epilepsy, but additional understanding of the disorder is needed to improve diagnosis and treatment.