Epilepsy and mood disorders

Abstract

Mood disorders (MD) are a frequent comorbidity of epilepsy with a negative impact on quality of life. The higher prevalence of MD in people with epilepsy (PWE) is most likely a reflection of a bidirectional relation between the two conditions, and common pathogenic mechanisms. Treatment of MD in PWE is safe with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), but nonpsychiatrists need to know when to refer these patients to a psychiatrist for further evaluation and treatment. © 2007 International League Against Epilepsy.