Depression and epilepsy: A bidirectional relation?

Abstract

A bidirectional relation between depressive disorders and epilepsy has been suggested by several population-based studies and is supported by experimental studies. This article reviews the potential pathogenic mechanisms operant in both disorders that may explain such a relation. These mechanisms include a hyperactive hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and its neuroanatomic and neuropathologic complications, as well as disturbances in serotonergic, noradrenergic, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic and glutamatergic neurotransmitter systems, all of which may be interrelated. © 2011 International League Against Epilepsy.