Importance of Mood Disorders

Mood disorders in people with epilepsy are very important and can greatly impact a person’s daily activities and quality of life. These feelings may be present most of the time, or appear just before, during, or after a seizure. Some people become depressed, others may be irritable. The most common mood disorders in people with epilepsy are major depression and dysthymia. Some people have milder forms of depression that may also affect quality of life and respond to treatment. Anxiety, while not technically a mood disorder, is another common emotion that occurs more often in people with epilepsy. In order to improve the quality of life with people with epilepsy, it is important for both doctors and patients to be familiar with the commonly encountered problems of mood disorders. Find out more about types of mood disorders and their importance for people with epilepsy.

Recognizing Mood Disorders

Many patients experience problems with mood. You may have a mood disorder if you feel anxious, depressed, irritable, or have feelings of fear, panic, or pain that are not easily explained by your seizures or other medical causes. Learn how to recognize mood disorders, potential consequences of untreated disorders and how to tell your doctor about possible symptoms.

How Do I Know If I Need Treatment?

At times, everyone experiences some feelings of anxiety, irritability, or depression. However, if these symptoms last a long time, are severe, or interfere with your relationships or job, they probably require treatment. Start by telling the physician who treats your seizures, whether it is a family doctor, internist, or neurologist, about your feelings. Explain how often these symptoms occur, how they make you uncomfortable, and how long they last. If you can, bring in a calendar that tracks these symptoms, just like a seizure calendar. Ask your doctor whether these symptoms might be related to your epilepsy and what to do about them. Together, you and your doctor can decide whether you need treatment for a mood disorder.

Related: Seeking Help for Mood Disorders

Are There Treatments for Mood Disorders?

Many types of treatment are available for mood disorders. Psychotherapy and medication are the mainstays of treatment, which may be used separately or together. The goal is to completely eliminate your symptoms. The most common type of medication treatment is called an antidepressant, of which there are several kinds (see the Commonly Used Antidepressants table below). Your doctor is most likely to prescribe a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It is important to remember that medications for mood disorders may require dose adjustments and may take several weeks before becoming fully effective. Just like AEDs, sometimes more than one antidepressant may need to be tried before getting good results. For most individuals with epilepsy, depressive symptoms usually respond very well to low doses of medication.

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