Psychiatric Comorbidity in Epilepsy

Abstract

Epilepsy has recently been drawn away from the clinical interest of Japanese psychiatrists. However, psychiatric symptoms such as anxiety, depression and schizophrenia-like psychosis are common clinical presentations in people with epilepsy, which largely affect their quality of life. Considering that suicide is also more frequent in populations with epilepsy, it is undoubtedly important to carefully diagnose and treat the psychiatric implications. Unfortunately, not many psychiatrists appear to have clear and precise comprehension of the psychiatric issues in this area. This article reviews various psychiatric symptoms accompanying epilepsy itself as well as those induced by the treatment such as antiepileptic medications in order that psychiatrists practicing in general hospitals might pay more attention to the importance of their role in the treatment of epilepsy.