Major depression is a risk factor for seizures in older adults.
We tested the hypothesis that major depression meeting DSM-III-R criteria or medical therapies for depression increase the risk for unprovoked seizures. Major depression was associated with a sixfold increased risk for unprovoked seizures (95% CI, 1.56-22). The risk remained increased even when controlling for age, sex, length of medical follow-up, and medical therapies for depression. In the absence of known prior neurological insult, major depression is associated with an increased risk for unprovoked seizures.
Hesdorffer
D C
DC
Gertrude H. Sergievsky Center, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.
Hauser
W A
WA
Annegers
J F
JF
Cascino
G
G
D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D012640:Seizures / Q000209:etiology*
D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic