Anxiety disorders in people with epilepsy.
Anxiety disorders are frequent, though probably underdiagnosed, comorbidities in epilepsy. Epilepsy and anxiety may share common neurobiological correlates as shown in animal models and suggested by studies demonstrating anxiety disorders before the manifestation of epilepsy. Comorbid anxiety disorders have a major impact on the affected patients' quality of life and may increase the risk for suicidality. Successful treatment of the epilepsy may alleviate anxiety symptoms. Treatment of anxiety is based on selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, benzodiazepines (although only as second-line choices), and psychotherapy. Specific AEDs (especially pregabalin) have been shown to have anxiolytic properties. This paper is aimed at reviewing anxiety disorders in patients with epilepsy discussing current scientific evidence about pathophysiology, clinical aspects, and treatment strategies.
Department of General Epileptology, Bethel Epilepsy Centre, Mara Hospital, Maraweg 21, D-33617 Bielefeld, Germany. Electronic address: christian.brandt@mara.de.
Christian
C
Brandt
Atkinson Morley Regional Neuroscience Centre, St. George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; Institute of Medical and Biomedical Sciences, St George's University of London, London, UK. Electronic address: Marco.Mula@stgeorges.nhs.uk.
Marco
M
Mula
D000818:Animals; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D015897:Comorbidity; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D000069583:Pregabalin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011613:Psychotherapy / Q000379:methods; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use
D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D000069583:Pregabalin; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
Comorbidity; Diagnosis; Prevalence; Quality of life; Treatment