title: Using anxiolytics in epilepsy: neurobiological, neuropharmacological and clinical aspects.
abstract: Anxiety disorders represent a common psychiatric comorbidity in patients with epilepsy, affecting prognosis and quality of life. However, they are still underdiagnosed and undertreated. In clinical practice, a number of compounds are currently used as anxiolytics, with benzodiazepines being the most popular. Other drug classes, especially antiepileptic drugs, are increasingly prescribed for the treatment of anxiety. This article discusses the neurobiological targets and basic neuropharmacological aspects of anxiolytics in order to give the reader clear insight into their activity and mechanism of action. Clinical data regarding the treatment of anxiety in both adults and children with epilepsy are also summarised, emphasising the need for further studies.
authors.affiliation: Atkinson Morley Regional Neuroscience Centre, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, Department of Neuropsychiatry, South West London & St George's Mental Health Trust, London, Institute of Medical and Biomedical Sciences, St George's University of London, London, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mula
mesh_terms: D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D015897:Comorbidity; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents
keywords: GABA; antiepileptic drugs; anxiety; benzodiazepines; epilepsy