Peri-Ictal Changes in Depression and Anxiety in Persons With Epileptic and Non-epileptic Seizures.
Author
Hopp, JenniferPahlavan, Autusa
Richert, Mary
Grimes, Kathryn
Turlington, Kate
Cassady, Maureen
Kvarta, Mark D
Thompson, Scott M
Date
2022-07-22Journal
Frontiers in PsychiatryPublisher
Frontiers Media S.A.Type
Article
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
Objective: We tested the hypothesis that epileptic, but not non-epileptic, seizures would produce an improvement in comorbid depression and anxiety symptoms in the peri-ictal period, much like the antidepressant effects of electroconvulsive therapy. Methods: We examined depression and anxiety symptoms in patients admitted to an inpatient unit for continuous video electroencephalography as part of routine clinical care. Patients completed three questionnaires that included the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI), Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) after admission, in the 24 h following a seizure, then again 2 weeks after the last seizure. Results: In patients with epilepsy, depression and anxiety scores improved in the 24 hrs following a seizure (change in BDI = 24%; change in MADRS = 19%; change in BAI = 21%) but returned toward baseline after 2 weeks. In patients with non-epileptic seizures, depression and anxiety scores also improved in the 24 hrs following a psychogenic non-epileptic seizure (change in BDI = 17%, change in MADRS = 27%, change in BAI = 36%). There was a greater improvement in depression and anxiety scores in patients with focal-onset epilepsy (BDI = 30%, MADRS = 22%, BAI = 30%) compared to generalized seizure onset (BDI = 6%, MADRS = 12%, BAI = 8%). Conclusion: We conclude that single seizures can result in transient improvements in mood. Because seizures need not be generalized or epileptic to exert this effect, the underlying mechanisms are uncertain.Data Availibility
The raw data supporting the conclusions of this article will be made available by the authors, without undue reservation.Rights/Terms
Copyright © 2022 Hopp, Pahlavan, Richert, Grimes, Turlington, Cassady, Kvarta and Thompson.Identifier to cite or link to this item
http://hdl.handle.net/10713/19541ae974a485f413a2113503eed53cd6c53
10.3389/fpsyt.2022.912697