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Jhaveri DJ, McGonigal A, Becker C, Benoliel JJ, Nandam LS, Soncin L, Kotwas I, Bernard C, Bartolomei F. Stress and Epilepsy: Towards Understanding of Neurobiological Mechanisms for Better Management. eNeuro 2023; 10:ENEURO.0200-23.2023. [PMID: 37923391 PMCID: PMC10626502 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0200-23.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Stress has been identified as a major contributor to human disease and is postulated to play a substantial role in epileptogenesis. In a significant proportion of individuals with epilepsy, sensitivity to stressful events contributes to dynamic symptomatic burden, notably seizure occurrence and frequency, and presence and severity of psychiatric comorbidities [anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)]. Here, we review this complex relationship between stress and epilepsy using clinical data and highlight key neurobiological mechanisms including the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction, altered neuroplasticity within limbic system structures, and alterations in neurochemical pathways such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BNDF) linking epilepsy and stress. We discuss current clinical management approaches of stress that help optimize seizure control and prevention, as well as psychiatric comorbidities associated with epilepsy. We propose that various shared mechanisms of stress and epilepsy present multiple avenues for the development of new symptomatic and preventative treatments, including disease modifying therapies aimed at reducing epileptogenesis. This would require close collaborations between clinicians and basic scientists to integrate data across multiple scales, from genetics to systems biology, from clinical observations to fundamental mechanistic insights. In future, advances in machine learning approaches and neuromodulation strategies will enable personalized and targeted interventions to manage and ultimately treat stress-related epileptogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhanisha J Jhaveri
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4067, Australia
- Mater Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4067, Australia
| | - Aileen McGonigal
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4067, Australia
- Mater Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4067, Australia
- Mater Epilepsy Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Mater Hospital, Brisbane, QLD 4101, Australia
| | - Christel Becker
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité 1124, Université Paris Cité, Paris, 75006, France
| | - Jean-Jacques Benoliel
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité 1124, Université Paris Cité, Paris, 75006, France
- Site Pitié-Salpêtrière, Service de Biochimie Endocrinienne et Oncologie, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Sorbonne Université, Paris, 75651, France
| | - L Sanjay Nandam
- Turner Inst for Brain & Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, 3800, Australia
| | - Lisa Soncin
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Institut de Neurosciences des Systèmes, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, 13005, France
- Laboratoire d'Anthropologie et de Psychologie Cliniques, Cognitives et Sociales, Côte d'Azur University, Nice, 06300, France
| | - Iliana Kotwas
- Epileptology and Cerebral Rhythmology, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Marseille, Timone Hospital, Marseille, 13005, France
| | - Christophe Bernard
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Institut de Neurosciences des Systèmes, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, 13005, France
| | - Fabrice Bartolomei
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Institut de Neurosciences des Systèmes, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, 13005, France
- Epileptology and Cerebral Rhythmology, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Marseille, Timone Hospital, Marseille, 13005, France
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Seyedhosseinzadeh N, Saeedi N, Hashemi A, Homam SM. Alterations in Seizure Frequency in Patients with Epilepsy Following Coronavirus Disease 2019. J Epilepsy Res 2023; 13:7-12. [PMID: 37720679 PMCID: PMC10501815 DOI: 10.14581/jer.23002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Purpose During the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic, a considerable number of studies have focused on the difficulties for accessing the medical services and telemedicine-related issues. However, it is not clear whether COVID-19 affects the clinical course of epilepsy. Therefore, in the current study we aimed to assess the effects of COVID-19 infection on seizure frequency in patients with epilepsy (PWE). Methods We evaluated PWE who consecutively referred to the neurology clinics of 22 Bahman and Qaem hospitals, who had experienced a recent polymerase chain reaction-confirmed-COVID-19 infection. Data were collected through a pre-defined electronic questionnaire. Results A total of 104 patients were included. Females represented 52% of the population. The mean age of the patients was 36.73±17.87. Thirty-six patients (34%) reported increased seizure frequency. The mean age of the patients who had exacerbated seizure frequency was significantly lower than the non-exacerbated group (27.50±9.8 vs. 40.14±18.39; p=0.005). The number of the male patients were significantly higher in the exacerbated group (52% vs. 25%; p=0.014). The majority of exacerbated group had a history of drug resistance (44.4% vs. 8.5%; p=0.022). The number of epileptic seizures before COVID-19 infection was higher in the exacerbated (p=0.04). Conclusions About 34% of PWE experienced exacerbated epileptic seizures after COVID-19 infection. Male patients, young patients, patients with the history of drug resistance, and the patients who had higher seizure frequency were at increased risk for seizure exacerbation. Our results highlight the importance of screening, early diagnosis, and treatment in PWE.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nikoo Saeedi
- Student Research Committee, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad Branch, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Anahita Hashemi
- Student Research Committee, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad Branch, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Seyed Mehran Homam
- Department of Neurology, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad Branch, Mashhad, Iran
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Relevamiento sobre la atención médica en pacientes con epilepsia durante la pandemia del coronavirus. NEUROLOGÍA ARGENTINA 2022. [PMCID: PMC9197955 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuarg.2022.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Introducción La pandemia por el coronavirus 2019 significó un gran desafío para el sistema de salud. La demanda de camas de internación y de recursos destinados al tratamiento del coronavirus ha obligado al servicio sanitario a reorganizarse y al gobierno nacional a implementar estrictas medidas para disminuir la tasa de contagios. Objetivo El objetivo del trabajo se centró en determinar si se vio afectada la atención y el acceso a la medicación de los pacientes con epilepsia durante la cuarentena obligatoria. Materiales y métodos Se realizó un estudio transversal en 2 centros médicos de salud, uno público y otro privado, de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina. Se diseñó una encuesta en la plataforma Google Forms que se envió por correo electrónico entre abril y junio de 2020 a los pacientes con diagnóstico de epilepsia de ambas instituciones. Se incluyeron preguntas sobre características demográficas, vías de acceso al sistema de salud y cambios en la frecuencia de crisis comiciales. Resultados Se contactó a 488 pacientes, obteniendo una respuesta del 50,8%. Con respecto a la cobertura médica el 36,5% de los pacientes no contaban con ninguna. El 49,1% tuvo dificultades en el acceso a la medicación. El 29,7% de los pacientes contactados refirió aumento de frecuencia de crisis. Los métodos de contacto más utilizados con el sistema de salud fueron el correo electrónico (35%) y la vía telefónica (15,4%). El 59,6% obtuvo sus recetas por métodos alternativos al presencial, en tanto que el 13% refirió no tener acceso a ellas. Conclusiones Nuestros resultados reflejan la importancia de incorporar vías alternativas de comunicación ante situaciones especiales para garantizar la atención y el tratamiento de pacientes con enfermedades crónicas.
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Makhalova J, Le Troter A, Aubert-Conil S, Giusiano B, McGonigal A, Trebuchon A, Carron R, Medina Villalon S, Bénar CG, Ranjeva JP, Guye M, Bartolomei F. Epileptogenic networks in drug-resistant epilepsy with amygdala enlargement: Assessment with stereo-EEG and 7 T MRI. Clin Neurophysiol 2021; 133:94-103. [PMID: 34826646 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2021.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Amygdala enlargement is increasingly described in association with temporal lobe epilepsies. Its significance, however, remains uncertain both in terms of etiology and its link with psychiatric disorders and of its involvement in the epileptogenic zone. We assessed the epileptogenic networks underlying drug-resistant epilepsy with amygdala enlargement and investigated correlations between clinical features, epileptogenicity and morphovolumetric amygdala characteristics. METHODS We identified 12 consecutive patients suffering from drug-resistant epilepsy with visually suspected amygdala enlargement and available stereoelectroencephalographic recording. The epileptogenic zone was defined using the Connectivity Epileptogenicity Index. Morphovolumetric measurements were performed using automatic segmentation and co-registration on the 7TAMIbrain Amygdala atlas. RESULTS The epileptogenic zone involved the enlarged amygdala in all but three cases and corresponded to distributed, temporal-insular, temporal-insular-prefrontal or prefrontal-temporal networks in ten cases, while only two were temporo-mesial networks. Morphovolumetrically, amygdala enlargement was bilateral in 75% of patients. Most patients presented psychiatric comorbidities (anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder). The level of depression defined by screening questionnaire was positively correlated with the extent of amygdala enlargement. CONCLUSIONS Drug-resistant epilepsy with amygdala enlargement is heterogeneous; most cases implied "temporal plus" networks. SIGNIFICANCE The enlarged amygdala could reflect an interaction of stress-mediated limbic network alterations and mechanisms of epileptogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Makhalova
- APHM, Timone Hospital, Epileptology and Cerebral Rhythmology, Marseille, France; Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, CRMBM, Marseille, France; APHM, Timone Hospital, CEMEREM, Marseille, France
| | - Arnaud Le Troter
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, CRMBM, Marseille, France; APHM, Timone Hospital, CEMEREM, Marseille, France
| | | | - Bernard Giusiano
- APHM, Timone Hospital, Epileptology and Cerebral Rhythmology, Marseille, France; Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, INS, Inst Neurosci Syst, Marseille, France
| | - Aileen McGonigal
- APHM, Timone Hospital, Epileptology and Cerebral Rhythmology, Marseille, France; Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, INS, Inst Neurosci Syst, Marseille, France
| | - Agnès Trebuchon
- APHM, Timone Hospital, Epileptology and Cerebral Rhythmology, Marseille, France; Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, INS, Inst Neurosci Syst, Marseille, France
| | - Romain Carron
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, INS, Inst Neurosci Syst, Marseille, France; APHM, Timone Hospital, Functional and Stereotactic Neurosurgery, Marseille, France
| | - Samuel Medina Villalon
- APHM, Timone Hospital, Epileptology and Cerebral Rhythmology, Marseille, France; Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, INS, Inst Neurosci Syst, Marseille, France
| | - Christian G Bénar
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, INS, Inst Neurosci Syst, Marseille, France
| | - Jean-Philippe Ranjeva
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, CRMBM, Marseille, France; APHM, Timone Hospital, CEMEREM, Marseille, France
| | - Maxime Guye
- APHM, Timone Hospital, Epileptology and Cerebral Rhythmology, Marseille, France; Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, CRMBM, Marseille, France; APHM, Timone Hospital, CEMEREM, Marseille, France
| | - Fabrice Bartolomei
- APHM, Timone Hospital, Epileptology and Cerebral Rhythmology, Marseille, France; Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, INS, Inst Neurosci Syst, Marseille, France.
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Soncin LD, McGonigal A, Kotwas I, Belquaid S, Giusiano B, Faure S, Bartolomei F. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in patients with epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav 2021; 121:108083. [PMID: 34091128 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.108083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Revised: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Anxiety and depression in epilepsy are strongly documented but post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is underestimated and poorly known. We studied the links between psycho-traumagenic events (TE), onset of epilepsy, and severity of PTSD symptoms in patients with epilepsy. The study included 54 patients with epilepsy and 61 controls. We used validated questionnaires to screen for anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms and we conducted an interview to measure the prevalence of TE. We developed an original exploratory questionnaire to assess the presence of PTSD during interictal and peri-ictal periods. The results show that patients reported more exposure to a TE and presented significantly more severe PTSD symptoms than controls. Seventy-eight percent of patients (vs. 52% of controls) had been exposed to a TE, and 26% (vs. 7%) had a score above the diagnostic threshold of the PTSD scale. In addition, 18.6% of patients reported that their epilepsy began at the same time as they began to experience PTSD symptoms following a TE. Patients with high PTSD scores (above the threshold, n = 14) reported significantly more depression symptoms than patients without PTSD and reported PTSD symptoms both during the ictal and peri-ictal periods. Within the whole group of patients, anxiety (72%) and depression (33%) symptoms significantly correlated with PTSD symptoms reported by the scale. This study shows that patients with epilepsy have increased prevalence of self-reported PTSD symptoms. We describe the clinical picture specific to patients with epilepsy, which may include classical PTSD symptoms but also specific peri-ictal symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa-Dounia Soncin
- Laboratoire d'Anthropologie et de Psychologie Cliniques, Cognitives et Sociales, Université Côte d'Azur, 28 Avenue de Valrose, 06103 Nice, France; Institut de Neurosciences des Systèmes, INSERM, Aix-Marseille Université Marseille, 58 bd Charles Livon, 13284 Marseille, France
| | - Aileen McGonigal
- Institut de Neurosciences des Systèmes, INSERM, Aix-Marseille Université Marseille, 58 bd Charles Livon, 13284 Marseille, France; Service d'Epileptologie et Rythmologie Cérébrale, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Marseille, 264 Rue Saint-Pierre, 13005 Marseille, France.
| | - Iliana Kotwas
- Service d'Epileptologie et Rythmologie Cérébrale, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Marseille, 264 Rue Saint-Pierre, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Sara Belquaid
- Laboratoire d'Anthropologie et de Psychologie Cliniques, Cognitives et Sociales, Université Côte d'Azur, 28 Avenue de Valrose, 06103 Nice, France; Service de Psychiatrie générale, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice, 30 Voie Romaine, 06000 Nice, France
| | - Bernard Giusiano
- Institut de Neurosciences des Systèmes, INSERM, Aix-Marseille Université Marseille, 58 bd Charles Livon, 13284 Marseille, France; Pôle de Santé Publique, Hôpital de la Timone, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Marseille, 264 Rue Saint-Pierre, 13005 Marseille, France.
| | - Sylvane Faure
- Laboratoire d'Anthropologie et de Psychologie Cliniques, Cognitives et Sociales, Université Côte d'Azur, 28 Avenue de Valrose, 06103 Nice, France.
| | - Fabrice Bartolomei
- Institut de Neurosciences des Systèmes, INSERM, Aix-Marseille Université Marseille, 58 bd Charles Livon, 13284 Marseille, France; Service d'Epileptologie et Rythmologie Cérébrale, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Marseille, 264 Rue Saint-Pierre, 13005 Marseille, France.
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Alkhotani A, Siddiqui MI, Almuntashri F, Baothman R. The effect of COVID-19 pandemic on seizure control and self-reported stress on patient with epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav 2020; 112:107323. [PMID: 32712565 PMCID: PMC7359799 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2020.107323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objective of the study was to assess if patients with epilepsy (PWE) experienced an increase in seizure frequency and self-reported stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS This is a cross-sectional study conducted in Saudi Arabia in April 2020. An electronic self-administered questionnaire was distributed to PWE via their treating neurologist. The variables included were demographic and baseline clinical characteristics (age, gender, living situation, occupational status, type of epilepsy, duration of epilepsy, number of antiepileptic medications (AEDs), presence of known psychiatric illness, and use of psychiatric medications), their seizure control in the month prior to the pandemic, perceived stress during this period of time, sleep changes, compliance changes, and change in seizure control during the pandemic. RESULTS A total of 156 patients completed the questionnaire, with 29.5% reporting an increase in seizure frequency. Additionally, 59.4% reported an increase in self-reported stress and 71.2% experienced a significant change in their sleep during this period. Higher baseline seizure frequency, more AEDs, noncompliance, increase in self-reported stress, and sleep changes are the significant factors associated with increase in seizure frequency during the pandemic. CONCLUSION Identifying high-risk patients for seizure recurrence is important in order to provide them with adequate support to reduce such risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amal Alkhotani
- Department of Medicine, Umm AlQura University, Saudi Arabia.
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Tescarollo FC, Rombo DM, DeLiberto LK, Fedele DE, Alharfoush E, Tomé ÂR, Cunha RA, Sebastião AM, Boison D. Role of Adenosine in Epilepsy and Seizures. J Caffeine Adenosine Res 2020; 10:45-60. [PMID: 32566903 PMCID: PMC7301316 DOI: 10.1089/caff.2019.0022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Adenosine is an endogenous anticonvulsant and neuroprotectant of the brain. Seizure activity produces large quantities of adenosine, and it is this seizure-induced adenosine surge that normally stops a seizure. However, within the context of epilepsy, adenosine plays a wide spectrum of different roles. It not only controls seizures (ictogenesis), but also plays a major role in processes that turn a normal brain into an epileptic brain (epileptogenesis). It is involved in the control of abnormal synaptic plasticity and neurodegeneration and plays a major role in the expression of comorbid symptoms and complications of epilepsy, such as sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). Given the important role of adenosine in epilepsy, therapeutic strategies are in development with the goal to utilize adenosine augmentation not only for the suppression of seizures but also for disease modification and epilepsy prevention, as well as strategies to block adenosine A2A receptor overfunction associated with neurodegeneration. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the role of adenosine in epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio C. Tescarollo
- Deptartment of Neurosurgery, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Diogo M. Rombo
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Pharmacology and Neurosciences, Lisbon, Portugal
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Lindsay K. DeLiberto
- Deptartment of Neurosurgery, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Denise E. Fedele
- Deptartment of Neurosurgery, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Enmar Alharfoush
- Deptartment of Neurosurgery, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Ângelo R. Tomé
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- CNC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rodrigo A. Cunha
- CNC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana M. Sebastião
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Pharmacology and Neurosciences, Lisbon, Portugal
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Detlev Boison
- Deptartment of Neurosurgery, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
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Abstract
Stress is ubiquitous in chronic medical conditions; however, the connections to psychiatric and neurologic conditions are not always clearly established. Epilepsy is a unique illness that is intimately intertwined with stress and anxiety not only as a result of the disease process but also as a cause of disease exacerbation. Anxiety and depression also involve stress management and often overlap with epilepsy. Anxiety symptoms themselves may be present as intrinsic aspects of seizure phenomena, either during the events or closely related to them. The pathways of stress and anxiety involve the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis and explain at least in part how stress may lead to worsening seizure control. Ultimately, the study of stress, anxiety, and epilepsy offers insight into mind and body connections, and furthers understanding of neuropsychiatric illness.
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The psychopharmacology of epilepsy. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2019. [PMID: 31727213 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-64012-3.00012-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
Epilepsy affects 1% of the world's population and is defined as two or more unprovoked seizures. Psychiatric conditions (depression, psychosis, anxiety, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)) may coexist and are linked to negative seizure outcomes and poorer quality of life. There is an increasing body of evidence to suggest a bidirectional relationship between epilepsy and psychiatric disorders, which may imply shared pathophysiologic mechanisms. Extensive research has examined neurobiologic and neuroanatomic substrates for this association revealing some interesting similarities. Psychiatric disorders in people with epilepsy often go underdiagnosed and undertreated, due to fears of exacerbating psychiatric symptoms or provoking seizures, which may cause delays in optimal management. This chapter covers psychiatric conditions in epilepsy largely focusing on depressive disorders and psychotic disorders. Anxiety and ADHD in association with epilepsy are also discussed. Epidemiology, pathophysiologic mechanisms, and pharmacotherapies used to treat epilepsy and psychiatric disorders are also covered.
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Randhawa J, Hrazdil CT, Hassan I. Affect-induced reflex seizures (AIRS): A case series based on a systematic literature review. Epilepsy Behav 2019; 92:18-25. [PMID: 30599458 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2018.10.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2018] [Revised: 10/17/2018] [Accepted: 10/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Seizures are commonly thought to occur in a spontaneous, unpredictable manner. However, it is well-established that a subset of patients with epilepsy can experience reflex seizures that are consistently elicited by a specific stimulus. While various forms of reflex epilepsy have been documented in the literature, acute affective states have not been commonly described as a potential reflex seizure trigger. We performed a systematic literature review to determine if acute emotional states can trigger reflex seizures. We included any case in which reflex seizures repeatedly occurred in response to a patient-specific stimulus that was reported as emotionally relevant by the authors. This yielded our case series of ten patients who have been described to have reflex seizures in response to emotional stimuli. We characterized features of these cases including the following: age, gender, developmental and psychiatric history, seizure semiology and duration, emotional triggers, other reflex triggers, relationship between reflex triggers and seizures, investigations, localization, final diagnosis, treatment, and outcome. Considerable variability was found between cases. A trend toward limbic seizure semiology with psychic aura originating in networks involved in emotional processing was noted, with temporal lobe epilepsy being the most common, although without clear laterality or gender predominance. In addition, the report of a significant life stressor occurring at epilepsy onset in three of ten patients as well as the initial suspicion that reflex epileptic seizures were psychogenic in three cases both emphasize the role of electroencephalography in assessment of such presentations to avoid missing a diagnosis of epilepsy. Findings from these ten cases suggest that a patient-specific affective stimulus may trigger reflex seizures in a subset of patients, and that this could be underrecognized or mislabeled as nonepileptic. We encourage future studies with larger numbers to further characterize this phenomenon. Insights gained may enhance our understanding of seizure localization and bear potential treatment implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Randhawa
- Division of Neurology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 2B5, Canada
| | - Chantelle T Hrazdil
- Division of Neurology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 2B5, Canada; Vancouver General Hospital Epilepsy Program, Gordon and Leslie Diamond Health Care Centre, 8257 - 2775 Laurel Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Islam Hassan
- Vancouver General Hospital Epilepsy Program, Gordon and Leslie Diamond Health Care Centre, 8257 - 2775 Laurel Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V5Z 1M9, Canada; University of British Columbia Neuropsychiatry Program, Detwiller Pavilion, UBC Hospital, 2255 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 2A1, Canada.
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Michaelis R, Niedermann C, Reuber M, Kuthe M, Berger B. "Seizures have become a means of somehow learning things about myself" - A qualitative study of the development of self-efficacy and mastery during a psychotherapeutic intervention for people with epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav 2018; 84:152-161. [PMID: 29803945 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2018.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2018] [Revised: 03/17/2018] [Accepted: 04/29/2018] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychological interventions may enhance health-related quality of life in people with epilepsy. The concepts of self-efficacy and mastery may be particularly relevant in the context of epilepsy. To date, the investigation of psychological interventions has not included a qualitative analysis of the effects of such interventions on the interrelation between mastery and general and epilepsy-specific self-efficacy. This qualitative study aimed to explore the relationship between the lived experiences of these concepts in people with epilepsy who participated in a resource-oriented and mindfulness-based psychotherapeutic intervention delivered on a one-to-one basis in an outpatient setting. METHODS Semi-structured pre- and postintervention interviews were conducted with people with epilepsy who participated in a six-month resource-oriented and mindfulness-based intervention. The formulation of intervention goals was based on the preintervention interviews. The intervention involved regular one-to-one interactions with the therapist, journal-keeping, and mindfulness-based relaxation. Qualitative content analysis of pre- and posttherapy interviews was conducted to characterize changes in subjective experiences. RESULTS Nine people with epilepsy aged 18-59 years participated in 9 to 22 (median 13) sessions. The following six main themes emerged: (A) Encouragement of individual solutions, (B) Awareness of the link of personal traits with seizure-related worries, (C) How to develop self-efficacy, (D) Shaping everyday life in a way that is good for oneself (general self-efficacy), (E) Coping with seizures (seizure-related self-efficacy), (F) Epilepsy as a means of increasing self-knowledge and control over one's life (sense of mastery). The patients' development of self-efficacy was motivated by their personal initial goals and facilitated by the encouragement to find individual solutions and an increased awareness of the link of personal traits with seizure-related worries. A sense of mastery only emerged through the development of general self-efficacy and as a result of the active self-examination prompted by the challenge of living with epilepsy. CONCLUSION The qualitative differences observed before and after a psychotherapeutic intervention for individuals with epilepsy increase our understanding of the complex process of psychotherapy-associated change involving self-efficacy and mastery and highlight the contribution that qualitative research approaches can make.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Michaelis
- Department of Neurology, Gemeinschaftskrankenhaus Herdecke, Gerhard-Kienle-Weg 4, 58313 Herdecke, Germany; Integrated Curriculum for Anthroposophic Medicine (ICURAM), University Witten/Herdecke, Herdecke, Germany; Department of Neurology, Christian-Doppler-Clinic, Salzburg, Austria.
| | - Christina Niedermann
- Department of Psychology and Psychotherapy, University Witten/Herdecke, Witten, Germany
| | - Markus Reuber
- Academic Neurology Unit, University of Sheffield, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Martin Kuthe
- Department of Neurology, Gemeinschaftskrankenhaus Herdecke, Gerhard-Kienle-Weg 4, 58313 Herdecke, Germany; Medizinisches Versorgungszentrum, Evangelische Stiftung Volmarstein, Witten, Germany
| | - Bettina Berger
- Forschungs- und Lehrzentrum (FLZ) Herdecke, University Witten/Herdecke, Herdecke, Germany
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12
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To review some aspects of the relationship between epilepsy and depression that have recently received increasing attention and may become major research topics in the near future. RECENT FINDINGS Epidemiological studies show that depression and suicide are, in some cases, premorbid symptoms preceding the onset of the epilepsy. Suicide is also three times more frequent in epilepsy than in the general population. Reliable screening instruments for depression and suicidality in patients with epilepsy are now available but data from real life clinical settings are needed to develop shared clinical pathways between neurology and psychiatry. Data in children with epilepsy are still limited although it is well known that, outside epilepsy, almost 50% of adult patients with mood and anxiety disorders have a previous history during childhood. Despite increasing attention to the problem, the additional stigma associated with mental health problems still represents one of the major barriers to prompt diagnosis and treatment. SUMMARY New studies will focus on the development of shared clinical pathways between neurology and psychiatry for mood disorders and suicide prevention. New global campaigns on the double stigma will support this process in areas where psychiatric comorbidities are still underdiagnosed and undertreated.
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13
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Lang JD, Taylor DC, Kasper BS. Stress, seizures, and epilepsy: Patient narratives. Epilepsy Behav 2018; 80:163-172. [PMID: 29414547 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2018.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2017] [Revised: 01/02/2018] [Accepted: 01/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
In epilepsy, individual seizures can be triggered by a variety of external and internal stimuli. One of the most common trigger factors reported by patients is stress. However prevalent, stress-related triggering of episodes seems underappreciated in epilepsy for various reasons, and its misinterpretation often leads to other diagnoses, e.g., psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) or normal reactions. This article illustrates the significant role of stress as a seizure-provoking factor by referring to nine patient narratives. From this perspective, it appears that there are characteristic patterns of stress triggering, e.g., stress-induced sleep disruption, forms of acute stress, or relaxation after stress. Sometimes seizures are mistaken as symptoms of stress. Patient narratives contain interesting clues relating reports about stress and seizure histories to different epilepsy syndromes as well as nonepileptic episodes in a way that can strongly support the diagnostic process. A narrative approach is particularly valuable in this context. Therefore, accounts of stress triggering in seizures and other episodes should not be neglected, but rather taken seriously, sought and actively explored as a crucial element when taking clinical histories in patients with episodic attacks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes D Lang
- Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany
| | - David C Taylor
- The Institute of Child Health, Department of Neurology, University College London, London, WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Burkhard S Kasper
- Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany.
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14
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Arya R. Ancient Indian concepts about phenomenology, biology, and therapeutics of epilepsy. JOURNAL OF THE HISTORY OF THE NEUROSCIENCES 2018; 27:56-71. [PMID: 28876177 DOI: 10.1080/0964704x.2017.1358039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
This article discusses etiology, pathogenesis, symptoms, and treatment of epilepsy, as described in Charaka Samhitā (translation: Charaka's Compendium) and Sushruta Samhitā, the two core texts of Ayurveda, an ancient system of medicine. Ayurveda emphasized amnesia and loss of consciousness as core features of epileptic seizures (Sanskrit: apasmar; translation: apa negation, smaran memory) and recognized that seizures occur due to a disturbance in brain function or flow of "humors" to the brain. Semiology of various seizure types was well described. Epilepsy was attributed to both internal and multiple exogenous factors. Treatment of epilepsy with formulations of naturally occurring substances, their compounding and use, is described in remarkable detail. Lifestyle modifications to protect people with epilepsy are also documented. Cognitive comorbidities of epilepsy were recognized. Although none of the Ayurveda formulations have any empirical evidence supporting their safety or efficacy in the treatment of epilepsy, studies are needed to generate relevant evidence, to recognize their hazards, and to integrate traditional and complementary systems of medicine with modern health care in an informed and safe manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravindra Arya
- a Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Division of Neurology , Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center , Cincinnati , Ohio , USA
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15
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Jung SH, Brownlow ML, Pellegrini M, Jankord R. Divergence in Morris Water Maze-Based Cognitive Performance under Chronic Stress Is Associated with the Hippocampal Whole Transcriptomic Modification in Mice. Front Mol Neurosci 2017; 10:275. [PMID: 28912681 PMCID: PMC5582454 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2017.00275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2017] [Accepted: 08/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Individual susceptibility determines the magnitude of stress effects on cognitive function. The hippocampus, a brain region of memory consolidation, is vulnerable to stressful environments, and the impact of stress on hippocampus may determine individual variability in cognitive performance. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to define the relationship between the divergence in spatial memory performance under chronically unpredictable stress and an associated transcriptomic alternation in hippocampus, the brain region of spatial memory consolidation. Multiple strains of BXD (B6 × D2) recombinant inbred mice went through a 4-week chronic variable stress (CVS) paradigm, and the Morris water maze (MWM) test was conducted during the last week of CVS to assess hippocampal-dependent spatial memory performance and grouped animals into low and high performing groups based on the cognitive performance. Using hippocampal whole transcriptome RNA-sequencing data, differential expression, PANTHER analysis, WGCNA, Ingenuity's upstream regulator analysis in the Ingenuity Pathway Analysis® and phenotype association analysis were conducted. Our data identified multiple genes and pathways that were significantly associated with chronic stress-associated cognitive modification and the divergence in hippocampal dependent memory performance under chronic stress. Biological pathways associated with memory performance following chronic stress included metabolism, neurotransmitter and receptor regulation, immune response and cellular process. The Ingenuity's upstream regulator analysis identified 247 upstream transcriptional regulators from 16 different molecule types. Transcripts predictive of cognitive performance under high stress included genes that are associated with a high occurrence of Alzheimer's and cognitive impairments (e.g., Ncl, Eno1, Scn9a, Slc19a3, Ncstn, Fos, Eif4h, Copa, etc.). Our results show that the variable effects of chronic stress on the hippocampal transcriptome are related to the ability to complete the MWM task and that the modulations of specific pathways are indicative of hippocampal dependent memory performance. Thus, the divergence in spatial memory performance following chronic stress is related to the unique pattern of gene expression within the hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung H Jung
- Applied Neuroscience, Warfighter Interface Division, 711th Human Performance Wing, Air Force Research LaboratoryWright-Patterson AFB, OH, United States
| | - Milene L Brownlow
- Applied Neuroscience, Warfighter Interface Division, 711th Human Performance Wing, Air Force Research LaboratoryWright-Patterson AFB, OH, United States.,Research Associateship Program, National Research Council, National Academies of ScienceWashington, DC, United States
| | - Matteo Pellegrini
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los AngelesLos Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Ryan Jankord
- Applied Neuroscience, Warfighter Interface Division, 711th Human Performance Wing, Air Force Research LaboratoryWright-Patterson AFB, OH, United States
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16
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Kotwas I, McGonigal A, Bastien-Toniazzo M, Bartolomei F, Micoulaud-Franchi JA. Stress regulation in drug-resistant epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav 2017; 71:39-50. [PMID: 28494323 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2017.01.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2016] [Revised: 12/29/2016] [Accepted: 01/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of psychological distress, especially depressive and anxiety disorders, is higher in epilepsy than in other chronic health conditions. These comorbid conditions contribute even more than epileptic seizures themselves to impaired quality of life in patients with epilepsy (PWE). The link between these comorbidities and epilepsy appears to have a neurobiological basis, which is at least partly mediated by stress through psychological and pathophysiological pathways. The impact of stress in PWE is also particularly important because it is the most frequently reported seizure trigger. It is therefore crucial for clinicians to take stress-related conditions and psychiatric comorbidities into account when managing PWE and to propose clinical support to enhance self-control of stress. Screening tools have been specially designed and validated in PWE for depressive disorders and anxiety disorders (e.g. NDDI-E, GAD-7). Other instruments are useful for measuring stress-related variables (e.g. SRRS, PSS, SCS, MHLCS, DSR-15, ERP-R, QOLIE-31) in order to help characterize the individual "stress profile" and thus orientate patients towards the most appropriate treatment. Management includes both pharmacological treatment and nonpharmacological methods for enhancing self-management of stress (e.g. mindfulness-based therapies, yoga, cognitive-behavioral therapies, biofeedback), which may not only protect against psychiatric comorbidities but also reduce seizure frequency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iliana Kotwas
- Laboratoire Parole et Langage UMR 7309, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France.
| | - Aileen McGonigal
- Service de Neurophysiologie Clinique, Centre Hospitalo Universitaire de la Timone, 264, rue Saint-Pierre, 13005 Marseille, France; Unité mixte INSERM Epilepsie et Cognition UMR 751, 27 Bd Jean Moulin, 13385 Marseille Cedex 05, France
| | | | - Fabrice Bartolomei
- Service de Neurophysiologie Clinique, Centre Hospitalo Universitaire de la Timone, 264, rue Saint-Pierre, 13005 Marseille, France; Unité mixte INSERM Epilepsie et Cognition UMR 751, 27 Bd Jean Moulin, 13385 Marseille Cedex 05, France
| | - Jean-Arthur Micoulaud-Franchi
- Service d'explorations fonctionnelles du système nerveux, Clinique du sommeil, CHU de, Bordeaux, Place Amélie Raba-Léon, 33076 Bordeaux, France; USR CNRS 3413 SANPSY, CHU Pellegrin, Université de Bordeaux, France
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17
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McKee HR, Privitera MD. Stress as a seizure precipitant: Identification, associated factors, and treatment options. Seizure 2016; 44:21-26. [PMID: 28063791 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2016.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2016] [Revised: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 12/14/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Stress is a common and important seizure precipitant reported by epilepsy patients. Studies to date have used different methodologies to identify relationships between epilepsy and stress. Several studies have identified anxiety, depression, and childhood trauma as being more common in patients with epilepsy who report stress as a seizure precipitant compared to patients with epilepsy who did not identify stress as a seizure precipitant. In one survey study it was found that a majority of patients with stress-triggered seizures had used some type of stress reduction method on their own and, of those who tried this, an even larger majority felt that these methods improved their seizures. Additionally, small to moderate sized prospective trials, including randomized clinical trials, using general stress reduction methods have shown promise in improving outcomes in patients with epilepsy, but results on seizure frequency have been inconsistent. Based on these studies, we recommend that when clinicians encounter patients who report stress as a seizure precipitant, these patients should be screened for a treatable mood disorder. Furthermore, although seizure reduction with stress reduction methods has not been proven in a randomized controlled trial, other important endpoints like quality of life were improved. Therefore, recommending stress reduction methods to patients with epilepsy appears to be a reasonable low risk adjunctive to standard treatments. The current review highlights the need for future research to help further clarify biological mechanisms of the stress-seizure relationship and emphasizes the need for larger randomized controlled trials to help develop evidence based treatment recommendations for our epilepsy patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather R McKee
- Department of Neurology, Epilepsy Division, UC Gardner Neuroscience Institute, University of Cincinnati Medical Center (0525), 260 Stetson St., Suite 2300, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0525, USA.
| | - Michael D Privitera
- Department of Neurology, Epilepsy Division, UC Gardner Neuroscience Institute, University of Cincinnati Medical Center (0525), 260 Stetson St., Suite 2300, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0525, USA.
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18
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Mula M. New trends and hot topics in epileptology: An analysis of top articles published in Epilepsy & Behavior in 2015. Epilepsy Behav 2016; 63:125-126. [PMID: 27531864 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2016.07.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2016] [Accepted: 07/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Mula
- Atkinson Morley Regional Neuroscience Centre, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom; Department of Neuropsychiatry, South West London & St George's Mental Health Trust, London, United Kingdom; Institute of Medical and Biomedical Sciences, St George's University of London, United Kingdom.
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19
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Nimmo-Smith V, Brugha TS, Kerr MP, McManus S, Rai D. Discrimination, domestic violence, abuse, and other adverse life events in people with epilepsy: Population-based study to assess the burden of these events and their contribution to psychopathology. Epilepsia 2016; 57:1870-1878. [PMID: 27634349 DOI: 10.1111/epi.13561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To quantify the experience of discrimination, domestic violence, abuse, and other stressful life events in people with epilepsy in comparison with the general population and people with other chronic conditions. To assess whether any excess relative burden of these adversities could explain the higher rates of depression in people with epilepsy. METHODS The Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey 2007 used comprehensive interviews with 7,403 individuals living in private residences in England. Doctor-diagnosed epilepsy and other chronic conditions were established by self-report. Discrimination, domestic violence, physical and sexual abuse, and other stressful life events were assessed using computerized self-completion and a face-to-face interview, respectively. RESULTS People with epilepsy were sevenfold more likely to have reported experiencing discrimination due to health problems (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 7.1; 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.1-16.3), than the general population without epilepsy. This estimate was substantially greater in people with epilepsy than for people with other chronic conditions. People with epilepsy also had greater odds of experiencing domestic violence and sexual abuse than the general population, although these associations were also found in people with other chronic conditions. There was less evidence of an association between epilepsy and a history of physical abuse or having a greater burden of other stressful life events. In exploratory analyses, assuming they lie on the causal pathway, discrimination, domestic violence, and sexual abuse explained 42.7% of the total effect of the relationship between epilepsy and depression or anxiety disorders. SIGNIFICANCE People with epilepsy can face a range of psychosocial adversities and extensively report feeling discriminated against as compared to the general population. In addition, if confirmed in longitudinal studies, the results suggest that these psychosocial adversities may have a significant role in the development of psychiatric comorbidity and may be targets for future interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Nimmo-Smith
- Avon & Wiltshire Partnership NHS Mental Health Trust, Bristol, United Kingdom.,Centre for Academic Mental Health, School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Traolach S Brugha
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Michael P Kerr
- Institute of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | | | - Dheeraj Rai
- Avon & Wiltshire Partnership NHS Mental Health Trust, Bristol, United Kingdom.,Centre for Academic Mental Health, School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
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20
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Galtrey CM, Mula M, Cock HR. Stress and epilepsy: fact or fiction, and what can we do about it? Pract Neurol 2016; 16:270-8. [PMID: 26933239 DOI: 10.1136/practneurol-2015-001337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
People with epilepsy report that stress is their most common trigger for seizures and some believe it caused their epilepsy in the first place. The extensive preclinical, epidemiological and clinical studies examining the link between stress and epilepsy have given confusing results; the clinical studies in particular are fraught with confounders. However stress is clearly bad for health, and we now have substantial preclinical evidence suggesting that chronic stress worsens epilepsy; in selected cases it may even be a causal factor for epilepsy. Healthcare professionals working with people with epilepsy should pay more attention to stress in clinical practice. This review includes some practical advice and guidance for stress screening and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare M Galtrey
- Epilepsy Group, Atkinson Morley Regional Neuroscience Centre, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Marco Mula
- Epilepsy Group, Atkinson Morley Regional Neuroscience Centre, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK Institute of Biomedical & Medical Education, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Hannah R Cock
- Epilepsy Group, Atkinson Morley Regional Neuroscience Centre, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK Institute of Biomedical & Medical Education, St George's University of London, London, UK
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