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Abell K, Sit DK, Wisner KL. Depression in Persons With Epilepsy: Lessons From Case Review. J Clin Psychopharmacol 2024; 44:272-277. [PMID: 38684049 DOI: 10.1097/jcp.0000000000001848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Major depressive disorder is highly prevalent among persons with epilepsy (PWEs). Between 30% and 50% of PWEs suffer from depression. Many factors contribute to this prevalence, including the psychosocial impact of the diagnosis, restrictions on driving and certain types of work, and adverse effects associated with antiseizure medications. Without proper treatment, depressed PWEs have increased risks for suicide, strained relationships, lowered seizure control, and impairment in functioning. Our objective was to use the existing literature and insights from our experience in treating depression and anxiety in PWEs within an academic mood disorders center. We aimed to provide practical guidance for health care professionals who treat depression in this population. METHODS Persons with epilepsy and depression were identified by their treating psychiatrists. Their electronic health records were reviewed and compiled for this report, with a total of 12 included in this review. Records were reviewed regarding antiseizure medications, psychotropic medications, light therapy, psychotherapy, other interventions, and treatment response. RESULTS Based on our review of literature, as well as review of cases of individuals with epilepsy and comorbid psychiatric conditions, we recommend a step-wise evidence-based approach of optimizing psychiatric medication doses, augmenting with additional medication and/or implementing nonpharmacological interventions such as light therapy and psychotherapy. CONCLUSIONS In PWEs, improvement in depression, other psychiatric symptoms, and function are the goals of drug and nondrug interventions. Depression care has the potential to significantly improve the quality of life of PWEs and reduce both morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Abell
- From the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC
| | - Dorothy K Sit
- Asher Center for the Study and Treatment of Depressive Disorders, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Katherine L Wisner
- Developing Brain Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC
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Uliel-Sibony S, Chernuha V, Tokatly Latzer I, Leitner Y. Epilepsy and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents: An overview of etiology, prevalence, and treatment. Front Hum Neurosci 2023; 17:1021605. [PMID: 37113319 PMCID: PMC10126237 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2023.1021605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are closely connected and commonly seen in both children and adults. Each of the disorders has major psychosocial and quality of life (QOL) effects, and their co-occurrence makes coping even more challenging for both the patients and their families. Moreover, an adverse effect of some anti-seizure medications can potentially induce or exacerbate symptoms of ADHD on the one hand, while some ADHD medications may increase seizure risk on the other. The combination of proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment may improve or even prevent many of the complications associated with these conditions. The objectives of this review are to present the complex relationship between epilepsy and ADHD, looking into the pathophysiological, anatomical, and functional perspectives along with the psychosocial and QOL influences and the recommended treatment approaches in accordance with the latest literature.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Veronika Chernuha
- Pediatric Neurology Institute, Dana-Dwek Children’s Hospital, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Itay Tokatly Latzer
- Pediatric Neurology Institute, Dana-Dwek Children’s Hospital, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Yael Leitner
- The Pediatric ADHD Clinic, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center Affiliated to the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Fan HC, Chiang KL, Chang KH, Chen CM, Tsai JD. Epilepsy and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Connection, Chance, and Challenges. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065270. [PMID: 36982345 PMCID: PMC10049646 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Comorbidities are common in children with epilepsy, with nearly half of the patients having at least one comorbidity. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a psychiatric disorder characterized by hyperactivity and inattentiveness level disproportional to the child’s developmental stage. The burden of ADHD in children with epilepsy is high and can adversely affect the patients’ clinical outcomes, psychosocial aspects, and quality of life. Several hypotheses were proposed to explain the high burden of ADHD in childhood epilepsy; the well-established bidirectional connection and shared genetic/non-genetic factors between epilepsy and comorbid ADHD largely rule out the possibility of a chance in this association. Stimulants are effective in children with comorbid ADHD, and the current body of evidence supports their safety within the approved dose. Nonetheless, safety data should be further studied in randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trials. Comorbid ADHD is still under-recognized in clinical practice. Early identification and management of comorbid ADHD are crucial to optimize the prognosis and reduce the risk of adverse long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes. The identification of the shared genetic background of epilepsy and ADHD can open the gate for tailoring treatment options for these patients through precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hueng-Chuen Fan
- Department of Pediatrics, Tungs’ Taichung Metroharbor Hospital, Wuchi, Taichung 435, Taiwan
- Department of Rehabilitation, Jen-Teh Junior College of Medicine, Nursing and Management, Miaoli 356, Taiwan
- Department of Life Sciences, Agricultural Biotechnology Center, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Liang Chiang
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Kuang-Tien General Hospital, Taichung 433, Taiwan
- Department of Nutrition, Hungkuang University, Taichung 433, Taiwan
| | - Kuang-Hsi Chang
- Department of Medical Research, Tungs’ Taichung Metroharbor Hospital, Wuchi, Taichung 435, Taiwan
| | - Chuan-Mu Chen
- Department of Life Sciences, Agricultural Biotechnology Center, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
- The iEGG and Animal Biotechnology Center, and Rong Hsing Research Center for Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (C.-M.C.); (J.-D.T.); Tel.: +886-4-22840319-701 (C.-M.C.); +886-4-24730022-21731 (J.-D.T.)
| | - Jeng-Dau Tsai
- School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
- Department of Pediatrics, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung 402, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (C.-M.C.); (J.-D.T.); Tel.: +886-4-22840319-701 (C.-M.C.); +886-4-24730022-21731 (J.-D.T.)
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a frequent comorbidity in patients with epilepsy and is associated with important psychosocial and academic consequences. Evidence are now available to guide diagnosis and treatment of patients with both ADHD and epilepsy. RECENT FINDINGS The prevalence of ADHD varies from 12 to 39% in patients with newly diagnosed epilepsy to 70% in drug-resistant epilepsy. The diagnosis of ADHD requires parent-validated and teacher-validated rating scales, based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)-IV and DSM-V, to confirm the information in the rating scales by interviewing parents and to exclude other causes of symptoms. Treatment with methylphenidate is associated with clinically significant improvement of ADHD symptoms in 60-75% of patients. Recent data reinforce the hypothesis that ADHD medications do not increase risk of seizures, even in patients with epilepsy. Beyond pharmacological management, experts have recommended to include multidisciplinary involvement in transition clinics for patients with both comorbid ADHD and epilepsy. SUMMARY Management of ADHD in patients with epilepsy requires implementation of evidence-based data in clinical practice both for diagnosis and treatment. Currently, there is no specific treatment of ADHD associated with epilepsy and its treatment is based on the usual treatments of ADHD, with reassuring data about their safety in epilepsy.
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Association between methylphenidate treatment and risk of seizure: a population-based, self-controlled case-series study. THE LANCET CHILD & ADOLESCENT HEALTH 2020; 4:435-443. [PMID: 32450123 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-4642(20)30100-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are at increased risk of seizures. Stimulant medications such as methylphenidate are the most commonly prescribed treatment for ADHD, but the association between their therapeutic use and the risk of seizures is unclear. We aimed to investigate the association between methylphenidate treatment and the risk of seizure. METHODS For this population-based observational study, we used the electronic medical record database of the Hong Kong Clinical Data Analysis And Reporting System to identify individuals aged 6-25 years who received at least one methylphenidate prescription during the study period. Individuals with records of seizure or epilepsy before the study period were excluded. Individuals treated with methylphenidate who had seizures during the study period were included in the subsequent analyses, and a self-controlled case-series design was used to control for time-invariant individual characteristics. We did additional analyses using skin infection as a negative control outcome. We compared relative incidence of seizure during periods when individuals were exposed to methylphenidate with that during non-exposed periods. FINDINGS Of 29 604 individuals prescribed methylphenidate between Jan 1, 2001, and Dec 31, 2017, 269 (199 males and 70 females) had incident seizures. The mean age at baseline was 6·66 years (SD 2·01) and the median age at the incident seizure was 9·69 years (IQR 7·62-12·99). The overall incidence of seizure during methylphenidate treatment was 4·4 per 10 000 patient-years. We detected an increased risk of seizure during the first 30 days of methylphenidate treatment compared with that during non-exposed periods, with an incidence rate ratio of 4·01 (95% CI 2·09-7·68). No increase in risk was identified during the following 31-180 days of treatment (1·13, 0·56-2·25) or during subsequent treatment (1·38, 0·92-2·07). We did not identify an increased risk in any risk window for the negative control outcome analysis. No individuals died because of a seizure during the study period. INTERPRETATION The incidence of seizures was higher in the period immediately after the start of methylphenidate treatment than in the non-exposed period. No increased risk was observed during continuation of methylphenidate treatment. The association between methylphenidate treatment and seizures immediately after initiation of medication can be seen as a potential safety signal. Monitoring of neurological outcomes in individuals with ADHD is recommended when they first start methylphenidate treatment. FUNDING Hong Kong Research Grants Council.
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Russell D, Stein MA. Seizure risk, methylphenidate, and ADHD: reassuring news. THE LANCET CHILD & ADOLESCENT HEALTH 2020; 4:409-410. [PMID: 32450119 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-4642(20)30136-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Douglas Russell
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98145-5005, USA.
| | - Mark A Stein
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98145-5005, USA
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Gibbs SN, Choi J, Khilfeh I, Ahmed KH, Yermilov I, Segal E. The Humanistic and Economic Burden of Pediatric Focal Seizures in the United States. J Child Neurol 2020; 35:543-555. [PMID: 32223583 DOI: 10.1177/0883073820911785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To better understand the humanistic and economic burden of focal seizures in children 2-12 years old. METHODS We conducted a targeted literature review by searching MEDLINE for English-language publications reporting on children 2-12 years old with focal seizures published in the United States since 2008. RESULTS Thirty-five publications were included. Incidence of focal seizures was 23.2 to 47.1 per 100,000 children per year; prevalence was 2.0 per 1,000 children, and ranged from 1.6 - 2.6 per 1,000 in patients of any age. Life expectancy was 47.3-61.8 years among children 3-12 years old. Patients took several antiepileptic drugs and experienced frequent seizures, sleep disorders, mood disorders, migraine, and seizure-related injuries (eg, bone fractures, sprains, open wounds). Children with focal seizures scored below average on cognitive assessments and up to 42%, 16%, and 19% had depression, anxiety, and attention-deficit disorder, respectively. Patients of any age had about 10 outpatient visits (2 epilepsy-related), 2 inpatient visits (less than 1 epilepsy-related), and 24 procedures (1 epilepsy-related) per year. Medication adherence was low: only half of pediatric patients maintained ≥90% adherence over 6 months. Annual total health care costs among patients of any age ranged from $18,369 - 38,549; first-year total health care costs for children were $19,883. CONCLUSIONS Incidence and prevalence of focal seizures is high and the humanistic and economic burdens are significant. Future studies focused exclusively on children with focal seizures are needed to more precisely describe the burden. We also suggest further research and implementation of methods to improve medication adherence as an approach to lessen burden on these young patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah N Gibbs
- Partnership for Health Analytic Research, LLC, Beverly Hills, CA, USA
| | | | | | - K Hamzah Ahmed
- Partnership for Health Analytic Research, LLC, Beverly Hills, CA, USA
| | - Irina Yermilov
- Partnership for Health Analytic Research, LLC, Beverly Hills, CA, USA
| | - Eric Segal
- Northeast Regional Epilepsy Group, Hackensack, NJ Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, NJ, USA.,Seton Hall School of Medicine, Nutley, NJ, USA
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Abstract
Epilepsy is considered a disease characterized by an underlying predisposition to seizures as well as neurobiologic, cognitive, psychologic, and social consequences. It is the most frequent chronic neurologic condition of childhood, affecting 0.5%-1% of children worldwide. It comprises a variety of disorders with many different etiologies, consequently affecting management and outcome. Although the great majority of children have epilepsies that are self-limited and have a good prognosis, it is nevertheless very well recognized that epileptic activity (be it seizures or interictal discharges) can be particularly deleterious to the developing brain acting as a disruptor to normal developmental function. Indeed, epilepsy and neurocognitive and behavioral disorders very frequently coexist, and it can be challenging to understand if there is causality or if they are all the reflection of the underlying brain disorder. Hence, accurate phenotypic and etiologic diagnosis is of utmost importance as it will not only guide decision making with regard to choice of treatment but also enable management of expectations concerning outcome. The current chapter aims to provide a general overview of the fast evolving and vast field of childhood epilepsy from its definition and epidemiology, to its diagnostic challenges, management, and outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipa Bastos
- University College London National Institute of Health Research Biomedical Research Centre, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, and Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom; Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Lausanne, Child Neurology and Neurorehabilitation Unit, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - J Helen Cross
- University College London National Institute of Health Research Biomedical Research Centre, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, and Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom.
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Lappin JM, Sara GE. Psychostimulant use and the brain. Addiction 2019; 114:2065-2077. [PMID: 31321819 DOI: 10.1111/add.14708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2019] [Revised: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Psychostimulant users are typically young adults. We have conducted a narrative review of neuropsychiatric harms associated with the psychostimulants methamphetamine/amphetamine, cocaine and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), focusing on epidemiological factors, common clinical presentations, underlying causal mechanisms and treatment options. The major neuropsychiatric harms of psychostimulant use are stroke, neurocognitive impairment, Parkinson's disease, seizures and psychotic illness. These arise through a combination of acute monoamine release, longer-term neurotransmitter effects and indirect effects. These effects are moderated by factors in the individual and in the pattern of substance use. Neuropsychiatric harms associated with psychostimulant use can thus lead to severe long-term impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia M Lappin
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC), University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Grant E Sara
- InforMH, NSW Ministry of Health, North Ryde, NSW, Australia.,Northern Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Greydanus DE, Cates KW, Sadigh N. Adverse effects of stimulant medications in children and adolescents: focus on drug abuse. Int J Adolesc Med Health 2019; 31:ijamh-2019-0175. [PMID: 31483757 DOI: 10.1515/ijamh-2019-0175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Donald E Greydanus
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Western Michigan University, Homer Stryker MD School of Medicine, 1000 Oakland Drive, Kalamazoo, MI 49008-1284, USA
| | - Kevin W Cates
- Western Michigan University, Homer Stryker MD School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI, USA
| | - Nina Sadigh
- Western Michigan University, Homer Stryker MD School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI, USA
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Chang Z, Ghirardi L, Quinn PD, Asherson P, D’Onofrio BM, Larsson H. Risks and Benefits of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Medication on Behavioral and Neuropsychiatric Outcomes: A Qualitative Review of Pharmacoepidemiology Studies Using Linked Prescription Databases. Biol Psychiatry 2019; 86:335-343. [PMID: 31155139 PMCID: PMC6697582 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2019.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2018] [Revised: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 04/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medication is one of the most commonly prescribed medication classes in child and adolescent psychiatry, and its use is increasing rapidly in adult psychiatry. However, major questions and concerns remain regarding the benefits and risks of ADHD medication, especially in real-world settings. We conducted a qualitative systematic review of studies that investigated the effects of ADHD medication on behavioral and neuropsychiatric outcomes using linked prescription databases from the last 10 years and identified 40 studies from Europe, North America, and Asia. Among them, 18 used within-individual designs to account for confounding by indication. These studies suggested short-term beneficial effects of ADHD medication on several behavioral or neuropsychiatric outcomes (i.e., injuries, motor vehicle accidents, education, substance use disorder), with estimates suggesting relative risk reduction of 9% to 58% for these outcomes. The within-individual studies found no evidence of increased risks for suicidality and seizures. Replication studies are needed for several other important outcomes (i.e., criminality, depression, mania, psychosis). The available evidence from pharmacoepidemiology studies on long-term effects of ADHD medication was less clear. We discuss time-varying confounding and other limitations that should be considered when interpreting results from pharmacoepidemiology studies. Furthermore, we highlight several knowledge gaps to be addressed in future research and implications for research on mechanisms of outcomes of ADHD medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Chang
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Laura Ghirardi
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Patrick D. Quinn
- Department of Applied Health Science, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
| | - Philip Asherson
- Social Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, UK
| | - Brian M. D’Onofrio
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden,Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
| | - Henrik Larsson
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden,School of Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
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