HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text Correspondence: Submit a response Alert me when this article is cited Alert me when Correspondence are posted Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Baker, G. A. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Baker, G. A.

Neurology supplements are not peer-reviewed. Information contained in Neurology supplements represent the opinions of the authors and are not endorsed by nor do they reflect the views of the American Academy of Neurology, Editor-in-Chief, or Associate Editors of Neurology.

Depression and suicide in adolescents with epilepsy

From the Department of Neurological Science, Clinical Science Centre for Research and Education, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom.

Address correspondence and reprint requests to Dr. Gus A. Baker, Department of Neurological Science, Clinical Science Centre for Research and Education, University of Liverpool, Lower Lane, Fazakerley, Liverpool, UK L9 7LJ; email: g.baker{at}LIV.ac.uk

Depression and other disorders are underdiagnosed and undertreated in young people with epilepsy. Signs of depression are often dismissed as "normal" reactions, even though depression is a life-threatening disease and a risk factor for suicide. A strong correlation between epilepsy and depression has been demonstrated in a variety of studies; etiological factors include neurologic, genetic, and iatrogenic factors. At the time of the initial diagnostic evaluation, the physician who is managing the patient with seizure disorder should make a psychiatric and psychosocial assessment to identify the patient’s risk for depression. This approach enables the physician to assess the impact of epilepsy on the patient and to detect gross signs of psychiatric disorder. Effective treatment options include both somatic and nonsomatic therapies as well as combinations thereof.

Publication of this supplement was supported by an educational grant from UCB Pharma Inc. The sponsor has provided the author with an honorarium for his participation in this project, plus he has received grant support from the sponsor during his career.