Mood problems in older patients with epilepsy

Epilepsy is more common in older people, but diagnosis can be delayed by atypical presentation and non-specific symptoms. Mood problems such as depression and anxiety are also common and treatment may have a greater impact on quality of life than reducing seizure frequency.

By admin On 21 Sep 2022 Last updated 16 Nov 2022

Updated: September 2022; First published: October 2011 Learning points Epilepsy in old age is more likely to be secondary to other brain related disorders (symptomatic epilepsy). Neuropsychiatric complications of epilepsy are common. Older patients with epilepsy may be subject to an even greater risk of suicide as the incidence of suicide generally increases with age. The features of depression may be either masked or mimicked by the effects of epilepsy or antiepileptic drugs. Where a patient is stable on medication, it may be preferable to add in an antidepressant rather than risk a change in a change in AED. Up

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