Epilepsy in the elderly and depression

Coll Antropol. 2011 Sep:35 Suppl 2:179-81.

Abstract

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological problems affecting approximately 1% of the world's population with higher incidence among elderly individuals. Although depression is a common comorbid condition in patients with epilepsy, there is a paucity of information regarding depression in geriatric patients with epilepsy. This study analysed a group of 83 patients affected by different epilepsy phenotypes accompanied by mental disorders, especially depression. Antiepileptic and antipsychotic drug treatment has been evaluated, particularly a positive effect of the new antiepileptics (monotherapy and polytherapy) both on the reduction of seizures and mental disorders.

MeSH terms

  • Age Distribution
  • Aged
  • Anticonvulsants / therapeutic use
  • Antipsychotic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Croatia / epidemiology
  • Depressive Disorder / drug therapy
  • Depressive Disorder / epidemiology*
  • Epilepsy / drug therapy
  • Epilepsy / epidemiology*
  • Epilepsy / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mental Disorders / drug therapy
  • Mental Disorders / epidemiology
  • Prevalence

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants
  • Antipsychotic Agents