The impact of epilepsy on the manifestation of anxiety disorder

Abstract

Epilepsy affects the neuronal activity of our brain and leads to the development of behavioral disorders such as depression and anxiety. Epilepsy-induced anxiety is a debilitating disorder that burdens almost 45% of the global population and has a severe impact on the quality of life led by the patients. This disorder affects men, women, children, families, and even society at large. Although there is no clear pathophysiological pathway for the manifestation of anxiety in epilepsy patients, there are many theories proposed by researchers that include neurological and psychological pathways. Based on this knowledge, pharmacological treatments are constantly being discovered to help patients with their disorder. Nonpharmacological treatments (such as psychotherapy) are strongly encouraged as first-line treatment, more so than reliance on medication due to the high possibility of adverse effects associated with the latter. Nevertheless, comprehensive diagnosis of the disorder is needed prior to treatment in order to avoid false negatives or positives. In conclusion, the quality of life of epilepsy patients with anxiety can only be improved once full understanding of the disorder is achieved through research.