Depression and anxiety in complex partial seizures

J Nerv Ment Dis. 1984 May;172(5):287-90. doi: 10.1097/00005053-198405000-00006.

Abstract

In order to evaluate the effect of lateralization of epileptogenic lesions on mood changes (depression-mania) and anxiety (state and trait), twenty patients with complex partial seizures and nineteen controls were assessed with depression scales (Beck, Columbia M-D) and the State and Trait Anxiety Inventory. Nine patients had left temporal foci, eight had right foci, as assessed by the side of seizure onset during closed-circuit television-EEG telemetry recording. Left patients scored significantly higher than both right and control groups on depression and trait anxiety. Our results are consistent with those of previous reports on patients with localized epileptogenic and nonepileptogenic lesions. Patients with left side involvement seem more prone to experience dysphoric changes and depressive symptoms than those with right involvement.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anxiety Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Anxiety Disorders / psychology
  • Depressive Disorder / diagnosis*
  • Depressive Disorder / psychology
  • Electroencephalography
  • Epilepsies, Partial / physiopathology
  • Epilepsies, Partial / psychology*
  • Female
  • Functional Laterality*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Personality Inventory
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales