Is depression common in people with epilepsy?
Depression is about 2-3 times more common in people with epilepsy than the general community.
About 1 in 15 young people in the general community experience depression – the majority are in the mild to moderate range. So in the epilepsy community, it is at least 1 in 5 people.
Simplistically, the brain activity that causes seizures can lead to depressive moods and also the stress of living with epilepsy can worsen feelings of depression and anxiety.
In people with epilepsy, depression can be caused by one or a combination of factors including:
- an emotional reaction to having epilepsy, or being treated differently because of it
- the epilepsy itself
- the cause of the epilepsy, such as head injury or bleed in the brain
- unwanted medication effects
Also, epilepsy may be more difficult to manage if you have depression because depression is sometimes known to make seizures more frequent and can take away the motivation to manage them effectively.
There is definitely a connection between epilepsy, depression and anxiety . Some of the facts are:
- Depression may be present before the diagnosis of epilepsy
- People with a history of depression are 4-6 times more likely to develop epilepsy because the genetic or biological factors that cause both epilepsy and depression sometimes show before the first seizure
- Symptoms of depression may be directly caused by seizures which may have little or no physical symptoms, but can lead to unexplained feelings of sadness, guilt or an inability to take pleasure in any activity
- Depression or anxiety may develop soon after diagnosis
- Depression or an anxiety disorder may happen as a consequence of living with epilepsy.
Symptoms of depression in teens with epilepsy
The symptoms of depression can include; sleep difficulties, low energy, guilt, irritability, anger, isolation from social activities and hobbies, hopelessness, and helplessness.
Teenagers are particularly at risk for thoughts about suicide, especially those with epilepsy. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, it is very important to seek help. If you are not comfortable letting your parents or a teacher know, Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800) is a service specifically set up to help children and teenagers talk about their problems.
Seek help
It is quite normal for people to sometimes feel sad and upset. However if you find that you are feeling more and more sad, no longer interested or motivated in social activities, feeling tired, not feeling hungry (or the opposite ‘comfort eating’) and these signs last for at least a couple of weeks then it is possible you are depressed. It is important to seek help by speaking to your parents, or another person that you trust and feel close to.
See Mental Health Services for Youth
Click on the play button to hear Daniel talk about his depression.
Click on the video to hear Nicole talk about her experience of not letting depression take over her life.
Nicole’s story
Seeking support
There are many resources and support available to help young people with depression.
- ReachOut can help you learn how to challenge negative thoughts that may be making your depression worse
- Speak to Kids Helpline about depression on 1800 55 1800 or via webchat
- Text Lifeline on 0477 13 11 14 for a confidential chat with a trained Lifeline Crisis Supporter
- The Black Dog Institute has digital tools & apps, for your mental health and wellbeing
- Beyond blue has a guide to what works for depression in young people
- Share your experiences on My Circle, a free social platform for people aged between 12 and 25 years and supported by Kids Helpline counsellors.
Other links
EAA Factsheet – Depression and Epilepsy
EAA Smartclip – Dr. Dan McLaughlin – Epilepsy, anxiety and depression
