Understanding Anxiety and Depression

Anxiety and depression are common human experiences. Everyone feels worried, fearful, sad, or low at times. But when these feelings become too intense, too frequent, or start affecting daily life, they may be signs of an anxiety disorder or depression.

Some symptoms overlap — such as sleep problems, irritability, and difficulty concentrating — but each condition has features that help distinguish them.

Anxiety

Anxiety often appears when we worry about the consequences of certain events or situations, or when we doubt our ability to cope.

For people with epilepsy, anxiety may relate to:

• fear of having a seizure in public
• concerns about embarrassment or loss of control
• worries about daily life affected by epilepsy – safety, work, independence, or stigma

When anxiety becomes long‑term, it can lead to avoidance (e.g., not leaving the house), social isolation, and intrusive or irrational thoughts that interfere with daily life.

Depression

Feeling sad or low is a normal response to stress, loss, or major life changes. But depression involves persistent low mood, reduced enjoyment, and difficulty functioning.

People with epilepsy may be at higher risk due to:

• changes to independence (e.g., losing a driver’s licence)
• challenges with employment or study
• memory difficulties
• ongoing stress related to seizures

If these challenges are not addressed, they can increase the likelihood of developing depression.

Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression generally fall into three categories:

 

Anxiety and depression not only affect the way people feel about themselves and their future, but can also negatively impact their physical health, quality of life,  those around them, and their ability to self-manage their epilepsy.

Why Are Anxiety and Depression More Common in People With Epilepsy?

In Australia, anxiety and depression affect about 1 in 5 people each year. Among people with epilepsy, they are even more common — up to 1 in 2 will experience anxiety or depression at some point, and many experience both together.

Several factors contribute:

Biological Factors

• Epilepsy and depression may share common brain pathways.
• Some people experience mood changes before, during, or after seizures.

Medication Factors

• Some antiseizure medications can influence mood.

Social Factors

• Strong social support helps protect emotional wellbeing.
• Staying socially connected is linked with better outcomes.

Coping and Lifestyle Factors

• Maintaining routines, staying active, connecting with peers, and using helpful thinking strategies can reduce the impact of anxiety and low mood.

Managing Anxiety and Depression in Epilepsy

Anxiety and depression are treatable, and they are not an inevitable part of living with epilepsy.

Medication

Doctors may prescribe antidepressant or anti‑anxiety medication. If symptoms are mild, medication may not be necessary.

Psychological Treatments

Psychologists can provide:

• education about emotional wellbeing
• practical skills for managing anxiety and low mood
• strategies tailored to living with epilepsy

These approaches are effective and safe for people with epilepsy.

If you are concerned about your mental health, it’s important to speak with your GP or another health professional who can provide a proper assessment.

Online assessment

You can complete a confidential online assessment designed to measure your recent symptoms of anxiety and depression through the e-CentreClinic .

These tools offer helpful information, but only a health professional can make a diagnosis.

If you are feeling suicidal or in crisis, please seek immediate help from emergency services or a crisis support service.

• Lifeline on 13 11 14

• Suicide Callback Service on 1300 659 467

• Emergency services on 000.

Epilepsy Action Australia and the eCentreClinic at Macquarie University are working together to improve access to online treatment programs for people with epilepsy experiencing anxiety or depression.

The eCentreClinic offers the Well-being Neuro Course designed specifically for people with neurological conditions.

Psychosis and Epilepsy

Psychosis affects how the brain processes information. It may involve:

• hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t real)
• delusions
• disordered thoughts
• changes in emotion, motivation, or behaviour

Only a small percentage of people with epilepsy (about 0.2%) experience psychosis. For some, it is unrelated to seizures. For others, it may occur after a cluster of seizures — known as post‑ictal psychosis.

Post‑ictal psychosis usually appears hours or days after multiple seizures and may involve confusion, delusions, or agitation. These episodes are typically brief and can usually be prevented or treated with medication. Early treatment after a seizure cluster can reduce the likelihood of repeated episodes.

RELATIONSHIPS ->