[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2015\/06\/epilepsy-and-mental-health\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2015\/06\/epilepsy-and-mental-health\/","headline":"Adult Epilepsy and Mental Health","name":"Adult Epilepsy and Mental Health","description":"People with epilepsy tend to have higher rates of autism, ADHD symptoms, or depression than adults without epilepsy. Learn more about these relationships.","datePublished":"2015-06-06","dateModified":"2021-11-23","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/neurosurgery-regions","name":"Neurosurgery","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/neurosurgery-regions","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/neurosurgery\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/angry-car-ride-picture-id1083343548.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/angry-car-ride-picture-id1083343548.jpg","height":327,"width":754},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2015\/06\/epilepsy-and-mental-health\/","about":["Mental Health","Neurosurgery and Brain Health"],"wordCount":436,"keywords":["ADHD","attention deficit hyperactivity disorder","autism","behavioral health","brain injury","depression","epilepsy","epilepsy seizure","medical mondays","mental health","seizures"],"articleBody":"People living with epilepsy have higher rates of autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and depression than other adults. At the same time, people living with autism, ADHD, or depression seem to have a higher risk of epileptic seizures.Although the reasons aren’t clearly understood, epilepsy seems to be linked with many mental health issues.There seem to be similar changes in brain function among these conditions. It’s also possible that the\u00a0abnormal electrical activity from epilepsy\u00a0can affect certain areas of the brain and cause behaviors common to ADHD, depression, and autism.Epilepsy and DepressionLiving with seizures is tough. It’s common to experience sadness, frustration, anger, and even embarrassment. People with epilepsy tend to have a higher risk of developing depression. And people with depression have a higher chance of developing epilepsy.Seizure and antiepileptic medicines may play a role in developing depression because they can affect the mood centers of the brain. A brain injury that puts someone at risk of epilepsy can injure or affect these mood centers, which may also play a role in depression.Treatment for both conditions can be tricky. Therapy or counseling may be a first step in treating depression.Epilepsy and ADHDAdults living with epilepsy are\u00a0more likely to have ADHD symptoms. In one large survey, about 18% of respondents with epilepsy had ADHD symptoms, compared with just over 4% of adults without it.People with epilepsy and ADHD tend to have higher rates of depression and anxiety. Given that depression and anxiety are common triggers for seizures, it’s possible these conditions also could increase the frequency of seizures. Researchers are trying to find the connections between these conditions and epilepsy. They also are working to find ways for adults to better manage ADHD when they also suffer from epileptic seizures.Epilepsy and Autism Spectrum DisorderAlthough there is no possible mechanism for autism to cause epilepsy, research is showing that the two conditions are closely linked. About 20% of people living with autism spectrum disorder also have epilepsy, and about 20% of people living with epilepsy also have\u00a0autism spectrum disorder.\u00a0Epilepsy in patients with autism\u00a0is often caused by underlying factors \u2014 genetic and environmental \u2014 that lead to both conditions.Epilepsy Mental HealthIf you have epilepsy and signs of depression or ADHD, talk to your doctor. Together, you can find a treatment plan to help you manage seizures as well as your mental and emotional health. For more information on epilepsy treatment options, visit the\u00a0UPMC Comprehensive Epilepsy Center.Editor's Note: This gallery was originally published on June 6, 2015, and was last reviewed on November 1, 2021."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2015","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2015\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"06","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2015\/\/06\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Adult Epilepsy and Mental Health","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2015\/06\/epilepsy-and-mental-health\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]