Recognizing and Managing Mental Health Comorbidities in Children and Adults with Epilepsy: A free CME webinar for multilevel primary and behavioral care providers (OnDemand)-Recognizing and Managing Mental Health Comorbidities in Children and Adults with Epilepsy: A free CME webinar for multilevel primary and behavioral care providers (OnDemand)

Recognizing and Managing Mental Health Comorbidities in Children and Adults with Epilepsy: A free CME webinar for multilevel primary and behavioral care providers (OnDemand)

Back to course

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The webinar "Recognizing and Managing Mental Health Comorbidities in Children and Adults with Epilepsy," led by Dr. Jay Salpiker, highlighted the intricate relationship between epilepsy and psychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety. Dr. Salpiker, a renowned expert, clarified that epilepsy often intertwines with psychiatric conditions, and these overlaps might not merely be comorbidities but intrinsic parts of the disorder. He emphasized that the nervous system's hyperexcitability could underlie both epilepsy and conditions like anxiety and depression.<br /><br />Dr. Salpiker discussed how seizure conditions, particularly in the temporal lobe, could manifest psychiatric symptoms, hinting at a potential bidirectionality where each condition may exacerbate the other. Stress was also highlighted as a significant factor that can influence both seizure thresholds and psychiatric states.<br /><br />The speaker advocated for treating these overlapping conditions in a coordinated manner, suggesting that anti-seizure medications, such as Lamotrigine and other GABAergic drugs, can be effective in treating both seizures and co-occurring psychiatric symptoms.<br /><br />Emphasizing the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, Dr. Salpiker and Dr. Elaine Kyriacopoulos stressed the necessity for communication between primary care providers, neurologists, and mental health specialists to ensure comprehensive patient care. Screening for depression and anxiety in patients with epilepsy was encouraged, along with utilizing emerging treatments and personalized medication plans.<br /><br />Overall, the webinar underscored the need for holistic treatment strategies that address both epilepsy and its psychiatric counterparts to enhance patient outcomes and quality of life.

Keywords

epilepsy

mental health

comorbidities

psychiatric disorders

depression

anxiety

seizure conditions

anti-seizure medications

multidisciplinary approach

patient care