Posted by Mr. SadPuppyDog on October 9, 2002, at 11:58:09
In reply to Epilepsy and Mental Ilness, posted by melinda on October 6, 2002, at 16:42:31
> Hi...
>
> I'm not sure where to post this question.
>
> Does anyone know if there is some sort of link between epilepsy and mental illness?
>
> I recently found out that I have epilepsy in addition to schizophrenia. Interestingly, my sister also has epilepsy and schizo-affective disorder. It seems like there is a disproportionate number of people with epilepsy that also have some sort of mental illness (or conversely, a disproportionate amount of people with mental illness have epilepsy). It makes me wonder if there is some kind of link between the two. Maybe the brain chemical imbalances that cause the mental illnesses lower the seizure threshold somehow.
>
> Thanks,
>
> -melinda
Actually, studies have indicated that epileptics have lower levels of both depression and psychosis. This is perhaps related to the fact they have seizures. Seizures, if you didnt know are the mechanism of ECT. While epileptics have many other serious health problems, for one they can have a seizure and fall down and bang their head on the floor, break bones, hold their breath too long, etc. but they do tend to have lower levels of depression and psychosis.Something to think about...
poster:Mr. SadPuppyDog
thread:122564
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20021006/msgs/122907.html