From depressive symptoms to depression in people with epilepsy: contribution of physical exercise to improve this picture

Abstract

Objectives: Epilepsy is a chronic condition that may be associated with several other diseases. Psychiatric comorbidities are highly prevalent and depression is the most common type of psychiatric comorbidity in people with epilepsy. The beneficial effects of exercise for people with epilepsy have been increasingly reported, including reduction of seizure susceptibility, improvement of quality of life and reduction of depression. In this regard, we propose in this article the potential role of physical exercise to minimize depression in people with epilepsy.

Methods and results: We summarized the most relevant data on the complex relationship between neurotransmitters and epilepsy, depression, physical exercise and subsequently proposed how a regular program of exercise can regulate depression associated with epilepsy.

Conclusions: The significance of such a relationship has a marked impact on the development and implementation of appropriate coadjutant treatments to improve functional outcomes and quality of life in people with epilepsy.